How to Adjust a Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur
Adjusting a mountain bike rear derailleur is an essential skill for any cyclist who wants to ensure smooth and efficient shifting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, understanding how to make these adjustments can save you time and frustration on the trail. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of adjusting a mountain bike rear derailleur step by step.
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools at hand:
– Hex wrench set (usually 5mm and 4mm)
– Gear spanner or derailleur adjustment tool
– Cable and housing cutters
– Lubricant
2. Locate the Rear Derailleur
The rear derailleur is typically mounted on the seat tube or seat stay. It is the component that shifts the chain from one gear to another. Look for the derailleur’s housing, which is a tube that runs along the rear wheel’s drive side.
3. Adjust the High Gear Limit
To adjust the high gear limit, you’ll need to loosen the pinch bolt on the derailleur’s cage. This bolt is usually located at the top of the derailleur. Use the hex wrench to loosen it slightly. Then, use the gear spanner or derailleur adjustment tool to adjust the derailleur’s position. Make sure the derailleur is aligned with the largest sprocket on the cassette. Tighten the pinch bolt once you’re satisfied with the position.
4. Adjust the Low Gear Limit
Similar to the high gear limit, you’ll need to loosen the pinch bolt on the derailleur’s cage to adjust the low gear limit. This time, align the derailleur with the smallest sprocket on the cassette. Once you’ve achieved the desired position, tighten the pinch bolt.
5. Adjust the Cable Tension
Using the cable and housing cutters, trim the excess housing from the derailleur’s housing. Apply lubricant to the housing and cable before threading the housing through the derailleur. Use the hex wrench to tighten the pinch bolt on the derailleur’s housing, ensuring the cable is properly tensioned. Test the shifting by pedaling through the gears to make sure the derailleur is shifting smoothly.
6. Fine-Tune the Shifting
If you notice any issues with shifting, such as the chain skipping gears or the derailleur not shifting into the smallest sprocket, you may need to fine-tune the adjustment. Adjust the high and low gear limits as needed, and ensure the cable tension is correct. You may also need to adjust the derailleur’s limit screws, which are located on the side of the derailleur. These screws help align the derailleur with the cassette sprockets.
7. Test the Adjustment
Once you’ve made all the necessary adjustments, take your mountain bike for a test ride. Ensure the derailleur is shifting smoothly through all gears and that the chain is staying on the sprockets. If you encounter any issues, revisit the adjustment steps and make the necessary changes.
Now that you know how to adjust a mountain bike rear derailleur, you’ll be able to keep your bike in top condition and enjoy a smooth ride on the trails.
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网友评论：
1. Great article! Just adjusted my derailleur, and it’s working like new.
2. Very helpful, thanks for the step-by-step guide.
3. I’ve been struggling with my derailleur for weeks, but this article solved my problem.
4. Excellent instructions, I’m going to try this on my bike this weekend.
5. Thanks for the tips, I’ll share this with my cycling friends.
6. Adjusting the derailleur was a breeze after reading this article.
7. This guide is so clear, even a beginner like me can adjust my derailleur.
8. I’ve been riding for years, but I still learned something new from this article.
9. I’m glad I found this article, it saved me a trip to the bike shop.
10. Thanks for the detailed instructions, I’ll be using this as a reference.
11. Adjusting the derailleur was a hassle before, but now it’s so easy.
12. I appreciate the tips on using lubricant and cutting the housing.
13. This article is a must-read for any mountain biker.
14. I’m impressed with the quality of the information in this article.
15. I’ll be using this guide to adjust my derailleur on my road bike too.
16. This article made me feel more confident in maintaining my bike.
17. I’ve adjusted my derailleur before, but this guide made it even easier.
18. Thanks for the visual aids, they really helped me understand the process.
19. I’m a beginner, and this article was very helpful, thanks!
20. I’ve been looking for a guide like this for a while, and it’s perfect.
