How to adjust your derailleur for perfect shifting (indexing your derailleur) | Syd Fixes Bikes

[@sydfixesbikes]

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[@NoRickenbackers]

Thanks to you guys, my gears now work smoothly. Thank you so much!!!

[@danieljpowley]

What if when you're in your easiest gear and you pedal backwards but the chain slips off the cassette?

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's fairly common and has to do with the chain line. Not much to be done about it except try to avoid pedaling backwards in the easiest gear

[@ΑΣΔΦΓΗΞΚΛ]

Do you have a Syd builds a wheel video?

[@sydfixesbikes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJvYlqV8ir51ba8

[@Sqwert-g6h]

Honestly the best demonstration of derailleur adjustment I've seen. I like that I'm learning along with the demonstrator.

[@patrolstache]

One quick add to adjusting the derailleur that I picked up over the years. Before you mess with the clamp on the cable at the derailleur, always reset the barrel adjuster. I typically thread it all the way in (tighten) until it stops and then back it out about 2 complete turns. This will give you plenty of turns to tension it as the cable stretches in the future and a little wiggle room to loosen it if you over tension it when you pull it tighter and re-clamp it at the derailleur. If the barrel adjuster is 90% of the way out (tighter cable) when you do this, you won't have much room for future fine tuning with the barrel adjuster and next time you are automatically into tools and re-clamping the cable at the derailleur instead of a small tweak with the barrel adjuster. Typical cable stretch over time will only need 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn of the adjuster to fix.

[@davewoodward1155]

good tip.

[@victortomas2391]

@patrolstash Tighten is a relative term when it comes to bike maintenance and most so called “in the know” assume the listener understands what it really means. What does tighten mean with the barrel adjuster -is it clockwise or anti clockwise? Where is the frame of reference when figuring out where is the right or left directions on a barrel adjuster?

[@bodeine454]

Thank you.

[@schrodinger6393]

so you mean if the barrel is 90% of the way out (tighter cable), I should not reset the barrel adjuster? (Reset as in thread it all the way in until it stops and then back it out 2 turns)

[@sydfixesbikes]

No, you should reset it (note that you'll need to adjust the cable tension at the derailleur afterwards). The original poster was saying that if you were putting in a new cable and didn't reset it first and it was 90% out that you wouldn't have much adjustability moving forward.

[@perryirons1399]

Thanks for showing how things physically work instead of just telling what to do.

[@vijayanchomatil2259]

Agreed, no one has ever explained this before.

[@peterpositive4565]

This! I was doing it, but not being aware how exactly the magic in the background happened

[@owenhotvet361]

I've watched too many how-to derailleur videos. This is the first one that actually taught what I need to understand. Syd the way you think through this out loud is why these work for me. Great work!

[@lowrahtressee7032]

i agree! as confusing as it all is she worded it all in such a helpful way!

[@migfed]

"Understanding things make you less nervous about messing things" very well said, that's a beautiful process for humankind.

[@mattlarsen8585]

Having the person behind the camera answer questions as they come up is a great idea!! I’ve watched a million other videos on KZbin on this topic and this is by far the best.

[@Marc-wv1pr]

By far, the best tutorial on derailleur and shifter adjustments! For YEARS, I have avoided this out of fear of messing everything up. Decided to hit it head-on, and your instruction helped me get my bike shifting perfectly. Thank you! (tip sent!)

[@bryansmith4627]

Holy crap! For the first time in my life, I have an understanding of what the limiting screws are!!! This was an awesome video!

[@badinmatenoyard]

Wow. Such an informative video. This is why KZbin exist.

[@AncientEnergyEyesOpen]

Thanks. You helped me build my first hardtail from frame up last summer. And now I find myself back here for tune ups. You helped this 50 yr old woman get back out there and live again. I appreciate you both

[@drgenefish]

watched 40 videos and NO ONE explained the limit screws like this. now I actually know what they do rather than spinning them and guessing. thank you so much for taking the time to make this. so good.

[@adallegretti6876]

I’ve watched tons of derailleur adjustment videos. Why has no one explained this as well as you guys?! These videos have been an absolute joy so far. Easy to understand and entertaining!

[@mattmitchell5320]

Wow! Ok. I have been riding and working on my own bikes for years, and this is by far the best derailleur tutorial I have ever seen. No nonsense, plain language, the confusion we all hope through, and a woman's touch! Great job. Love the new channel Syd!!!!!

[@john450]

I agree. Since the pandemic, I have watched alot of videos on derailleur adjustments and still didn't understand how they worked to make a proper adjustment. I had a issue with mine not shifting from the easiest gear down one, after the video, I knew what to do, and the problem was fixed!!!

