How to Properly Adjust Bicycle Shifting

Learn how to properly adjust the rear shifting on your bike for better performance! The bike I use for the demonstration is a Trek Madone equipped with a Shimano Ultegra derailleur.
Required tools:
-Phillips screwdriver
-5mm hex key/allen wrench (older bikes may require an 8-10mm wrench or socket)
Check out these Essential tools!
-Pro Bike Stand amzn.to/2pEyHip
-3 size allen key wrench amzn.to/2G2URVT
-Multi tool for on the go repairs amzn.to/2DU84ua
Let me know if you have any questions!
*Always remember that nuts and bolts on 99% of bikes are metric*
Closed captioning by BikeFixIT

[@dsonyay]

This is best video I've seen yet on rear derailleur adjustment. I like your trick of getting the high limit adjusted by slowly moving the screw until it drops into the highest gear. Thanks!

[@tearikitomahawk-kiwi2062]

Awesome video, our bike mechanic was on holiday and one of our e-bikes needed gears to be tuned up, we had a little issue with gears jumping on the 1st gear, found this clip on the fly and BOOM problem solved, Thanks heaps!!

[@getjdizzled]

I like the clarity & explanation of each screw adjusrment. This is the first video that shows the adjustment of the high gear with the cable tension removed. Thank you.

[@fredlukianow3940]

I searched quite a number of videos but this one showed me not only how to make the adjustments but also the steps to take before you take the next step. Procedure is half the battle and to understand that allows you to complete the process. Thanks so much!!!

[@christianpurnomo4371]

I have been trying to change my rear mech (first time) and have seen several videos on youtube, your video by far is the most accurate and most informative, thank you and well done!

[@DawnyDarko]

I have watched a lot of videos on how to adjust the chain/shift and they were all difficult to follow. You have a real skill at making something that nobody else can explain simply, easy for a total beginner to understand! Thanks!

[@corneleberhard7981]

I really appreciate how you explain and show every single detail and the logic behind it. Makes it so much easier to understand. So many youtubers tell, but don‘t show.

[@andyeilio]

Dude, this by far, the best video on sorting your gears out. Easy to understand, clearly explained at a good speed, thorough, simply brilliant. Thanks a million. My gears were a mess, now 95% there. Think I may have a slightly bent rear mech

[@AceHoffman]

A superb tutorial! I watched it twice in a row, plus a lot of partial rewinds, then went out and put my bike on the stand, came in a few times to review the material again as I went through the adjustments, and now I have all nine gears on my rear cassette available again, and smooth shifting too! 'Bout time I finally learn this! Thanks!

[@gonzoduke6805]

Great tutorial. Been fighting with my derailleur tunings for a couple of days now. Watched a few other how-to-videos, but your explanations of the hows and whys really helped. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Much appreciated. Mahalo.

[@wacokid2532]

the best video on how to adjust the derailleur on KZbin. Why - because he explains everything simply and teaches you what the adjustments do. Thanks a bunch !

[@mufuliramark]

Best vid for us DIYers out there. Keeping the kids bikes in good shape can be expensive but when people share their skills like this man it's a great help. Going to keep it as a favourite as well so I can keep using it. Thumbs up mate!!

[@JustinShaedo]

Great video; 4 years on and it's still making a huge difference for people like me learning the ins and outs of their bikes. Respect.

[@BikeFixIT]

+Justin F Thanks, it's pretty amazing. I made the video on a whim to test out my first smartphone's camera.

[@snap_drama346]

@@BikeFixIT can u guys help me when I shift the tension gear from 3 to 2 the drive chain jump off and gets stuck around the front derailer part for now I have to leave it on gear tension 3 but I'd like to switch to 2 when my legs get tired

[@secretagent86]

still watching in 2020

[@vanessahogan2837]

2022

[@jameshochule1654]

Thanks for the easy instructions for us technically challenged individuals I was very impressed thanks it works

[@kapay36]

This video is awesome. I know very little about the mechanics of my bike or how it works but this was explained in a way that wasn't overwhelming. Some people like to include excess info and technical terms to show off their knowledge but this was very succinct. Now, I feel like I just saved myself $50-$100 on a basic tune up at my local bike shop while also feeling empowered to do my own maintenance. Thanks!

[@CastGuyC]

Excellent video! Well described. You nailed it! I just replaced my shifting cable and tuned in to your video to adjust the shifting. I followed your cues exactly, and my bike shifts smoothly now. Thank you for posting!

[@magicrobharv]

Thank you so much for your video! I bought a new bike from the store, but the gears didn't shift right. Your video helped me to tune up my rear derailleur. My bike now rides better than when I got it from the store! Thanks for taking the time to make your video. I appreciate it very very much. Thanks again!

