The Easiest Way To Adjust Your Front Derailleur For Perfect Shifting

[@osterlitz1]

The only thing I do in addition to your tutorial is turn all of the tension out of the barrel adjuster before I set the cable. That way I have the most adjustment available after the cable is connected. Really enjoy your down-to-earth approach to the issue and will be looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@dragoclarke9497]

Clearest tutorial I've come across. Having problems with my front derailleur, tried 5 times and was on the point of giving up and booking it into a shop. Now I'll give it another go. Thanks. Update 4 August. Done it, took less than 30 minutes, been for a 17 mile ride and it's shifting perfectly. Brilliant video. Thanks again.

[@peterdavies7872]

Probably the best video I've seen for explaining this procedure. It has earned a thumbs up and I'm now subscribing to the channel as I have confidence in him as a mechanic 👍

[@colincanyon2519]

I'm a really competent bike mechanic and I still watch these kinds of tutorials on a regular basis to see how good or bad they are and I have to say Jim has a great easy going manner and I've yet to see better, so keep up the good work as many newcomers to cycling will thank-you for it 🙂👍

[@sparkcone]

my front Deore Derailure both limit screws does not move the derailure for adjustment ... what is wrong???

[@colincanyon2519]

@PixVu Hobby Zone Make sure the cable is released for adjusting

[@sparkcone]

@@colincanyon2519 If I release cable it won't switch gears. only goes 1-2 or 2-3 not 1-2-3?

[@colincanyon2519]

@PixVu Hobby Zone Whilst the cable is released adjust your inner screw and set your chain in the proper position stop just before the chain touches the inner/small ring then pull on your cable and tighten it back up and should be good with gears adjusting properly 👍

[@publius1252]

Geez you’re a fantastic instructor. You obviously know your stuff but your manner of explanation sets you apart from most KZbin tutors.

[@chrism5433]

Yup my limit screws are opposite lol 😢

[@robdee5431]

What makes this video a lot more useful than most is that you explain why you're doing what you're doing and how it all works. Others are just robotic recipes. Do A, Do B, then Do C.

[@observer1689]

Excellent. Clear, concise, and not so fast that it's necessary to keep stopping the video. Well done.

[@zzMigMitzz]

2:19 How a front derailleur works 4:37 FD alignment 8:09 low limit screw 14:31 high limit screw 20:18 cross chaining and trim

[@Matt-nh5zi]

Very well explained, best I’ve found! I made a mess of my front cage today thinking I knew what I was doing and now I’ve somehow got back to it fully shifting and no more front cage rub. Thanks Jim!

[@leepunchard4348]

Love this guy, no complicated instructions, straight, simple and concise. Wouldn't trust anybody else for my repairs.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Great video, lots of useful info, thanks. I would add that it helps to screw the barrel adjuster all of the way in after the cable tension is released in order to give as much adjustment as possible from the barrel adjuster after the cable is attached to the FD.

[@AdamBenJaffel]

As a newbie to road cycling, the half shift of the front derailleur was driving me crazy! I thought mine was broken or something! Thanks for introducing me to the trim function 😃😃😃😃😃😃 subscribed!

[@patpiet1228]

I wish I had watched this video before spending an hour adjusting a friend's derailleur (and still not getting it completely right). Great job of explaining the principles behind the steps.

[@MartianTom]

I've arrived here in frustration, and am glad I've found this channel. I've just bought a new bike with a 105 groupset (11/34 cassette, 52/36 chainset) - but with the modern front derailleur, which works differently to the 'pivot' High/Low adjustment shown here. The high limit bolt still determines how far out the front derailleur can travel, but achieves this in a completely different way. It works in conjunction with the shift cable tension, not against it. The high limit bolt determines where the derailleur is positioned relative to the tension of the shift cable. For this reason, the high limit setting also changes the location of the front derailleur in both the LOW and HIGH TRIM shift positions as well. I've had quite a job trying to get the adjustments right - something that was never a problem for me on the older front derailleur. Lots of fine-tuning in all the usual areas - but I still can't completely eliminate the chain rub (minimal, but still there) on the three highest gears (large chainring, three smallest sprockets). Trimming of course makes a difference, but still not enough. I've still got a bit of outward movement on the cage (not enough to throw off the chain), which makes me think it can only be a question of cable tension now. Can you suggest where I might be going wrong, please?