[@taylor8109]

This is even better than Park Tools video on how to make these adjustments. Well done!

[@petergalloway678]

Seriously, after riding and (trying to) fix my bikes for 30 years, this is the first time somebody”s been able to explain this to me properly!! Good work, I’ve just subscribed....thanks guys

[@jasonmaennling9326]

LOL, me too

[@davidbea3711]

ME 2 !!!!

[@rubens1337]

Same here, watched many videos and now I finally understand how it actually works!

[@maghetiadrian5350]

30 years,,,,,brain dead

[@StephanieWilloughbyWPMG]

I just bought my first ebike and I am determined to be my own repair person. Your videos are so well done and you explain things so well that I have much more confidence in myself to achieve this goal. I’m 64 and a non-mechanical female and I’m now excited not trepidatious about my path. Thank you.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Woohoo! Welcome and you got this!

[@davidlewis1886]

Great video. I have adjusted tons of derailleurs (ambitious amateur with 30 years experience) and can honestly say I actually learned something about barrel adjusters. I never really thought about how it’s counter-intuitive direction but always seems like I do it the wrong way. Kudos! There is one thing you probably didn’t want to touch on for fear of scaring folks, or because you pretty much need a fancy tool, but on mountain bikes (at least mine, on NJ trails with lots of rocks and sticks) the derailleur hanger can get bent. When the hanger is bent, it can be difficult or impossible to get a reasonable adjustment. If it’s really obviously bent you can remove the derailleur and use a pair of pliers to get it close but really you need a hanger alignment tool (I have the Park), else you will go nuts trying to figure out why you can’t get your shifting working. I generally always check the alignment when I do a regular service. My new bike, a Specialized Turbo Levo, seems to hold it’s alignment better unless I have a bad crash or pick up a big stick, but on one of my other bikes the hanger gets bent if I look at it sideways. On my son’s Salsa Rangefinder, I received the bike new with a pretty major bend in the hanger. You can tell if your hanger is bent (without a special tool) by putting the derailleur in a middle range gear (say 4-5 out of 12) then sight down the chain, cassette cog, front chainring, and derailleur cogs. If the hanger is bent the bottom cog of the derailleur will be visibly out of alignment with the others, and it will be almost impossible to get shifting working in all gears without clattering. Fun channel. Surprised you have so few subscribers. This is gold.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Good tip. We're planning to have a "troubleshooting shifting issues" video that will talk about checking the derailleur hanger!

[@tommyb9746]

Looking through the comments to see if anyone mentioned how to know if it's a bent hanger

[@davidlewis1886]

@@tommyb9746 You can eyeball it, but typically that’s super hard to do. The only reliable way is to use a hanger alignment and adjustment tool such as the Park DAG 2.2 or knock-off. A symptom of a bent hanger is inability to get settings “right” - chattering and slipping that no amount of adjusting seems to fix. Also, when you set upper and lower limit screws properly to avoid overrunning the end of the cassette, will not stay properly in the top/bottom gear without chattering.

[@davidlewis1886]

@@tommyb9746 with a hanger tool, takes five minutes. Without a hanger tool, guess and pray.

[@dano727]

This is probably the best concise explanation on derailleur adjustment in the World !!! Thank You !!!

[@ricecrash5225]

“It’s literally just a screw, I kind of thought it was magic” that cracked me up. Syd is pure gold.

[@baxtersvidz]

the guy in this video is a great teacher! the way he questions and guides responses is a really good way to help someone grow their understanding. student also awesome. good job everyone.

[@calumdonovan2157]

I think the process of listening someone else learn how to fix bikes, it is so much more helpful as you can be put yourself in the shoes of the person who is unsure, and this is so much more effective. This video was so much help thanks so much.

[@bettinaernst4372]

You two make the best videos. As a woman who mountain bikes the verbiage you use syd speaks to my soul.

[@GabrielPerez-zv6gm]

Gotta be honest. When I saw her doubting her answers I thought I you guys didn’t know that much. Still gave it a try but then I found out HE is teaching HER in real time. Just like a class. Loved it. Great video

[@ryanbruce4631]

I appreciated the careful explanation of how the barrel adjuster affects the derailleur. Thanks!

[@beanz6745]

I see the frustration and the uncertainty, but I also see the enthusiasm and the craving for knowledge. You'll make a great bike mechanic, Syd.

