DERAILLEUR ADJUSTMENT
With the chain in the middle cog on the crankset (#2 on the left
shifter), lift the rear wheel off the ground and pedal slowly. While
continuing to pedal, shift the right (rear) shifter through the rings.
It should shift smoothly, and stay in gear without jumping between
gears or excessive noise. If the chain seems to be caught in between
gears, you can adjust the cable by loosening or tightening the barrel
adjuster on the rear derailleur (see Figure 73). If the chain doesn’t
want to go up to the next bigger gear in the back, loosen the barrel
adjuster (counterclockwise) ½ turn. If the chain doesn’t want to come
down to the next smaller gear in the back, tighten the barrel adjuster
(clockwise) ½ turn. Repeat until the chain moves from gear to gear
without hesitation. Avoid shifting your bike into extreme gears- both
the smallest ring and smallest cog at the same time, or both the largest
ring and largest cog at the same time. For most riding situations, your
left shifter, which controls the front derailleur, should remain in the
middle cog indicated by #2 on most shifters. Use 1st gear on the left
shifter only when going up a steep incline, or 3rd gear when going
at a faster pace. If you are having trouble with your shifting, or can’t
get it adjusted properly, bring your bike to a qualified bicycle shop for
service.
Figure 72
Figure 73
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