How To Adjust + Index Your Gears - Mountain Bike Maintenance Tips

[@rogerserafin]

Being a bike mechanic, this is by far the easiest way to change the cable and adjust your rear derailleur correctly. As always, excellent work.

[@mttec23]

Just indexed my gears using this video. Have never been able to do it correctly so thank you. One tip: I noticed some grinding on the 7/8th gear on my Eagle cassette. High and low limit screws we adjusted, cable tension was adjusted. Still had grinding on an individual gear and rough shifting up to the 50t gear. Decided to find another video on adjusting the B limit screw. Pulled the derailleur back by hand to ease tension, tightened the B limit screw clockwise, (which created more of a gap between the upper pulley and cassette), the skipping went away. Shifts smoothly now. So, be sure to check your B limit screw as well if you notice any grinding/skipping on any individual gear. The gap between your upper pulley and cassette plays a big role in how smooth the chain moves through the pulleys and cassette.

[@jillsimpson1357]

Give that man a cold Guinness! I finally understand the whole process. Cheers

[@propanbutan4634]

I can fix a car but fixing a bike is witchcraft

[@LeecMTB]

Never realised it was that straightforward

[@leebroadbent1340]

Lee Carey I always thought it was a case twiddle one this way, twiddle one the other swear a lot and be worse off than when you started.. who knew it was this easy 🤷🏻‍♂️😂😂

[@johndriscoll6645]

Really clear explanation with great graphics!

[@sho_dutta]

Do look at PartTool's video on this. It's a way better process

[@johngraham6506]

I have used this video and shared it so many times I have lost count. I can say because of this video I have become the 'go to' person for my friends to help them with their derailleur adjustment. Once you know what you are doing, this really does become a 5 minute job to do. Thanks for the great tips and keep up the great work.

[@bassjunkie456789]

Had to watch this over and over to get it perfect! Listen carefully then follow the steps exactly and you’ll get it right. One thing worth a mention that caused me issues was my B tension screw. This was preventing the derailleurs full range of movement . Have a look at this too if you’re having trouble.

[@joshdyer9465]

This is by far the best tutorial for fixing gears I've seen. Worked perfectly on my first try

[@nanahunt794]

Josh Dyer Definitely, I found the park tool one far to complicated

[@pentapushelden]

Excellent. Engineer for over 40 years but always dreaded 'doing my gears'. I watch this vid before starting, every time; life's much easier now. Marvellous.

[@kalcha4099]

Thank God for this video. To the point, simple, easy to understand, well explained. Unlike so many others which are over the top, talk too much, take forever to get to the point and have annoyingly over excited, in your face personalities and voices. Keep up the good work!

[@jasonhawes883]

A few years late but THANKYOU so much. Spent hours trying to sort my gears as the bike was un rideable; this video alone sorted it in 15 mins. Love the channel, saved my life multiple times😂

[@samtomo69]

This guy explains things in a way that makes it easy to understand! good stuff

[@stuartmarlow7588]

Not worked on bikes since being a teenager 😱 this fella is about the simplest and easiest to follow that I have found on you tube, brilliantly helpful 👍

[@jamjar1106]

Any videos I watch on ParkTools and my head is left twisted.... this is nice and clear 👌🏼

[@daydreamer1246]

Having watched a few tutorials but did not clearly understand, this is the one that finally made me got it easily. Thank you

[@jordanlintexas9639]

Neil Donoghue, you are the man!!! I just made my bike shift better than the shop which "fixed" my bike did. This video finally made me understand how to adjust my rear-derailleur. I appreciate you sir!

[@robandrade]

Thanks for explaining this clearly. I just spent about 45 minutes watching other videos, and yours is the only one that did not miss a critical step.

[@mando1337]

This is the video I was looking for - it clearly explains how these two screws work. Lifesaver!

[@Otterysteve]

Buying a bike online for the first time so it will arrive in a box in the next day or two. I am told the gears and brakes will need to be checked over, which is outside my comfort zone! So the clarity of this video is really helpful and much appreciated! Thank you! :-)

[@jeffdavis4930]

Perfect and clear explanation of how to adjust a derailleur - got it on my first try after watching your video (after 10 years of frustration and guessing how to do it)!