[@mpiny]

me too hhaha

[@AndyNightingale]

Thank you, David. This is the most *concise* and *comprehensive* explanation of the *PRINCIPLES* of gear change/drive train adjustment, that I've found in 7 years. Most "experts" talk about the "mysteries" and/or the "knack/trick"; and just don't explain the principles or the reasons properly, whatsoever. Your clear instructions and concise explanation of principles will enhance the riding experiences of everyone who watches.

[@alansmart6588]

I really appreciate good English. Here in Texas people frequently use the word "heighth" instead of the correct word, "height". Thanks for using the correct word! Good explanation for adjusting the most problematic component on a bicycle. I was a bicycle mechanic for almost 40 years and I had many a battle to the death with front derailleurs. Many of the problems were due to operator error. So, I retire and what do they do? They remove the (redacted) front derailleur from a good number of bicycles. Mechanics these days don't know how good they have it! I had to deal with Simplex pushrod front derailleurs and squeaking Mafac centerpull brakes. Keep up the good work!

[@SchoolforHackers]

As an equally superannuated geezer, I remember ALL that stuff. You have my sympathies. 😅

[@DavidClarke-ul4ip]

Lol Americans how do they pronounce a router for wood working,cause travelling to somewhere they take the quickest ROUTE???? KNOW WHAT I MEAN 🤔🤔🤔

[@bobtavener4824]

Loving the way Jim explains the function as well as the setting up. Makes me feel as though I can, maybe, do it myself. Cheers Jim. More vids please

[@thomasedwards319]

Thanks, Jim. Yours is the best of several videos I checked out. Clear concise explanation that helped me correct a problem I was having with the front derailleur. And the he way you turn you head and open your eyes adds to the presentation. Most enjoyable and educational.

[@paulmurphy2772]

I'd said that's probably the best video I've watched on how to adjust your front derailleur

[@dirtydevil1]

Fixed my bike! Best way of stepping through the troubleshooting I've seen on the net. Thanks

[@richjones2767]

I actually posted before the end complaining about the lack of trim discussion (deleted), you have my apologies. This is only the second video I've ever come across that does. Nice one.

[@fryuppe]

What an excellent presentation, in fact, probably the most clear, uncomplicated and useful explanations to be found. Quality. production and filming. I am an experienced rider, but with little mechanical sense. My home mechanics and fine tuning are the result of years of tears, occasional tantrums and trial and error. How I wish I had the benefit of this channel before now. Thank you so much to David Arthur and the production team.

[@DavidHuckins]

I watched three videos before I found this one on how to adjust the front derailleur. This was by far the best and easiest to understand for a newb like me. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I'm not a very good mechanic but I love diy fixes that can save me time and money. This video helped me do it myself, and have a better understanding of how my bike works!

[@amol4184]

I saw many videos and no one tells WHEN to adjust low limit and high limit or that you need to take the cable off first.

[@michaelcrowe8172]

Definately the best video for adjusting front derailleur, far better than other videos. he explains it all perfectly clearly for home mechanics.

[@davidjones1588]

This is by far the best explanation of front mech setting I have ever watched made my front mech work like a dream

[@smochalicisous]

The explanation you laid out in this video is excellent. I've watched a number of videos, 5+, and your is the most thorough and well-explained. Thank you!

[@davidarthur]

Wow, thanks!

