A Brief History of Derailleur Adjustment - Tech Tuesday #88

In this episode, we look at the history of derailleur adjustment, in order to explain the theory behind our derailleur adjustment process (found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5y9qYN_j5ahnbs)
Questions or comments? Leave them below!
Get a more in-depth look at derailleur adjustment with our Derailleur Repair Help videos ▶︎
kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGSahYqVjrt2bqc
➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?
• Visit our KZbin Channel: kzbin.info
• Visit the Repair Help section of Parktool.com: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/
• Check out The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair: www.parktool.com/product/big-blue-book-of-bicycle-repair-3rd-edition-bbb-3
➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our KZbin channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.
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[@rowdyyates3801]

The best KZbin channel I watch. Not only is Calvin a Bike genius, he is succinct, patient,thoughtful,correct and obviously kind. These videos never go on and on about nothing. They are scripted, carefully planned and the camera work is superb. Here is the thing: I always liked park tools, but now they are all I buy. Every time I need one, they have it, "done better". Latest need was a duraace BB bearing preload tool. BBT-10.2 skate key is perfect. It even has a doo-dad for lifting the safety gate. Thanks Calvin for all your hard work, and thank you park tools for making teaching a part of your business.

[@strokenumber3]

One of the few cycling YT channels worth subscribing to. Calvin is a winner, and when he's with Ben, well...Gold.

[@ed0078]

Hidden message: This video is about Park™ Tool willingness to respond to comments - even if they seem critical. Thumbs up 👍

[@13richjenn]

Another brilliant video. What a resource these guys are. Cannot compliment them enough.

[@howheels]

The point about shop mechanics not being trained up to the latest techniques is so true. In the past 2 months there have been 3 separate incidents on club rides I was on where chains ended up in the spokes (two were Di2). All of them new-ish big-name bikes. One of them almost took me out on a climb when he fell in front of me!

[@leedorney]

Even after 30yrs cycling, these're informative !!

[@ShooterMcNut]

Successfully adjusted my rear derailleur yesterday and found my l limit screw was way too loose. Thanks for the great instructional videos.

[@RixterNow]

Tech Tuesday's rock! Nicely explained as always Calvin

[@mvf8270]

This video is just great! I was watching video after video because I just recently got an old roadbike (1984 Kettler Aluminum Puma Racing) with the friction shift. I was sitting here wondering how to adjust the derailleurs because there is no indexing. And I just got my answer! Thank you!

[@jaydekaytv]

Great vid. But I'm lost without a proper Park Tool KZbin introduction... :)

[@JMcLeodKC711]

WOW.... I was taught how to shift gears at the local Schwinn shop with that same table top demo unit. I actually shed a tear when I saw those shifter levers

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Great advice as always. I must start checking the limit by also manually pulling on the cable just in case

[@classydays43]

You can also check the limits by forcing the derailleur to shift without having to deal with the cables. This method works especially well with front derailleurs. Sometimes you might need to disconnect the cable to achieve this, but it's a simple matter of putting the cable back and getting the tensions right. You force the derailleur to move in the way the pivots operate with your thumb and middle fingers. You can even set the lower limit screw too tight until you see the jockey wheels move closer to the second sprocket. This way, you know exactly where the LS is and you can then slowly adjust it back to alignment.

[@MarshWaha]

classydays43 This is very true I have done this myself and it’s quite useful!

[@wesleyoliveira8013]

Amazing, These videos are very useful. Keep going. Thanks

[@jonathanfarrely83]

glad i watched the video was getting confused by the different methods used to indexing and setting limit screws and b screws i used to set the limit screws before i attached the cable to eliminate the cable tension confusion but after watching your latest videos you set the limits with the cable attached and loosen the cable adjuster while setting the high limit and when doing the low limit setting you purposely set the low limit screw too tight and back it off till it makes the shit quickly is this to stop damage to the bike while pushing the rear derailleur by hand it could jump into the spokes or into the frame ?

[@stephenthrondsen1511]

I am restoring a Bianchi 87 volpe. I am wondering if you have a video on reinstalling cables to friction shifters? I searched your videos but couldn't find much retro stuff. They are campy frictions shifters fyi. Thanks for all you do for us bikers! #Gowild!

[@parktool]

We do not have a video on friction shifters currently.

[@muskadobbit]

Yes, please, Park Tool, more on friction shifters. My old Peugeot would love that.

[@noahjohnson7498]

Do you help at the Minnesota NICA high school mountain biking league races?

[@parktool]

This Calvin Jones is in fact known to haunt various cycling events in the Minnesota regions, home of Park Tool.

[@paulgibby6932]

so if the indexing works, why are the limit screws necessary?

[@paulgibby6932]

ok thanks

[@Aistlander]

Rear H-screw (L-screw in case of Shimano Rapid Rise type) and front L-screw are necessary for keeping the chain in the correct position on the smallest sprocket (largest with Rapid Rise) and smallest chainwheel because usually the cable is pretty loose in those positions whilst being correctly adjusted for indexing.

[@pramagetable]

When there is a schok on the road The chain can go farther than the indexing limits Hope it is usefill

[@jdavis417]

If Calvin Jones ever decides to enter the Great Bicycle Race in the Sky, I hope there are a million bicycles at his going away party!!! ;)

[@manysnakes]

How about introducing some JIS screwdrivers already?

[@parktool]

If you look closely, you might find one in this video...

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Park Tool - same problem, JIS are very hard to buy, at least in the U.K. Your SD2 is described as a Phillips for rear derailleur adjustment which does not make sense, unless it is shaped to be friendly to both I cannot see the brand on the handle of yours, I guess Vessel? I have an old Phillips that works, and a bit from a set that works, but would rather have a proper one - without having to buy a whole set which is all that is available. I am intrigued so have ordered the SD2!

[@bradcomis1066]

Better yet: Change your derailleur adjustment screws to allen bolts. Not hard to do. Most of them are just regular 3mm socket cap bolts you can buy at any hobby store.

[@manysnakes]

Not useful for professional mechanics.

[@manysnakes]

I noticed Calvin is holding a different screwdriver than anything you currently sell. I supposed you're teasing a newly designed JIS screwdriver here? Would be nice.

[@radiohobbyist13]

This is why I got rid of all my bicycles with chains and derailleurs and switched to bicycles with Gates carbon belt drives and internal hub shifting. Now I just ride the bicycle and enjoy it. Once in a while you gently hose the belt off and you're done. No fuss, no muss. I firmly believe that in 10 years or less the majority of bicycles sold in the United States will have a belt drive. This is my personal opinion and is NOT intended to provoke anyone.

[@WasabiWei]

I have yet to experience belt drive on a bicycle. I loved them on motorcycles and can't wait to use one again (I prefer the pedal bikes nowadays).

[@radiohobbyist13]

Wasabi Wei Check out the website for prioritybicycles.com. They have reasonably priced belt drive bicycles.

[@th_js]

First like

[@PecanPie1102]

But he didn't do any real adjustments?

[@123456bmx]

Julia M it wasn't a how to video but a nice history lesson

[@rowanRobaggs]

This is so left field.