Before I get my handy-dandy screwdriver out and screw everything up (no pun intended), I have a question.

I have a bashring on my crank so I only have a middle and small ring. I want to prevent the front derailleur (Shimano Deore) from shifting up onto the bashring. Can I totally eliminate the highest front gear (i.e. the large chainring where the bashring is) by adjusting the limiter screw on the front derailleur alone, or do I have to take anything else into consideration?

It's a relatively new ride which I haven't ridden much and it surprised me recently when I accidentally shifted up -- rather than down -- and the chain tried to gear up on the bashring. I figured my LBS would have eliminated that position when they set the bike up.

just wind in the upper limit screw. Make sure it doesn't lock the deraileur completely, you may have to allow a little 'overshift' to get it to move freely.

You should also move the derailleur down on the seat tube. You only need a couple of mm clearance between the outside plate of the derailleur cage and the bash ring.

L8R

Thanks a lot for the advice, guys. I'll give that a try.

I'll remember to adjust the vertical height of the derailleur too.