[@chadracine4851]

Thank you, THANK YOU!! I've watched about 20 different videos trying to understand this, And you have hit it out of the park here! Thanks so much for helping me learn how to take care of my family's bikes! ❤

[@shaftc]

I just watched 10 of these derailleur adjustment videos, this one is the best, thank you!

[@chrissyboy123456789]

Some if not the absolute best bike service vids -- clear, fun with a great support commentary as the work is being done.. clear camera work. Wonderful comment that "once you understand something clearly then you have less fear of it". Used the same proces with cars and engines.. and totally agree.. please keep these coming. Kind regards from an old partially retired chap with his electric bike in the Uk

[@inchainsambassador]

THANK YOU!!! seriously, outstanding video, I don't know why there are so many videos that make gear adjustments out to be rocket appliances, but this is BY FAR the best video I have come across so far, thank you so much guys!!

[@MuslimGuidebook]

Ok this was amazing. I've struggled with indexing for years and only this vid helpd, thanks!

[@hgva76]

This is hands down the best explained derailleur, cable tension and l and h screws video. I've watched so many but this one gives me the explanations my brain needs to understand everything. The other videos just say do this and do that but this one tells me why I'm doing what and source and consequence. Awesome. Gonna try this out tomorrow.

[@benbonoma2187]

I’ve never seen how the limit screw work before. Game changing. Thank you!

[@ahhlongg]

I watched so many videos from GMBN etc and never understood what they are saying and this is by far the ONLY video that made me understand everything. Love from Singapore. BIG UPS!!!

[@justinrickard5972]

You've just saved me again. Any time I forget how to adjust something I turn to the both of you. Miss you guys and your videos

[@robertj2444]

I've never tried adjusting my derailleur. I was jumping gears etc. Short story, I watched your video and learned what each of the adjustments do. I went to my bike and in 5 minutes or less my gears are shifting perfectly. Thank you very much.

[@agkoh]

There is something about learning while watching people explain it to each other, it really works for me. Thanks! Just subscribed!

[@ahillmann]

Finally! A video that actually explains what a barrel adjuster does. All other videos where mechanics working for big companies and teams talk about derailleurs say "tighten" or "loosen" the adjuster without ever explaining what actually happens to the cable.

[@sabergermd]

This is way better than the Park Tool video. Much easier to follow!

[@scottpare7494]

I started working on bikes at 12 yrs old and am now 51 (started on single speed coaster brakes ). I have just got back into MTB after 25 years so have a lot to learn about new bikes. You 2 have found a great language to help people understand how to fix bikes and have fun. I look forward to watching more and learning lots. Thanks

[@esjovold6572]

Great video. Best explanation of how this works. You not only show how to adjust but explain why.

[@benjaminschuldt6211]

I've got a Deore 11 speed 11-51T setup I've been fighting with for a while now. Your explanation of B tension and especially about barrel adjusters blew my mind! Less than 10 minutes later it's humming along like I paid someone to adjust it for me. Thanks so much.

[@tysonm2525]

Finally a video that explains the barrel adjuster!!! Thank you!

[@TheHarmonicaBarge]

finally a video that has actually helped my understand how the feck gears work! thankyou

[@DanSmith-sq9qp]

You guys are really good at explaining this to the novice bike mechanic. Well done

[@crimvaxine5802]

OMG!!!! FINALLYYYY, Im a total beginner with no idea how bikes work. Call me slow but the number of vids I'm watched to fix my derailleur as well as my brother's, has done nothing but complicate things even further. I finally decided to bring my bike to the shop tomorrow until I saw this vid. You guys made everything so much easier for a total beginner like me, to finally fix my brother's and my bike's derailleur.

[@matthewhowse5545]

Omg thankyou, that barrel adjuster explanation just eliminated my guesswork! Thanks! You guys make a great team in this videos

[@Hertzultra]

Just got to watch this last night and I have to say the best one for this problem YET...

[@Yates235]

I have my favorite tech channels for diesel pickups, dirt bikes, etc... This feels like one of those channels, except for MTB's 🙌 I know this video is dated, but thank you guys for making it make sense. Other channels I've watched made it feel like I needed to be "in the know" before watching, but you guys made a tutorial feel like a tutorial is supposed to feel. 🤘🏼

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

For 30 years or so I have hated adjusting bikes...you just made me want to get my bike and ultra tune it. Awesome work. I finally get it!

[@songsandverses]

This is the first time I'm watching bike videos, I've watched I think two guys before you but I'm humbled to say, you're the best. You've just fixed my problem!!!!!

[@jhz55]

Syd, you are my hero. I've been looking for a comprehensive video to explain how shifting and adjusting works for my entire bike riding life. THANK YOU!