[@yon6943]

Thank you for teaching me how to set up my front derailleur, you are a good detailed teacher, good on you

[@michaelconway8352]

On the R8000 & R7000 FD's, don't forget the 2mm support bolt that nips up against the seatpost. That is also used to correctly align the cage parallel with the outer chainring. Set the cage 0.5mm offset ( inboard) from parallel, then tightening the support bolt against the seatpost. That draws the cage back out to its parallel alignment. There will be no rub as a result. Download the Shimano manual for the 8000 FD to see what I mean. It's an often overlooked feature that results in frustrating rub in the smallest sprocket/big ring and large sprocket/small ring despite fettling limit screws. You sometimes find the front cage hitting the inner drive side crank arm as you try to adjust the high limit outboard to eliminate rub. Adjusting the support bolt as suggested fixes that.

[@yonglingng5640]

Their predecessors have the support bolt too, even my Tiagra FD-4700 has the same thing.

[@ajwitt7472]

@@yonglingng5640 The difference is that for the latest Rx000 FDs you must use the support bolt to set the cage parallel with the chainline. It's due to the fundamental redesign of the front mech for those groups. Setting it parallel in the way Jim suggests doesn't work for those. In fact, the whole adjustment process for those mechs is so different that page 1 of the Shimano dealer manual warns mechanics that everything has changed and not to assume their long-acquired skills and knowledge are accurate. I spent three hours swearing at one of those new mechs the first time I tried to set one up and ended up taking it to my LBS who taught me the correct way.

[@Jaq365]

@@ajwitt7472 Yes, this! And nowhere, and I mean NOwhere, in any Shimano instruction could I find the actual use of the support screw to even out the cage angle. I don't have access to the actual dealer manual, but all the online tech docs.

[@andrewdalziel9792]

Best explanation of cable tension with in line barrel adjuster I have ever come across!

[@nickdc8]

Great tutorial. Having been gifted a bike and knowing next to nothing about them, I replaced the front detailleur and got it working for all three gears. I can now conquer those hills with ease. Many thanks.

[@kraimanful]

You are an excellent instructor. You not only show but you also help conceptualize concept.

[@nickwood5857]

Agreed. Instruction delivered at just the right pace so that you can take in the information. Also great to see how Jim gives plain, thorough instruction, without attempting to be funny. Impressive.

[@justinpriest85]

Life saver!! I didn’t know they put the small H and L screws around the other way on a modern bike, couldn’t get the gears to adjust properly on my wife’s new bike, until I watched your video. I just started again from scratch using your advice and now there silky smooth cheers 👍👍

[@amol4184]

I found out the "trim" function or half click of front derailleur accidentally. I was fed up with my 105 - no matter how much I tune the limit screws, it will ALWAYS rub front small ring and rear small ring or front big ring and rear big ring but never in tune and then boom one day it just happened. I am so surprised no other video taught me to do so except this one here. How is it not talked more or commonly known? For everyone out there who are scratching their heads even after perfect tuning trim/half click is the way to go and I don't see any other way to fix FD rubbing. Thanks Jim! Excellent video. Subscribed.

[@JavierMartinez-ml1uo]

You are the best for couple years my bike was scratching the front dereilleur and I took it to a couple bike shops and didn't fix it I watch these video like 6 time to fallow step by step and now no more issues thanks so much ❤.most of the problem was in the high the explanation of the coin is great after that everything was beatiful.

[@johnrodenfabremacalaguing9433]

Just finished my Bike mechanic training but fixing bikes is not my profession so I need some video like this to refresh on what I've learned and by far this is the best detailed I've seen👌 I hope you'll do more content like this and electronic shifting🙏

[@LAW-uv9xk]

The best video on this topic I’ve found. Clear, step-by-step explanations and methodology. Great job.

[@alexmarfleet9223]

You ARE the guy! Can’t wait to get her back on the stand and follow this through. Cable tension sounds like the secret! Many thanks from the Southern Hemisphere!

[@ncgc]

Awesome explanation love the way Jim teaches. More videos from Jim please.

[@TechYantra2]

11:04 very important point regarding the cable. even a slight angle change of the cable "levering" can change the way the derailleur works. i have struggled with trial and error to finally realize it !