[@leebroadbent1340]

Easily the most comprehensive and only video ever needed to set gears!!.. we salute you GMBN 👏🏼👏🏼

[@simonbanner892]

I've watched a few of these gear adjustment vids but this was the clearest and easiest to follow

[@eddiezuniga5382]

Best video out there explaining how to index your gears. Only thing missing was the B screw adjustment. I installed bigger cassette and had trouble adjusting the low limit screw. After doing some research I found out I needed to replace my B screw for a longer one. Purchased one for a couple of $$ online and replaced stock, shorter screw. Adjustment and indexing was a breeze after that. Thank you!

[@jameshendricks875]

Thanks guys. Couldn't have adjusted it without this video. I almost took it to the shop. Thanks again.

[@david2m2anderson]

Super helpful, solid info with nothing extra and the best instruction I've seen on indexing. Bravo GMBN

[@savvysteve5094]

I've viewed a few videos on how to do this and this GMBN video is WAY the best. Really confident I can do it correctly now.

[@YouTubeChannel-xw6do]

Neil's explanation is very understandable. You earned a thumbs up, And now I know how to adjust my gears...

[@nicoloweiss6529]

@GMBN - this is the first video on rear D adjustment that I find stupid-proof. Clear, slow, right position of the camera. I owe you a beer

[@IanSilva]

My local bike shop wanted to charge me 25 pounds to do this. After watching this vid I gave it a go myself and saved 25 pounds :) Thanks guys

[@redalin-nz]

Spent 30 minutes indexing and getting everything perfect only to discover I'd missed step 2 - I had a bent derailleur hanger. Swapped it out and 1h30m later i'm finally shifting right. Thanks for the great tutorial GMBN

[@checkatrail9621]

What In love about this video is it makes what many believe is a perplexing job very easy. I just indexed my gears in 10 minutes and this was my first go. Thanks GMBN

[@Rangedevelopmentservices]

Watched several vids on this subject and didn't need to watch any more after this one. Adjusted my bike and wife's bike (we both have Stache's) successfully.

[@tomkendall1837]

where would i be without your vids

[@jase6709]

Finally, gear adjustment made simple. So many people make it seem so complicated! Thanks!

[@theshredzprojects6112]

The only shifter video in history that makes sense to me . Thanks !

[@Jay.S90]

Brilliant video.i watched the same vid on the park tools channel and was left more confused than i began with.cheers mate

[@ToThePointCT]

something I thought was impossible my whole life. I had gears totally out of whack. watched your video and now sorted. easy! Thank you so much!

[@AngelYZ125]

So it took way to many pauses and replays than I'd like to admit but I FINALLY got my beautiful Uzzi with Shimano XT shifting perfectly Thank you guys for all the help, the tutorials, the challenges, all your videos are fantastic!

[@ShakeNShred]

I watched several videos while trying to adjust my Box Two derailleur, but this was the easiest to understand and worked perfectly. Thanks guys !

[@joebailey8845]

Well explained vid, shot from a clear angle. Cheers guys.

[@gmbn]

Joe Bailey Thanks Joe, Im glad you found this edit helpful. Cheers Marc

[@christianholmjonsson667]

Joe Bailey best ever ~ thanks guys

[@zerofuxksgivenn5648]

Joe Bailey I

[@ginayoon1229]

Joe Bailey I €£¥~

[@sbchport]

GC(M)N Maint Tips = saving money not spent at the local bike shop on stuff that doesn't justify the cost. You Boyz are brilliant :)

[@Bill97070]

The GMBN site is great. I'm learning so much from various videos the site provides and it has helped me to move from a casual path cruiser to an interest in more difficult trails.

[@eclipsegaming5998]

But, but , I just love a rusty chain and un-tuned derailers, memorizing what gears work and how to shift them . "Ok 4 to 3 takes 3 seconds , shift early " "my front derailer goes from 2 to 3 but not 3 to 2, double shift to 1st then hop up to 2nd real fast"

[@lucifer579x]

HAHAHA! That's absolutely how I ride when I forget to check the gears before riding :D

[@eclipsegaming5998]

+lucifer579x xD

[@parsa9274]

Me every day

[@JonasGantner]

same for me lmao

[@creepergamingboy]

that was me on my old bike didn't help I had to use 5 gear wheel on a six gear bike

[@zesty4011]

All the other how to's were so confusing, this one is awesome!! Thanks GMBN!