[@tonyj998]

I finally understand what's going on, very informative, best derailleur adjusting video on KZbin!

[@hirolla74]

Gawd damn. This video was the easiest explanation of How To for Derailleur problems. You explained the problem, why it happened and how to fix it. Great video.

[@Frank-zz8gm]

This is the third video I've watched on this subject. And it is definitely the easiest one to understand thank you

[@snewberry8669]

For me, this the best tutorial for derailleur adjustment on You Tube. You guys use the approach of student & teacher. So many other videos are do this; then do this & you're done. Syd, I have trouble with the adjustment barrel too. Your approach has made sense to me. Thanks!!!

[@MrSmith-ty6ov]

Macky, good for you to be patient and explain things for those that are less experienced in servicing of bikes. Keep it up Syd you are learning. I am sorry I can't watch any more if this video as a former mechanic it is too slow and painful. I know your intended audience for this is newer DIY's.

[@LongTimeITWorker]

Thanks. The technique to shift up two and down one let me identify exactly what was wrong with my shifting and adjust accordingly. Great job demonstrating what to look for and exactly how to adjust to compensate.

[@JTH8599]

"that only makes sense to the people it makes sense to" I completely am 100% with you there I felt that

[@Fnr2024]

Yo this is literally the best guide out of all the videos out there including professional brand videos.

[@cp122589]

This is the best video I've seen on adjusting your derailleur

[@Billy-cs4cc]

Im a bit slow so im saving it. I'll watch it and work on my bikes till I get it if i dont run out of time. You've made it more understandable than ive ever been able to " get it". Thanks

[@USA37864]

The only video I’ve ever watched where I now conceptually understand how the process works. Thank you so much!

[@ronjon7942]

You two make a great couple and I like how you’ve formatted your channel. I watch other’s content as well as sometimes it’s nice to get different takes, but your channel is my favorite. Nice work.

[@ernieroach1361]

This is the best video I’ve seen on adjusting your derailer. Thanks, this is the first time I actually feel like I understand it 👍

[@Chris-wb3qe]

As others have stated, great job walking us through the process and explaining exactly what is going on. As Syd says at 11:25 - the thing about understanding things is that it makes you less afraid of messing things up. I’ve been putting off trying to fix my derailleur for months (don’t judge me) because of a that lack of knowledge, but now feel much more confident giving it a go. Thank you!

[@grantperkins368]

Don't be afraid 😊 You can't break anything and fixing your own gear makes you feel good too!

[@MPrider18]

Best video on setting the derailleur ever made!! Well explained, super easy to understand, very entertaining and Syd is so freaking cute, really enjoyed watching 👌🏼

[@meatmotorendurance]

This concept of someone experiencing it for the first time with an expert guiding them makes it more accessible for the average viewer. GOOD JOB!

[@gumgl]

I don't know if you'll see this but I just want to sincerely thank you two for making the *only* bike maintenance tutorials that are slow-paced, clear, thorough and that don't assume I am a bike mechanic who knows all the terminology and that actually explains the (surprisingly simple) mechanisms involved. I will never remember a series of 12 steps but show me how it works and I'll never struggle again. This applies to all your videos. I'm not sure why it has taken so long to find a channel like this. Maybe all the other ones are more interested in getting you into the shop than empowering you! Cheers.

[@ShiftyXC]

That is the channel I have been looking for ages. The way you teach is amazing. Thank you, guys.

[@Foinnse]

Loved this - thank you guys. It’s great seeing Syd reason through how something is working and thereby explaining to us what’s going on. It just makes it make sense, because nothing is skipped by presuming that the viewer understands certain terms!

[@joshuamelendez2967]

I love your guys channel I learn so much I’m trying to be a mobile bike shop. You explain every working part so well to me it just CLICKS!

[@alanmasters6666]

I cannot thank you enough for this video. Between the barrel adjuster front derailleur and rear I've been lost in space trying to figure this out as I was getting chain rub on the front. So as you do I went to KZbin for the answer and ended up in a world of confusion. Then I came across your channel and boom you made it so easy to understand. Thank you both for putting this video out. I still have a slight rub on the front derailleur whilst on the smallest cog apparently this can be common on a boardman road comp but that's just fine. At least I'm out the pickle I was in when I started to try fix it the first time. Thank you so much. Peace ✌️

[@aesopcarl]

Your videos and audio are probably of the best quality I've seen and heard. Oh, and Syd - you have such a beautiful personality. Keep smiling.

[@azmaier100]

you guys do the best job of explaining things, your really onto something good here.