[@jamesporter5630]

Best front derailleur tutorial on KZbin. Terrific explanation. Excellent detail and precision language.

[@arplast1]

An exceptional tutorial David, really well presented and easy to understand👌

[@chilidog73]

Great video. One of the best I've watched in adjusting these. Just pulled 2 Trek bikes out if someone's trash on big trash day and I want to get them set up and running better.

[@Johny40Se7en]

4:11 that cannot be emphasised enough. It can be the difference between a nightmare and a simple straight forward tweak. Wonderful tip and overview, cheers fella.

[@robinarnold8126]

Very easy to understand. A lot easier than official Campagnolo tutorials that were driving me mad. Partly because you show what happens when you do it incorrectly as well as correctly

[@coffeecakecharlie]

By far the best instruction i have seen so far. All the others seem to gloss over certain bits about when to tighten the cable etc. will have a go tomorrow - thank you

[@richardbrighton3381]

Brilliant video explaining, to a complete novice on home bike mechanics, not only how to adjust your front derailleur, but the reason "why things happen"!! Definitely a thumbs up from me and a subscription to the mechanic. I looked at other 5-7 minute videos of the same process by better known channels but this instilled in me so much more confidence and belief in Jim as a mechanic! Right.....time to unbox my bike stand and put some of this into practice.......🤞🤞

[@RonaldRivello]

Thanks Jim.. This is by far the best deraileur tutorial I've ever watched... UDAMAN!!!

[@ricksalot]

Had so much trouble adjusting my front derailleur and understanding the function of each part, adjustment, and the series of steps involved. Thank you very much this video! Explained everything perfectly!

[@TadashiTsuchida]

Great video. I’ve looked at a bunch of other videos on this topic, but they didn’t have all of the information I needed. As a teacher myself, I applaud the clarity of your instruction. Thanks for taking the time to make an excellent video!

[@fanofhifi]

Outstanding video. Solved our problems with a new bike and taught us more about maintaining it than any other resource I've seen. Thanks legend.

[@Packrat1947]

Thank you for speaking slowly and clearly. You are a good teacher. I just ordered a Shimano Tourney for my Trek Verve.

[@derecp]

Love your video, David, very helpful and high quality. Couldn't get the front gear change no matter how much I tightened the cable (barrel adjuster and cable itself) but it worked like a charm after I adjusted the high limit screw, on a whim, quite honestly!

[@sgcycling7658]

Jim, you are a legend! I’ve had a long time problematic set up on my front Ultegra derailleur on a CAAD12 and I finally got the set up and tension set right, many thanks 👍

[@andysdadmark]

There's a LOT of these videos out there. I've tried to follow many over the years and never really was able to set up my front derailleur. I just set mine up after a new cable based on this and it rode flawless for 30 miles of hills. Great was to keep it simple but not talk down.

[@NELSON3947]

Finally a vid properly covering the trim function!

[@inglesconrichard]

My favourite bicycle repair man, sorry I mean bicycle mechanic 😉 You've got a gift for explaining things!

[@imzzaudae]

Than you for another great video. Out of all the bike fix it guys out there, I tend to gravitate to and watch your videos. I also enjoy R.J the bike guy as he also does a great job. Just thought I'd express my appreciation for your hard work making these videos. Ron from Ron's Back Yard Bicycle repair.

[@peterstrempel577]

The best thing about your tuition is that you say upfront 'you might have to to do this more than once'. I ended up scratching my head and almost giving up with other tutes, but the advice about persisting and not everyone getting it right first time went a long way. I think it only took me six goes. But when it was right, it was right. It was a Shimano front derailleur giving me trouble on a Meriton Crossway 20. Really tough to adjust. Working OK now!

[@cjclaeys4368]

great understanding, explanation and walking through the setup process, thank you for helping me understand of how this system works rather than just fixing a short term problem. The emphasis on tension was the key for me. I was relying on the adjusting screws too much.

