Common Causes of Poor Shifting and How to Fix It

[@RealmsofPixelation]

One thing a lot of people never mention is this: just because the bike shifts well while it's upside-down in the garage doesn't mean it's going to do that on an actual ride while under load. I live in the mountains and around here these inclines will destroy both you and your bike. I don't know how many times I've had to go back and forth making adjustments to my derailleur because what the bike does on the road can be completely different from what it did while I was working on it. You have to test your settings. I've had a few bike shops call and tell me my bike was ready only for it to fail to shift on the very first big incline because it wasn't tested under load. The bike either wouldn't shift down to the smallest front chain ring or the chain would just fly off at higher speeds. Put the bike up on a rack without touching anything and it shifted perfectly. Back on the road, everything out of whack. The adjustments don't mean anything until you try riding.

[@weathdone]

this is a fact.. and i would think most people with half brain will know this after the first time just like me...

[@calt2945]

so Just wondering what if you put the bike on rack and put something that rubs against the bike to produce some friction so that it sort of produce some loads (of course it is light load compare to riding) , could this be more helpful in adjusting?

[@ddahstan6876]

Lol. Just had an AHah moment reading your comment!! I remember taking my bike on a long trip (100+ miles) just right after picking it up from the mechanic. The first hill I encountered, in fact many hills for that matter (Mount Saint Helena CA.)... I wasn't cursing myself for chosing the hilly route but cursing at the incompetent mechanic because the shifting was so bad and poor... 😅😮 I've just recently convinced myself Not to Cross Chain also🙃, at least 3 cogs in outter extremeties because the chain wears out much quicker!!

[@OnlyRosh14]

You mentioning the B-Limit Screw saved me a lot of time and energy trying to figure out why my Venge isn’t shifting properly.

[@Ali-Rida]

After a lot of research on YT to fix my bike's rear derailleur shifting issue I finally found the issue and solution! Couldn't find a YT video on this matter! I explain it below: 1) The most common type of housing has an inner thin wires tube and an outer plastic covering tube. Apparently after a while because of pressure the outer plastic tube jams and the inner tube wires are exposed that can get crushed by pressure on ferrels! This causes a serious metal-metal fraction between the cable and thin wires of housing, worse than any dirt or rust can do! 2) Loosen the shifter cable and release the cable at the derailleur (watch YT guides) and through all housings to free all housing parts. 3) You have to cleanly cut the exposed thin wires of housing to align it with plastic cover tube. Be careful not to block inner empty hole (where the cable passes) by crushing the wires. You need a sharp wire cutter (or a specialized tool from bike shop!) Then clean up both ends of housing and lube a bit. 4) Insert the cable in all housing parts and through the derailleur cable clamp. Since you lost some housing length, to have the same tension on the cable at a particular gear you need to pull the cable out of derailleur cable clamp a bit compared to what it was before. This needs to be fine tuned to have perfect correspondence between shifter and derailleur for all gear range (watch YT guides). Hope it helps someone.

[@LFGM24]

This actually helped me more then going to my crappy local bike shop. Thanks !!! So simple and they try and make it more then what it is to over charge for stuff.

[@14moldyhamsandwich]

J M they have overhead, need to pay rent or mortgage for shop space, they have families, health insurance, utilities, payroll, inventory. and it is more than what you think it is until you yourself understand how it works. if your local shop is crappy, find another or keep watching tutorials and save $ by doing it yourself

[@poshpickle9024]

Paul Bissonnette shut up

[@lukeb2]

Great video! I'm having problems with shifting at lower gears... then when I adjust the tension to fix it, i have problems at higher gears... your video helped me realize i have a bent derailleur hanger🤦🏼‍♂️ Thanks!

[@emeline894]

Thanks. You helped me figure out why my shifting became so poor after I tightened every single bolt and adjustment on my bike :)

[@tyronmcdonnell]

Your a legend I’ve only been into mountain biking for the past year and I’ve learnt so much from you, I’ve had trouble getting it to engage in the small cog I tinkered with all the screws then seen it’s the derailer hanger is slightly bent thank you

[@MichaelHarrison-bj3et]

Probably the best explanation I have ever heard about this subject. Nice job!

[@bigd835]

cheaper to replace your rear derailleur hanger than take bike to a shop. also, limit screws do affect shifting when your gears are in the center of the cog. I had a frame mounted barrel adjuster that vibrated and spun in constantly putting my RD out of adjustment. video is excellent.