[@markfoster2033]

Thanks for posting this vid.I'm just rebuilding my old 05 Enduro,not used it for at least 5 years so I've replaced the inners & outers & was struggling dialing in the indexing until I watched this,thanks!

[@wolfridsson7239]

Best instruction to gear knowledge I've seen. Had a hard time learning this before Neil. Cheers!

[@D.ron.87]

Wow - I'm fixing my bike for the first time and I've always had issues with gears in the past. After this video my gears work perfectly. Thank you for this great video!

[@go.get.it1]

Between your clear and perfect explanation and the camera angles made this Video BEAST!!!! Thank you for your contribution to the mtb world. USA Florida.

[@gmbn]

Glad it helped!

[@davidphillips3267]

Absolutely works a treat 9 years on! Thank you Neil.

[@ParkerTinsleyRides]

After getting caught in the mud today, my derailleur didn't know up from down. Video saved a lot of time!

[@CMneilB]

That is a really good simple video about the correct sequence. I was looking to help a friend with a poorly shifting chain during Covid lockdown and this is perfect for the job. Thanks to The Don.

[@glitch314]

Thank you Neil and GMBN! I finally set up my new bike thanks to your excellent instructions! It was much easier than some other videos on YT would make you believe! The B screw threw me off a couple of times (it has significant effect on a 1x11 set) but I finally got it right! :)

[@kevindudd3225]

I always find the easy way to remember high and low gears is, High is Hard and Low is Lazy.

[@gmbn]

***** Hey Fred, Thats not a bad way to remember. I sometimes find myself checking inside the body of the mech to see i,m adjusting the right limit screw. Thanks for your comment, Marc

[@Theyardonthehill]

Or high for high speed and low for low speed. 🤷‍♂️ Just a thought.

[@jordanm9151]

Always browsing videos but this guy is a pro no doubt about it. GREAT JOB!!

[@destinhook3826]

This guy was badass, he beats all the new videos made since

[@CofFDnSnaps]

Great instruction on this video. I got my shifting back to smooth after I noticed some issues. I was able to troubleshoot everything. Thanks Neil and GMBN!

[@robbeck5380]

Wow the best of all bike Maintenance videos Love this guy does such a great job

[@milesofmars]

Thanks, helpful edit with simple steps. Other online tips had me doing it all wrong. Should know by now GMBN is the first place i should go for all my tips and explanations. thanks.

[@rickvanbenschoten1691]

The video that finally made sense of derailleur adjustment for me. I own the X1 1x11 and this was a huge help.

[@MitjaBonca]

Bought a Specialized Enduro mountain bike, and have had issues with gearing at the rear end from the beginning. After watching this video for 3 times, went through all the steps explained, and you know what? It worked PERFECTLY, amazing. Thx mate. Everyone was telling me, take it to some service and they will fix it, but why? If they can do it, so can I.

[@tyebeach]

I have watched several videos on this and you have the best method I have seen. Thank you!

[@gnatinator]

Just fully calibrated my derailleur with help from this video !

[@lisadonovan8701]

Thank you so much for this video. 57 year old much of teenagers here who just want to ride their bike but unfortunately atm the bike repair shop just isn’t in our budget

[@v1d300]

I cleaned my bike the other day and my shifting was suddenly all messed up. This video really was very helpful then. Thank you Don.

[@vivek1393]

Thank you so much guys. I've been having troubles getting precise shifts and so far this is the most accurate and concise tutorial I've come across! Keep them coming :) Cheers!

[@Cycle_Brad]

I must say, the way GMBN edits their videos, whether it be the slow motion footage while a rider explains riding tips or the added red arrows/lines to aid in adjusting the rear mech, is phenomenal. There are a slew of other videos with tips and I always find myself thinking, they should have some more editing finesse in the sense of, adding these sort of things GMBN always seems to do. Well Done and Thanks!

[@gmbn]

Brad Minkowski Hey Brad, We try and make all our edits as clear as possible, and try also to listen to our viewers opinions. Im glad you find our edits useful its really cool to recieve comments like this. Thanks for watching, Marc

[@Cycle_Brad]

Global Mountain Bike Network Of course, I look forward to future videos!

[@Forthetimebeing72]

I think this video finally taught me hot to adjust my 1x11 by myself thank you Neil!

[@5springsadventure877]

excellent. I adjusted my mech first time no bother using this video for reference. best I've seen.