[@Fred-yq3fs]

Kudos for the clarity, the conciseness and the pace. All are paramount for a newbie to latch on the info. I've tried to adjust following another video and the derailleur would not shift up. I now think I got the cable tension wrong. I'll first disconnect the cable and walk the steps again. Hopefully I'll get a better result, or else I'd have to believe my derailleur itself is a fiddly subpar part, bring it to the shop and try to wring out some specific intel from the mechanic.

[@abhijeetkirtane]

The best derailleur adjustment video ever. Explained so well!

[@colinhardy6396]

Great instructional video. It is amazing how many people haven’t noticed that there are more than two positions on a shimano front derailleur. I can’t speak for other manufacturers as I’ve never used them. I’ve got an older 105 which is one down and two up and a R8000 which has four positions on the way down and one coming up.

[@michaelgustav3035]

Cheers mate 👋, Indeed the most basic and easy to understand video on how to adjust your front mech 👍😊. Have a good one and stay safe ☺️ cheers from Denmark 👍😊👋..

[@noternunstoned]

I find that backing off the barrel tension adjuster all the way off and pulling on the cable before you tighten it, gives you a bit more leeway and compensation for cable stretch.

[@emtube9298]

Excellent explanation and demonstration. There are a few shots of the actual derailleur that are not completely clear, but that is likely impossible due to the 2D representation of the 3D mechanism. In any case, with the close-up shots and the verbal description, this is the best intro I've seen. Many thanks.!

[@Harley_Gauge]

Thank you very much. As someone who's just taken out the new bike and experienced stretch, trying to understand how to set up the front Mec has been a chore and a half. Thanks Jim that's really helped me understand the process never mind how to

[@JesseStarrPhoto]

Very well done instruction. Thank you! One thing that I think would have been important for a lot of people to know is about how many front Ds have a hidden bolt that is used to straighten out the cage.

[@ranjitrakhra8427]

Agree with each and every comment from the folks below... This is the best and most comprehensive explanation and demonstration of setting up the front Derailleur.. Thank you ;-)

[@SamuelBowns]

Not probably, but for sure, the best video related to this topic. Absolutely briliant!

[@chtclimbing]

Great video! I did most of what you showed and I can shift flawlessly now.

[@darkraft1020]

You have a good way of explaining & presenting! - I have bad ADHD and really struggle to sit through these kinds of videos, without the urge and impatience to just go and try and figure it out myself (And often mistakes). But I was able to keep focus and learn what was needed. Thanks!

[@richardwright2000]

Well I hung in right to the end, the last bit when you covered the new 2022 105 with different config. This video is the only place I could find info on the different placement of limits and barrel adjust. Much appreciated. (better than gcn)

[@bunkersnooker92]

This was fantastic I could never fully understand how the derailleur worked from other videos, but you are an excellent teacher. Please do a rear setup video soon. Subscribed.

[@grar482]

Awesome instructor, straight to the point and clear, just got a new bike and didn't know how to adjust the H. On an ultegra 8000.....thanks so much you just save me a ton of money....🎉🎉🎉

[@proust5050]

This is the best bike instructional vid I have ever seen. Brilliant. Everything clearly explained and demonstrated at a gentle pace, with excellent detail videography from two cameras. No idea how you would improve on this. The last crucial thing, for me anyway, is no background muzak when Jim was speaking. Such a pointless distraction when you are trying to concentrate. When did you ever go to a lecture with a rock band or a string quartet hammering away on stage? Thanks for this vid Jim ( and David) and please keep them coming.

[@chrlmlln9018]

Thank you, sir, for your excellent advice on how to safely adjust your front derailleur! Much appreciated! Stay blessed! Best regards, from Sweden! 💯👍👍👍

[@markskapyak2929]

Very good commentary on the basic concept of these adjustments. Great review and great to knowy logic is sound. Well done. It's a "sequence of adjustments" that make it all happen.