[@Jay-dy6cb]

Thank you even if I can't figure out whats going on with my bike I learned a lot from this compared to park tools and gmbn tech. Thank you for the clear and well thought out info.

[@stevenblomify9093]

Great video, thanks! Good advice to regularly replace your cables. I've had same problem on a couple of road bikes where shifting got gradually worse - either I could adjust things so that upshifts work across the range, or so that downshifts work - but not both. Turned out to be same problem both times - even though the visible parts of the cable looked in good condition, a few strands of the inner cable had split inside the shifter itself, and those broken strands were snagging inside the lever, adding enough extra friction to throw out the shifting. Replaced the inner cable and shifting was sweet again! Great advice on checking for a bent hanger too - another mysterious cause of dodgy shifting, espec on mountain bikes.

[@corymatthewsno1]

Nice! One tip I learned during maintenance is to oil the pivot points too. I found this to be indicated by crisp shifts to a larger rear cog but sluggish shifts to a smaller cog.

[@teamvegas05]

Awesome in depth tutorial here Clint! I can see this vid hitting the same views as your original bike wash vid! As always keep up the great work. Thank you sir.

[@scorpionleader1967]

Ok everybody, you heard him. If your rear derailleur hanger is bent, just head to Clint's house. He showed you he has the tool. 8-P What I love about this: You simplify things perfectly, and you link to your reference videos.

[@zakdk1]

i dont think that the tool. 8-P can straighten a DIRECT derailer hanger!!!!

[@TheBiggestHurt35]

Great educational video. It feels like my Sram Eagle drivetrain has been nothing short of a nightmare of issues. Yes, I ride hard and have the occasional spill, but it’s a very sensitive system in my opinion. It seems like a drivetrain could be simplified so owners could wrench on their own bikes rather than running back and forth to the bike shop. I’m intrigued what the new XTR drivetrain will offer.

[@outbackwack368]

I couldn't agree more. My XO kit seems to always need tweaking. I like that new XTR build, but it is DAMN expensive!

[@weathdone]

@@outbackwack368 every set up will need some tweaking here and there.. too many diff things wear and change the way shifts.. thats just how it is.. there is no always perfect shifting.. least not after riding on it for a bit..ive had them all and when i say all i mean every version of sram from NX to XX1 and 4 diff versions of shimano from deore up to XTR.. they all have there lil issues.. thats why lookin forward to the new sram set up with no more B screw this h and l limit that.. just put it on set it up once and ur done.. hopefully it will shift the way i\s suppose to for way longer the mech ones...

[@robwasnj]

I'd like to add 2 more to the list. First, as simple as this may sound a loose rear axle can cause bad shifts, I had mine come slightly loose more than once on a ride and cause this so check to make sure it's tight before making adjustments. Second one that drove me nuts before it failed so much it was obvious were loose rivets on the rear cassette. I've had two XT cassettes now fall victim to broken or loose rivets and what happens is only SOME of the gears are then spaced improperly. When it got bad enough I could clearly see it by looking at the rear cassette but prior to that I was having just slightly off shifting and nothing seemed to help. Solution of course change the rear cassette. Oddly this happened before the teeth were worn, it had quite a bit of life on it if not for the broken rivets. This was another excellent video, you have a real talent for explaining things extremely clearly so anyone can understand. A great channel for veteran or new cyclists that want to learn.

[@weathdone]

man i just had the loose axle thing get me this past summer.. was killin me for almost a week of trying everything like the basics of limit screw adjust and b screw adjustments b4 i finally found what it was... LOL SMH

[@robwasnj]

@@weathdone Yeah, still I sometimes forget the simplest things like checking all the bolts on my bike to make sure they're tight. Glad you solved it, happy riding!

[@vidwiz12345]

And let's add making sure the clutch is engaged if equipped!

[@weathdone]

@@robwasnj yup.. im sure most of us do.. i know i do.. SMH LOL.. and thanx Safe riding brotha!!!

[@tashatorrid]

Sage advice Clint. I bought an adjustment tool and always have an extra hanger. Shifting issues seem to always plague me still.

[@weathdone]

your not the only one... always seems like they all turn to shit eventually lol SMH.. inlcuding my GX AXS... was so awesome at first and then after a month or so it started with all the typical shifting pia issues.. hoping this new sram system will change that.. for the price it should ride the bike for me too LMAO

[@peterjv8748]

Worn derailleurs (ones who's springs are no longer strong) can cause poor shifting. It's hard to tell if your derailleur is worn but if it (esp the rear) doesn't upshift very well into the smaller cogs, you might need a new derailleur.