[@Wordtoyamom]

this has been the most difficult part of my bike to fix no doubt. great vid gmbn

[@stephenszymanskyj6235]

Very straight forward and easy to understand, one of the best videos I've found.

[@savlar1981]

Spot on!! No way was I taking my bike back to the dealer for such a simple task. Great vid as always. Thanks GMBN

[@AN-kg4ei]

Fantastic presentation and explanation on basic maintenance. One of the best bar none. Thank you!

[@richardgarzon977]

had to search around a bit but finally an incredibly helpful video on gear adjustment. thanks!!!!!!

[@drbeatlab]

This was so helpful in getting my gearing finely tuned! Way better than how my LBS set me up. Thank you!!!!

[@benevolentautore4463]

Best video on these adjustments that I've seen yet. Thanks!

[@thadfriday7286]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

[@matthayward7889]

Yet again, this has been invaluable sorting out the gears on my MTB, and my daughters! Cheers GMBN 👍

[@imranbecks]

This video helped me greatly. I only needed to adjust the barrel on my bike and my gear was good to go. It was skipping gears before this. Thank you!

[@snowbeaga]

the best video showing and how to do it. And I am not so good speaking English, but was easy to understand!

[@wheatie2506]

I've got a old crappy diamond back, tried to adjust it, and it wouldn't come out of 7th gear. Y'all fixed all of my problems. Thanks

[@davetaylor7664]

Only watched this video 300 times & its all beginning to make sense! :D

[@hobmarg]

These vids are awesome. The pacing and editing/camera angles are really good. Thanks guys.

[@gmbn]

hobmarg Morning Glad you have been enjoying watching them. Thanks for your comment, Marc

[@BatBrakesBones]

Best video I've seen. Production is excellent, also.

[@cecornwall]

Excellent approach, save this video! I am now becoming an expert on my drive train and will become second nature while on the trail to know which way to turn the barrel adjuster to fine tune on the fly.

[@blueicejk2941]

Just what I needed, never understood high/low adjuster screws. Great job.

[@ScottQ1964]

Great explanation - worked perfectly. Especially the part about the barrel adjustment.

[@gud_soup6991]

Great !, now that i can fix a bike, i can fix a car, a helicopter, a boat ,a type 45 destroyer ,a Sampson radar system and a 4.5 inch naval gun!

Sampson Radar.

[@rhysewin8642]

APOSS sure I was born in Carlisle (true in my case).

[@J_W650]

Apostolos But can you fix a microwave?

[@eeefox1]

Hahah thats exactly whats been going through my head, tryna fix my damn bike!

[@Papa-eb1lt]

Apostolos 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@DrNerf69]

Thank you so much, you saved me $50. I am learning that a bike shop is only for shocks

[@ghettoboy6072]

Man. This the most helpfull ang simplest tutorial i've ever seen. Thumbs up 👍🏻

[@YoshiBoi750]

Thx man, best explanation ever. Got it the first time, gears are smooth like a bourbon

[@quentinchehab4617]

Thanks a lot for this video guys! It has been a while since my rear derailler was shifting well, but now everything's perfect!

[@tndavidson2009]

best explanation of adjusting gears I've seen - thanks for this!

[@shauncoates326]

The only video I've found that explains this and makes it easy.👍

[@sheddy7377]

Cheers GMBN this really really helped me, great explanations and didn't overwhelm us with information and big words. Best video on indexing and shifting issues I've seen. Thanks guys!

[@csedan7916]

Just watched this to see if anything had changed in the last 20 years since I bought a new bike. Looks like not really. Excellent video lads,

[@ToogyHowser]

Thanks! I'll be using these tips to try and dial in my rig! Having some shifting problems, hope I can resolve it!

[@NOK2014_Corfu_Activities]

In 1x12 gear system there is also 1 other bolt just above the 2 limit bolts. That bolt plays a role in shifting cause actually affects the distance between the cassette and guide pulley sprocket which is important for the low gears.

[@endymion8196]

This will save me 15 bucks every other week, finally understanding how that shit works. Thanks a lot for the video.

[@mackgosling9800]

This is the most useful video I’ve ever seen

[@greenmindadventure]

I able to fix my shifter with this video it's very helpful. Thank you for making such as helpful videos

[@field.palmer]

Followed your instructions on my shimano xtr and it worked perfectly. Thank you

[@allgaming1234]

Great vid answered all questions and now my bike is running very well. Thank you!! :)