[@laurelsundbergstudio]

This was fantastic. I have to troubleshoot a derailleur that is not going onto my big chainring later tonight. This will help a ton as it's been ages since I last worked on one.

[@kswitch5870]

to me, the best tutorial on KZbin. Keep em going, please. Cheers!

[@fabioortiz7729]

I love the calm and detailed explanations on your videos.

[@amoran225]

Very helpful explanation! finally got my front derailleur set up properly after watching.

[@Digi20]

Tip: the service manuals for all recent shimano products can easily by downloaded directly from their website - normally the instructions on how to setup and possible quirks of the particular model are described quite good and clear in those.

[@quantum11111]

Fantastic. I was about to give up with my Shimano Sora, but you covered it all. I ll try again now! It is what I was looking for.

[@jeshely]

Very helpful, plus you explain in such a calm and relax way it gives me great confidence to go ahead and work with it myself.

[@cosinus_square]

Great video, I find Sram's yaw front derailleurs easier to set up, the cage design is better on these as it's not paralell to the chainring anymore and you don't have to mess around trimming. However, on my commuter I'm using a GRX400 front derailleur and GRX600 cranks with Sram Rival 22 levers and Force Wi-Fli rear derailleur, 'smooth like butter' is an understatement. No dropped chains either.

[@fernandoperezc.7036]

There’s no better video on this topic, out there.

[@brushenas]

Best video to explain how to adjust the from derailleur. Thanks a lot

[@Yves95128]

Great teaching skills (I watched other videos, where the guy knows what he's doing but not great at explaining, with confusing details). David explanations are really clear and simple. I was able to tune the crappy plastic derailleur of my Schwinn to a decent shifting. I proceeded step by step and when I understood what does what, it's actually quite enjoyable. I think that I know how to do it now, at least on this bike. Thank you, Jim.👍🏻 P.S. : For folks who want to buy an affordable commute bike, even if they look pretty, stay away from a Schwinn, really cheaply made (no customer service) and I'm not a bike snob, even walmart's brand "Huffy" is a tiny notch above... Get something better, even (gently) used.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

I have yet to find a teacher that is perfect at doing as well as explaining in a way that would maximise results for their students .

[@oystnsolls482]

Thanks a lot! This is a very good instruction indeed; it inspires the confidence required for an amateur to start doing this by himself. Cheers from Norway 🎯

[@Kazmeistert]

Cracking video, thanks ever so much. Easy to understand and follow. Never been able to set derailleurs until now and got it first time, spot on.

[@steelrolex]

The best and most pedagogy on KZbin 👍😀

[@lfg006]

Tanks mate now i undertand how the front deraileur works i try het now is working very good 😀. Cheers

[@jessemazur2253]

Good video, my front deraileur is now configured very well. But more importantly, now I know how to do it myself, and how to troubleshoot and fix any issues in the future.

[@holdenc1006]

Thank you so much; awesome that you showed it for r8000 ultegra too ,must be one of the most common deraileurs, including what i have on my bike

[@anderslonn730]

This video was the best instruction I ever got regarding this subject!! Thank you a lot, very very helpful 👍👍

[@MikkoRantalainen]

20:00 I'd also recommend doing the same gear change test with the real at the innermost low gear. Because the chain then goes in bigger angle towards the front gear, sometimes the chain drops as a result in front. Many gear manufacturers just say "don't do it" but if you want to make this situation to work, too, be prepared for lots of fine tuning time because the tolerances are really small to make it all work fine, especially with 3 gears in front. It really depends on derailleur but you can tune most of those to allow ("cross-chaning" as you later call it in the video) things to work without any half-shifts.

[@Rojke88]

This is the best video I have seen about front derailleurs! Very helpfull, thx!

[@hanisntsolo]

Very elegant and charming explanation of the derailuers

[@davehollingworth5537]

Mate, this was excellent. Extremely helpful and I just love your cool, calm demeanor. I’d definitely watch more of these. Thank you 🎉