[@rasmuswi]

My front derailleur stopped shifting into the big ring after I put fenders on the bike. It turns out that long arm where the shifter wire is attached on the Shimano 105 front derailleur was blocked by the fenders. A clever guy at my local bike store changed the bolt that holds the wire to a smaller one, and then the arm cleared the fender and I could shift again. Apparently some bikes that come with fenders preinstalled have a hole in the rear fender for that derailleur arm. No wonder the latest generation Shimano derailleurs have done away with that long arm.

[@dpstrial]

Yes, a lot of roadies were having problems using larger tyres (28 mm) in their tight frames because of the long arm. I used to have the long-arm Ultegra FD, but that did not affect my CX bike. I now have the new short-arm Dura Ace FD, which is OK except for the more fiddly cable routing.

[@DEEZEEMTB]

Park Drl hanger tool was one of the best tools I purchased. Even new frames may need to adjusted

[@ClintGibbs]

Agree

[@fedup3449]

My hanger is perfectly vertical to the ground. It's just the rest of my bike tilts about 40 degrees away from it....

[@xDRAGONSHAGGERx]

Looks like yer gunna need a new frame bud, go ahead and replace that u should be good.

[@Mdxmp5]

You can carfully bend the frame back using a 450 dually. No need for a new one

[@fedup3449]

@@Mdxmp5 Thanks for the advice but i think I've solved the problem. I just ride on roads with a 40 degree camber. Thankfully there aren't many round here.

[@FatalPurpose]

Fixed my problem in less than 90 seconds! Awesome video, thank you!

[@twowheelslater7112]

Telling people you have a derailleur hanger tool is about like telling them you own a pickup truck. They will show up at odd times asking for help. Only thing I can add is if you get skipping after replacing a chain a lot of the time you can just replace those gears that are skipping and most of the time they are the 2 smallest gears. if more than the first 2 are worn out its probably better to just replace the whole cassette.

[@walleyehunter8862]

That was very well explained! My gears shift bad and suddenly shift when im going up hill ! I always bike on gravel roads in mud and rain ! I'm going to try changing the cable . Thanks

[@grahamsmith5768]

This is a good programme to watch.

[@Tmacademia]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you for putting this together

[@axiommods]

Thanks this helped me a lot. I had poor shifting for a few months. i dont remember what happened to make it like that. I think i took the chain off to clean and then when reassembling it i must have changed something on accident. Then, i started fiddling with it again a few weeks ago. And needless to say with me being new to bike mechanical, i screwed up worse. then i stumbled upon your video, i think the L limit screw was off and the rear derailleur barrel adjusters for cable stops was off. i had horible sounds like chain and sprocket rubbing on inboard cog. then i turned the L limit screw half turn clockwise . and turned rear derailleur cable stop counter clockwise 1/4 turn. Then the front cable stop for the rear derailleur i turned counter clockwise 1/4 turn too. It shifts like butter now. And , as where before the shift would not make it to the largest sprocket. But , after all adjustments its back to normal like when i had it built by the LBS 2 years ago. saved me some money

[@ClintGibbs]

Nice work!

[@dpstrial]

Certain makes of cable seem to stretch more than others. When I put Dura-Ace/XTR cables on, I must have had to adjust them ten times over the following weeks. With Jagwire, only once have I had to adjust them since installation.

[@weathdone]

Jagwire is way to go for sure...

[@dpstrial]

@@weathdone Jagwire Pro cable, I have found, is even better than Jagwire Sport, the one I was using when I made that original comment. The amount of cable pull needed to actuate my front mech is noticeably reduced. Next time I will try the top-of-the-range Jagwire Elite.

[@weathdone]

@@dpstrial yes the elite and pro are def better.. i use the pro slick mostly..

[@glensmall9194]

Very good and helpful video. Thank you. I jumped straight on the subscribe button. Much appreciate you sharing your expertise. Very nicely presented piece. Best wishes from New Zealand

[@Pinyoo81]

L bolt: for low gear's limiter, that's at the largest cog. H bolt: for high gear's limiter, that's the smallest cog At 4:12

[@cho4d]

idk if you solved my problem but you gave me a good few avenues to investigate. think my cable sleve and or d.hanger are my problems.

[@blennertattoo5862]

This is how info videos should be made!

