Ok so let me just say that I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this so I apologize in advance. I need help tuning my bike gears. My bike has 24 gears (3 in front 8 in the back). Right now the chain on the front keeps falling off the biggest gear and in the back the chain only goes up to the 7th gear, meaning that it's not a true 24 gear bike, but a 14 speed at best. I called the LBS and they wanted $90 to fix it which I think is outrages and not only that but if I pay $90 that will kill any of the money I save on gas by riding my bike, it would probably take me a year to recoup that amount.

I tried fixing it myself for hours but I'm afraid I make it even worse. There are two screws on both the front and the back of the gears which I played around with but could not fix it.

So, if anyone is in the Royal Oak area and willing to help me fix it I would greatly appreciate it and I'm willing to pay (just not $90!). Thanks and happy commuting!

It sounds like your limit screws need to be adjusted first, then cable tension. Click on this----> How To Adjust Rear Derailleur. You'll have many options to choose from with YouTube tutorials.

Also, check in your area for the local Coop bike shop. I guarantee you have one within close enough range for some hands on lessons in bike maintenance. It's all volunteer work and you just pay it forward the same when you can.

(On a side note, I used to hang out in Royal Oak all the time. Great restaurants. Is The OM still open on Woodward?)

You cannot keep a chain on the biggest front and biggest rear teeth at the same time. The chain will fall off the front and/or fail to make it to the biggest rear. In addition to learning the limit screws mentioned in the last post the o.p. needs to learn riding technique. Unfortunately I don't live in R.O. anymore. I would put my request in Craigslist in the activity partner section. You don't really need a mechanic, you just need someone who rides and is willing to 'splain some stuff to you.

H