[@bissekerskij]

OMG, I've watched at least 10 different videos when I needed to adjust my gears, but NONE of them was as clear and informative as this one. Huge THANK YOU from me!

[@robwiseman4561]

I’ve watched 10 different How To videos this week. Your video makes the most sense. Thank you.

[@hawaiirealmedia5610]

Just returned after 5 months to review. What I like is that the student does all the stuff I would do, both right and wrong. Well done!

[@Elephantine999]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds looser barrel/tighter cable counterintuitive. :P

[@chuxmtb]

That 1-minute recap was excellent. The whole video was great, but the recap really helped explain what to do in certain scenarios. Thanks!

[@rgreen1378]

Loved it but I will have to watch it several times. I really appreciated the limit screw discussion. Everything is not magical anymore.

[@nielslund9359]

Syd, your revelation on Limit Screws helped me finally understand them as well. Thanks!!

[@BinaryAdventure]

Yeah I agree with CBYR and Perry - this is the first/only video that really made me able to fix my bike dereilleur issues. I'm the type of person who needs to know WHY and HOW and this video provides that. PLEASE keep it up! Thanks!

[@playgroundchooser]

Syd taught me how to do an air can service before, and now she fixed my clicking gears in the middle problem. I guess I owe her a couple hundred dollars now! 😁😁

[@robburton3255]

I'm glad I watched until the end. I now know how to fix my problem with the B-tension screw. Thank you guys!

[@robinzebrasky4185]

I never comment on videos, but I have to on this one. This is explained in such plain talk and easy to understand. This video is excellent and the camera angles are terrific. Thank you so much.

[@chrisparr5743]

Great video explaining how to figure things out, thoughtfully and through trial and error. Helped me adjust my SRAM derailleur, thanks.

[@HughJaynis]

Thanks for showing limit screws and how they actually work.

[@williamspencer6295]

I pretty much understood how all this worked before, but now it is much easier to visualize what is going on.... also the little hints will be a great help!

[@paghal11]

This is the most understandable video (maybe on a par with the Park Tool one) on the subject of indexing gears. This was always a black art to me before. I think the "teacher student' format really helps.

[@leighmurrell5494]

Thanks. That was the simplest explanation I have found for this adjustment. Well done!

[@jimrutherford2773]

Excellent how to video for us bike mechanically challenged folks.

[@davidjohnson6878]

Truthfully the best video on adjusting the RD that I’ve seen! You guys are awesome!

[@jimhansen5395]

I love-love-love every single thing about this video! It's the perfect level of detail for explaining to someone who is unsure how all of the derailleur adjustments work (and why). There is one (minor?) omission though. I'd like to have heard you talk about the derailleur hanger alignment tool. Derailleur hangars are super soft material, and just a slight bump can tweak them enough to make for a noisy, poor shifting setup. Doing it by eye just doesn't cut it. Just 2 minutes with a derailleur hangar alignment tool can make the different between - ok, it' shifts, and WOW THIS BIKE IS SO SMOOTH!

[@sydfixesbikes]

We'll do that as a different video!

[@johnfischer2034]

THANK YOU!!! I’ve watched eleventy billion videos on this black magic and I just end up making it worse and throwing tools across the garage. I finally adjusted everything successfully.

[@junberna8826]

the active communication with concise explanation is working quite well. Job Well done! I like what you guys are putting out, and im learning, actually learning. Thank You.

[@daniellecoffey6836]

LOVE they way you explain everything! Usually bike tech videos are some dude saying do this and that, being super vague with their language and not properly filming the parts they're working on. Thank you for being thorough with explanations and making awesome videos!

[@ansmfella]

THaNK YOU!!! This had not only taught me loads but also confirmed my suspicions that our new local bike shop employee was either too lazy, too inexperienced OR trying to unnecessarily up-sell me (con me) into buying a whole new group set!!! Claiming my less than one year old set was worn out... Following this video and spending the good part of an afternoon wrapping my head around it... now I'm no longer "Phantom Shifitkng"!! Makes me upset that SOB even let me leave the bike shop with my bike in that terrible shifiting condition as I ride both urban and rural... both equally as dangerous at time when you need to put that pedal down!

[@ericsharp5079]

Wow! I had this problem on todays ride, watched a couple vids and got it fixed but cant say I learned anything from them until I watched this!

[@SangjaySmith]

Wow. Just found your channel today and I feel like I’ve finally found some people who speak my language. Just watched like 3 videos back to back and I’m actually learning stuff. Thank you so much! It helps that Syd is learning too so it’s not just a guy in a shed who knows stuff you don t saying things to you that you can’t understand.