[@wiscobuckeye]

My rear derailleur hasn’t been shifting properly when going to the larger cogs. You just solved it for me with this video! Just needed to turn the barrel knob. Thanks for saving me the money of a tuneup!

[@fendermon]

Worth watching more than once. Thanks

[@5492sparky]

Great vid Clint. Thumbs up from the UK.

[@1462JWOOD]

Very good video !!!! I knew nothing about it coming into this video.. Thanks

[@jmz5680]

*ps staying calm and thinking before screwing helps a lot. I get frustrated and just mess it up even more

[@Startekselva]

Detailed information dude keep posting more content

[@ianpearson8976]

B screw loosening as far as you can whilst still being able to shift into the biggest sprocket improved my shifting alot..if this gap is uncessarily too big Yr shifting will be poor.Also make sure Yr chain length isn't too long and use the equation on park tools site to make sure its not too long.

[@TheDeerhunter42]

Well im screwed! Great video. I have a 4700$ fat tire Ebike I use for hunting and trail riding. Somehow when I changed my back tire I put everything back and my bike would not go into 9th gear. I followed a few video's on how to adjust the dearilleur. Something still not right. Now I need to start over completely I feel I've made it worse.

[@ClintGibbs]

If worse comes to worse just take the chain off so you can really look and see how the pulleys align with the cassette to make sure your limit screws are correct.

[@CrazyHorse151]

6:50 that's exactly my issue with my bike right now (and since a while to be honest). I can kinda get it to work but usually my hardest gear doesn't really want to get into gear, I often have to motivate it a bit or wait a few cranks.. But when I adjust the tension, usually I just fix that side of the cassette but mess up the easy gears... (And it's not a limiter issue! :) ) I guess I'll take tomorrow and visit my local bike shop.

[@Esteb858]

At 8:10 it’s important to mention that this B-limit adjustment should be done at sag. If you don’t then it could still be off because when the suspension is at sag there’s more tension on the chain which changes the position of the upper jockey wheel.

[@reynaldonacinopa527]

Steven_Bikes he’s talking about general b-tension adjustment, you are too focused on the xo1 eagle derailleur he used for demonstration.

[@weathdone]

yup.. heard that.. funny thing is its exactly the same measurement on my bike with or without it being fully compressed

[@marksavage7813]

Thanks for the clear communication. This information was very helpful. I subscribed to your channel as well.

[@tonycarlson3083]

Great tec tip maid it easy

[@rogerserafin]

Thank you so much for this Clint. I've been having issues with indexing on both my trail and slope bikes. I'll look into each idea you mentioned here. Thanks again.

[@th_js]

Slopestyle bikes are singlespeed

[@weathdone]

@@th_js maybe his is not lol

[@th_js]

@@weathdone Hmm, very relevant still

[@allanlee7908]

great video, very clearly explained, thanks Clint!!

[@ex27196]

Built my very first mtb using Deore M5100 1x11 groupset (with SunRace CSMS8 11-51 cassette and KMC X11R chain) with zero experience of building bikes before, and been adjusting the derailleur for like an hour now. No matter what I do I can't get the gears to work properly. The best I seem to get it adjusted to is so that I can switch all the way from 2nd gear to 5th or (or 6th?), and from 10th gear to 11th. Now the chain wont even try to get on to the largest sprocket (smallest gear) at all, and the chain keeps jumping on-and-off while on the 6th or 7th, 8th and 9th gears... Bought the cassette and derailleur used, so I'm afraid there might be something wrong with them. At least the derailleur looks straight. I just find it weird how narrow the space is between the sprockets on like the 6th or 7th gear onwards... When the chain is on the 7th, 8th or 9th sprocket, there's absolutely no space between the chain and the sprockets next to it, so the chain seems to "grind" those sprockets a bit... Could it be that a 11-speed chain is too wide for a 11-speed cassette and that causes the chain to jump off on those gears? I think the Marin SQ2 uses the exact same cassette/chain combo though so that shouldn't be the issue, I think. Sorry about my grammar, English is not my first language

[@ClintGibbs]

It sounds like there’s a chance your derailer hanger could be bent. You need a special tool to check it and straighten it, so you’ll probably need to take it to the bike shop. Here’s a video that shows how to do it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oomxm5WmnJl7b6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2mnpaSsabN3lck

[@ex27196]

​@@ClintGibbs Thanks for the help! In fact, the derailleur was bent just enough that the gears wouldn't work properly, so I bent it a little and now it works as it should 👍I probably won't buy another derailleur used from now on though, haha

[@xJae14x]

I'm just learning all of this stuff and this is helpful, but shifting adjustments still feels overwhelming at the moment. Like it's just too much to learn and figure out what the issue is and then i just cave and take it to the LBS

[@ClintGibbs]

Nothing wrong with going to the LBS. Just take it slow and learn little bits at a time. BTE most bike shops offer free adjustment for the first year after you buy a bike from them.

