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Bike Maintenance Basics - How to adjust the gears on your bicycle

Adjusting the gears on a bicycle can seem intimidating, but it's actually a relatively simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the gears on a bicycle:

  1. Shift the bike into the smallest chainring and the smallest cog on the rear cassette. This will make it easier to make adjustments.
  2. Locate the barrel adjuster on the derailleur. The barrel adjuster is a small knob that is located near the cable entry point on the derailleur.
  3. Shift the bike into the largest chainring and the largest cog on the rear cassette. If the chain is not running smoothly on the large chainring and large cog, use the barrel adjuster to adjust the derailleur. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to move the derailleur towards the wheel, or counterclockwise to move it away from the wheel.
  4. Once the chain is running smoothly on the large chainring and large cog, shift the bike back into the smallest chainring and the smallest cog. If the chain is not running smoothly on the small chainring and small cog, use the barrel adjuster to adjust the derailleur. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to move the derailleur towards the wheel, or counterclockwise to move it away from the wheel.
  5. Test ride the bike to make sure the gears are shifting smoothly and that the chain is not rubbing against the derailleur or the chainstay. If the gears are still not shifting smoothly or the chain is rubbing, make further adjustments as necessary.
  6. It's important to note that if your bike has been recently serviced or the cable has been replaced it may be necessary to adjust the cable tension. This can be done by turning the barrel adjuster located on the derailleur or by adjusting the cable at the shifter.

In summary, adjusting the gears on a bicycle is a relatively simple process. Start by shifting the bike into the smallest chainring and the smallest cog on the rear cassette. Locate the barrel adjuster on the derailleur and use it to move the derailleur towards or away from the wheel. Test ride the bike to make sure the gears are shifting smoothly and that the chain is not rubbing against the derailleur or the chainstay. If necessary, adjust the cable tension by turning the barrel adjuster located on the derailleur or by adjusting the cable at the shifter. Repeat the process as necessary.