[@nhaccousteau1977]

thanks, very helpful and enough info. definitely helped me understand and adjust my stuff.

[@gooldii1]

VERY good Video!! I am satisfied! Thumps up, Thank you!

[@matthijsdebruin4070]

Hey Clint, thanks for your detailed video, really helpfull. But unfortunatly I keep having problems with my NEW 8100 RD-m8100 sgs rear derailleur. My bike is a Liteville 101 hardtail frame and i bought the new 8100 XT group. I installed a new syntace hanger and syntace screw (they were just as straight as the old ones, but ok :-)). I also bought 2 times a new 8100 1x12 derailleur and EV shifter with new housing to eliminate every possible problem. I even played with the spacer between the bottombracket, from the Drive side to the NON drive side to get an even better chainline. Normally this would minimal effect the shifting performance. Limitscrews, height adjustment derailleur all perfectly adjust. new outer- and innercable..... BUT :-) still the same problem; OR, the derailleur moves up fine but in the last 3 sprockets it get problems or the first 3 smallest sprockets has problems and the upper bigger sprockets runs fine. SAME SYMPTOMS LIKE YOU SAID IN YOUR VIDEO from 6:34 to 6:56. I dont know it any more? I just ordered a new Syntace axle and thread insert just to eliminate everything. What else? ;-) Do you or others have a clue how to solve this? Thanks! :-) desparate bike lover from Holland

[@ClintGibbs]

To me it really sounds like your B screw needs to be tightened a little bit.

[@matthijsdebruin4070]

Clint Gibbs Hey Clint, I adjusted the B screw according the Shimano settings. It is not the B screw nor the limit screws and the barrel adjustment also doesn’t work...... or the 9 smaller sprockets work fine and the last 3 not or visa versa... it is really a mystery to me. I serviced a lot of bikes and adjusting a derailleur is normally a piece of cake for me, especially when the parts are new, like now... hope I will find soon the answer, so I can ride the bike :-)

[@ClintGibbs]

@@matthijsdebruin4070 The next thing to try is to see if your derailleur hanger is bent

[@matthijsdebruin4070]

Clint Gibbs hey Clint, thanks for you respond. I have written the whole issue here above. I have bought for the problem a NEW derailleur pad/screw from syntace, a other new derailleur and shifter.... nothing helps..... I think the new 8100 group doesn’t fit on a older 142x12mm axle frame??

[@ClintGibbs]

I still would use a park derailleur adjustment guide to check the alignment. You can't assume if something is new that it is straight, believe it or not. A lot of the symptoms you describe speak of a derailleur hanger or frame alignment that needs adjusting. Your local bike shop should have this tool. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oomxm5WmnJl7b6M

[@slobgnarly5012]

you hit so many questions i had. thank you

[@billionmunati3972]

Keep up the good work ❤️👏💯🔥

[@nichescenes]

Just costed me 20 bucks to fix my bent derailer back as it was bent and the chain got stuck off the wheel. I think the bike slipped and fell a few times and it bent putting it back into the car. Sadly. Dont think i had this much trouble with those cheap toys r us bikes back in the day lol, new expensive one keep up is costing a fortune (well original price atleast). Did i get jipped is the derailer covered under 1 year warranties usually.

[@olegpetelevitch4443]

Got most the Park Tools ! I like to do all my self ! Been burned enough by shops ! rip offs in Australia !

[@VinnyHotsauce]

I got a new chain for my GX Eagle and then I could never get my drivetrain dialed in because it kept changing gears under heavy load. Now I know I need to not wait as long to change my chains out, thank you!! How long do you recommend changing out chains if you're a hard rider? I do a lot of Enduros

[@weathdone]

use a chain tool to check how much it stretched..

[@shanerajotte]

Love the floating tennis ball in the background... is that so you know where to park your bike?😁

[@alfredde4350]

Great vid easy to understand for beginners 👍👍

[@jordanrhodes]

Clint. We have the same 2018 trance advanced. Looking to pick up a couple of spare derailleur hangers. Any idea of the spec? Thanks.

[@Dakota_rides_the_gain]

Thanks Clint. Great informative. Quick question: on my Nx eagle 1x12; on the largest cog; the chain doesn’t want to shift to the subsequent smaller cog (gear 2); then should I adjust the H limit screw clock wise so the chain will move towards center of cassette? Thanks much.

[@reynaldonacinopa527]

Yes

[@sosborne1564]

Wow! Excellent tutorial!

[@kidgiven]

Clint. I need help. My 2012 salsa vaya has SRAM Apex. The derailleur in the back has been fumbled with so many times. I just took it to the bike shop and they replaced the cable and housing. It worked great. Yesterday I cleaned everything and put it back together. I barely touched the derailleur. Now, when I downshift and go into an easier bigger cog. The first shift goes like 1.5 gears. I press in again and I’m in the 3rd up from the bottom. Then happens again until I get to the 5th from the bottom. Then as if get to the easiest gears it seems fine. 1 push in, 1 gear. What do you think I did to mess it up?

[@ClintGibbs]

To me it sounds like your derailleur hanger is bent. Did the shop check the durator hanger alignment? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oomxm5WmnJl7b6M

[@seselj1]

Great video as always

[@platoscavealum902]

👍 6:20 … good info

[@davidlimentani1830]

My derailleur is shifting perfectly except it won't go into the 2nd biggest cog. Limit screws, chain gap, etc seem good. Brand new hanger. Brand new chain. Seems like no matter what I do with the barrel adjuster, this problem persists. Any ideas what it might be? Maybe need a new cable? Derailleur has been bashed a few times so maybe that's it.

[@ClintGibbs]

It could be that the derailer is bent or the derailer hanger is bent. Checking it with a hanger tool, like the park, DAG, would be the next step. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2mnpaSsabN3lck kzbin.info/www/bejne/oomxm5WmnJl7b6M

[@smokinjoes9383]

Thanks for sharing the video, my wife Kona Blast isn’t shifting properly when you try and change the gear it feels like there isn’t and tension the shifter, I’ll check to see if the back derailleur screw is loose or as you talked about the cable it self maybe stretched. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks again -Joe

[@ClintGibbs]

If the cable is stretched you'll be able to tune it properly by backing out the barrel adjuster. That's definitely the first thing you need to try after making sure the derailleur is tightly mounted to the frame.

[@smokinjoes9383]

@@ClintGibbs I’ll definitely make sure of that first! Thanks again -Joe

[@danielwerner9543]

Such a great video!

[@168grhp]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@alfredde4350]

Just a quick question if after adjustments are made and the derailleur is changing thru the gears fine what would the causes.of the chain skipping gears badly when peddling backwards, thanks Clint

[@reynaldonacinopa527]

Chainline misalignment

[@LarryRichelli]

My GRX derailleur shift down to the smallest cog while on the rack fine but when riding it will not, not sure how to fix this. We don't like our bike shop in Joshua Tree, Ca so I really want to fix this myself. Bike is only two months old.

[@ClintGibbs]

Either you need to take a bit of slack out of the cable or that H limit screw needs to be backed out slightly.

[@BBB-Fremont]

Hi Clint, I have Sram GX derailleur on Specialized of 4 months old and gears shifting from small to large or backward no problem at all. I only have problem whenever going up hill and quickly shift gear to large cogs...problem with chain jumping / skipping with loud noises. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions please. Thanks Vince

[@ClintGibbs]

Sram 12-speed is very picky about the b-screw adjustment. They make a tool for making sure your bscrew is perfect. You'll either need to pick one up or take it to a bike shop. But it's probably what it is. Also check the alignment at the railer hanger.

[@BBB-Fremont]

Clint Gibbs Thanks for quickly responding. Yes, I got tool and corrected within spec by using the red tool for bgap with suspension sag and also measured within 14mm as the SRAM user manual mentioned. I probably get 1 of the derailleur hanger to try. Thanks again.

[@ericrollins4607]

Any idea why having the clutch turned on on a Shimano Deore derailleur (Shadow Plus) would cause a knocking sound and shifting that is inconsistent (some shift lever pulls feel smooth and clean, others feel like they hang up or have more tension)?

[@ClintGibbs]

To me it sounds like a b-screw adjustment issue. Make sure and the bigger cogs in the back the upper jockey wheel is not touching them. I would try tightening the b screw.

[@weathdone]

could of been cable issue as well.. id love to know what it was

[@NomadFM]

I recently got empty padel on the highest gear when starting the e-bike, what is the possible cause?

[@AJThePlayerYouTubeChannel]

Quick question? my bike has a three speed crank system it shifts perfectly from the lower smaller crank gear to the middle and then to the upper but then when I shift down trying to get to the middle gear it goes straight back down to the small crank gear no matter how many times I adjust it I cannot get it to go into the middle gear on the downshift any suggestions?

[@ClintGibbs]

It sounds like the front derailleur cable is loose. Also make sure you don't cross chain. That is, if you are in the big ring in the front make sure you're not in the big cog in the back.

[@AJThePlayerYouTubeChannel]

@@ClintGibbs I will take a look, thanks for the advice

[@JB-sz3yw]

Hi there, i just got a 2 year second-hand bike. After a few cycles on the bike, i noticed that my bike was not shifting on the front & back. Took to a bike shop, and they worked on it. But a quick cycle was the same again. They put the bike on the bike stand, and the gears changed smoothly, but when the bike mechanic cycled, it the gears did shift. He informed me that my back derailleur is gone. And i never informed about the front derailleur, so is it possible that a 2 year front & back derailleur would go at the same time and only 2 years and look in very good shape. What do you think is the issue.

[@ClintGibbs]

What is the brand and model of the derailleurs? Hopefully they also checked the alignment of the rear derailleur, specifically the derailleur hanger

[@JB-sz3yw]

Hi Clint the bike is RC Triban 520 bike. The shifters are a 2 x 11 speed with a shimano 105 groupset with disc brakes. I don't know as it changed gears perfertly on the bike stand but once you cycled it the gears would not changed at all you hear click wanting to change but they would not. And no way can a front & back derailleurs be both not shifting on a 2/3 year old bike.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@JB-sz3yw the first thing to check is the alignment of the rear derailer hanger. Then check the B screw if the limit screws and cable tension are set correctly.

[@JB-sz3yw]

@Clint Gibbs okay, but the derailleurs should not be damaged after 200 miles. I think it's a cable issue. As they worked on the screws. Had 2 bike mechanics look at it.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@JB-sz3yw would only be damaged in the event of a crash or if the derailers got banded against something.

[@user-iz4lo5qr9x]

Hello ...My bike has the cable running in the frame is there any good reason for this ? Im thinking of running the new one on the outside ..it's just in the downtube for maybe 2 feet ..

[@ClintGibbs]

Mainly for aesthetics and to keep cables from rattling around.

[@user-iz4lo5qr9x]

@@ClintGibbs Thanks ... I'm more function over looks ... Think I could shorten it some too if it didn't go thru the frame ..Thanks for the reply ...

[@jjbriones23]

Can you tell me why sometimes I shift downward 1 click but the chain jumps two cogs? Thanks

[@ClintGibbs]

Either your derailleur hanger is bent or the cable is too loose and you need to tighten it by turning the barrel adjuster. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oomxm5WmnJl7b6M

[@ATMDPNKBJ]

My rear derailleur kind of like ‘thuds’ shifting. Any idea what that would be?

[@ClintGibbs]

Make sure the bolt that fasteners it to the hanger is tight. Sounds simple but check it first

[@jonandrus1648]

Great video. Thanks!

[@barefeg]

For sram non-eagle detaileur the b-teneion adjustment is very crucial, probably a bit more complicated than what you discussed tho

[@jibroniuk3604]

Excellent video!!!!

[@donak2773]

I’m going through hell trying to figure out why the thumb lever on my bike (xo1 12 speed) is so hard to press to shift into easier gears it’s killing my thumb

[@ClintGibbs]

You may need to change the housing and inner wire.

[@donak2773]

@@ClintGibbs thanks for the tip , it shifts very smooth if I push the derailleur with my thumb at the same time so I’m thinking maybe it has to do with the cable tension or chain tension

[@ClintGibbs]

@@donak2773 make sure the b screw is adjusted properly as well

[@theeuropeancyclepaths8206]

Useful! Many thanks 👍

[@Gatorfan250rrr]

I'd say dirt is the main culprit in poor shifting.

[@GreenRC24]

Excellent video!

[@alvinting7423]

hi bro. im trying to fix my XT shifting and found your video. I just insert a newly shifter cable on the shifter. question is, do you need to rotate the shifter barrel during installation? is it all the way near to the shifter body clockwise or rotate the barrel counter all the way far from the shifter body while pulling hard the shifter end cable at the deralleur ?

[@ClintGibbs]

Turn it all the way clockwise, as in closest to the shifter. Then back it out about half a turn to one full turn. This will give you a little wiggle room when installing, and it will give you a lot of room as the cable stretches. Remember that with Shimano the cable does not need to be very tight at all when installing it.

[@michaelmcclure3383]

@@ClintGibbs when i got my bike from the shop the gears weren't shifting to the higher gears... i took it back and they fixed that, but now its sometimes shifting late when not expecting it. Its Sram eagle.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@michaelmcclure3383 b screw adjustment is crucial on sram eagle. Make sure you use the little plastic tool for adjusting b screw. I would start there.

[@michaelmcclure3383]

@@ClintGibbs thanks for the poo prompt reply! I guess it might mean another trip to the shop then, because i don't have that tool haha

[@PhaseDrift]

Have a schwinn 700c bike and it keeps shifting when in third/fourth gear

[@BenTrenBro]

Hey! Can you please help me? I was struggling to get my gears shifting good for good 2 hours but this is my problem...: When I shift into lower gears(bigger sprockets) it can go very easily, but when I shift into bigger gears(lower sprockets) it can't move at all... I have shimano xt 12 speed for about a year now, I was planning buying shimano xtr cable shifting set do you think that will fix my problem?

[@ClintGibbs]

Sounds to me like the b screw needs to be tightened

[@BenTrenBro]

@@ClintGibbs nah man... Told you I was fixing the shifting for 2 hours, I literaly tried to do anything. Derailleur is slow and sticky when going to lower sprockets...

[@ClintGibbs]

@@BenTrenBro check your cable ferrel to see if it's cracked. You may need to replace your cable housing. How old is it?

[@BenTrenBro]

@@ClintGibbs well I have my bike for a good year. So one year old! I think I should upgrade to that xtr cable shift set. What do you think?

[@ClintGibbs]

I just get basic housing from my lbs.

[@murf003]

thanks clint

[@tuibchjvcgjvcgjkbvcuiibvhjvbj]

MY NEW CYCLE FRONTGEAR IS RUBBING AND SLOWING AND DONT MOVE 1,3 PROPARLY WHATS SOLUTION

[@ClintGibbs]

Sounds like the cable tension is a bit loose. You would need to find the barrel adjuster and back it out. I've been meaning to make a video on adjusting a front derailleur which hopefully I will do soon.

[@jamespilar9840]

Thanks Clint

[@PepperandCaseysRV]

Bike not shifting to into harder gears only in middle of cassette. Week one of ownership and brand new bike. Has a jag wire cable routed through the frame. Probably why. Nice cable. Bad routing idea. It routes through chain stay also. 170mm travel. Cable is flexing back and fourth. Causing bad shifting after a week of riding new bike. :( New jag wire are $60. Maybe just go AXS no more cable. Robot shifter. Problem solved?!?!?

[@BravoLimaA220]

Thank you very much!

[@zakdk1]

How do you straightend a direct derailer hanger??

[@ClintGibbs]

I'm guessing it's a steel bike? If so steel can be straightened. Aluminum cannot bend back much without breaking.

[@woduk]

I’ve used a big adjustable spanner on my bike to straighten the hanger, be careful though as already said you can easily snap it off

[@jeepernj99]

Thanks this is great! 👍

[@bwghall1]

thanks for that. fantastic.

[@drewromeo9494]

I have had my shift cable completely come out

[@619sharksnap]

I still get ghost shifting with a new cog/chain/r derail.

[@spencergiles72]

Try shortening the chain by removing a link section (one inner and one outer chain link)

[@KXSWORKS]

My bike up shifts perfectly but wont downshift If i reduce tension it wont up shift again I can’t have both perfect up shift and downshift

[@ClintGibbs]

Your derailleur hanger may be bent. Here are a few videos on how you can straighten it. I would try this first: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oomxm5WmnJl7b6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2mnpaSsabN3lck

[@KXSWORKS]

@@ClintGibbs that’s what I thought too! Thank you for confirming 😁😁

[@ericscott6682]

Forgot to mention a broken rear axle. Yup! Shifting gets real strange. LoL.

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

i got a hybrid bike my adjuster is on the handle bar which way do i turn to make it tighter?

[@ClintGibbs]

Counter clockwise

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

thank you