[@Daluke61]

Of all the rear derailleur adjustment (KZbin) videos I've run across, yours is definitely one of the best; short, concise and the 'shifting to the lowest gear' trick in order to create slack in the cable prior to the high-limit adjustment? Nice time saver!

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks for watching!

[@larafabilo]

Amazing! It worked! I've been putting up with jumpy clicky gears for a few weeks now and I've been dreading having to fork out the money for parts replacement/servicing. This video came to my rescue. I just came back from my test ride and I had forgotten how smooth and enjoyable cycling was supposed to be. Hooray!

[@BikeFixIT]

Glad I could help! Comments like yours really make my day, thanks.

[@halethewhale]

7 years on your videos still helping guys like me out ✌🏻 respect my friend

[@danielopaluwa9628]

After 4 years this video is still making a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing you saved me a lot of money.

[@skypedog5]

One of the best Rear Der vids I have seen - dude really knows his stuff, Thank you!

[@BikeFixIT]

Ray West Thanks!

[@LuE87]

Really good guide. Sorted out the problem of not shifting into the highest gear for me. Many thanks

[@MathieuEA]

I've watched all these videos about derailleur adjustment... and this one is the best!

[@kyostihuhtala951]

Thanks for the video. I've used these instructions many times over the years (never can remember all phases without it). Now I build a new road bike and once again revisited your instructions. I see that you've hit million hits, so that's quite many bikers helped with rear derailleurs. Thanks again! :)

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks! It really is amazing how many people have learned from this video! Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

[@hsukwang]

This is by far the best video on how to adjust deraileur I have ever seen.

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks partner.

[@BlessedByAlMighty]

Me to, thanks man, your are a professional in this. May God guide us to the straight path and forgive us all sins.

[@richr2027]

Best rear derailleur video on the web

[@donds5161]

This is the best video on the topic I've found. Thanks for taking the time to post. Very informative and thorough. And it moved along at a good pace. .

[@theslgs]

Seen a lot of these and by far this is the best... great added notes, camera angles and tutorial... thank you!!

[@seyon9090]

My man u saved my a**. My bike always skips gear when it is on 6 th gear. It just came off all the time. I watched a lot of videos and they all said my gear is messed up and blah blah blah blah. Then i saw ur vid i did not take thing off. I just loosened they screw and bam it did not fall out. But i did not take anything off just loosened the screw. THANKS :) i SUBED

[@irmisajus]

Done as shown. The shifting on campagnolo xenon is is live again! Thanx a lot!

[@papamartino]

Awesome Awesome Awesome video. Literally the best explanation of gear adjustment I've gotten to date. You explain sooooo well and in proper detail. You're a true professor. I would give anything to be trained in bike mechanics by a teacher like you!

[@jrod6941]

I have used both your videos on the front and rear derailleurs to get my road bike riding smooth. Your videos are spot on and very informative. Thanks for your time and effort to help others!

[@BikeFixIT]

Glad you like them! Might be time to update with some 4k videos

[@jokernia]

This video help me setup my MTB bike better then it was from factory !!...Thanks for great tutorial !

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks for your feedback! I do think it is good for everyone to make simple adjustments on the bike, but we must also remember to support the local bike shops. A tune-up that adjusts all the bikes bearings every couple years will keep it running much longer.

[@squinter1]

I don't usually comment on YT vids but needed to log in to thank you, this is by far the easiest vid to follow concerning gear indexing , you explain and show how to do it so well unlike most other videos , Now i can tune up my gears to perfection something which i wouldn't and couldn't do before, again I Thank You :)

[@BikeFixIT]

Thank you. The positive comments and support have done more for my self esteem than anyone could ever imagine.

[@grandviewguy18]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I put together my GF's bike today and the shifting was off. I've never adjusted a bike before and this video helped me to dial it in. I greatly appreciate it.

[@JohnnytheBikeGuySLC]

The more people work on their bikes the more they ride and spend money. "The industry has been missing the boat for a long time when it comes to the mysterious gear adjustments. Good job on the vid.

[@AISHAIKHU]

I am writing you again just to THANK YOU!. I just finished setting up the rear derailleur. With your video played back n 'forth and step by step, I finally understood how this stupid derailleurs work and managed to fix my gears. It is (NOW that I understand) actually very easy to tune....Thanks to God and than to You my friend. God bless U. If there was a 5 Star rating here...you know what I would give you. "Advise for Other people": Watch the video and follow the previous Question/Answers session I had with BikeFixIT and it will be even easier to fix the gear. The answers were very helpful. Thank you again.

[@mmuseli6149]

Thanks - clearest explanation yet on how to sort the gears and how to stop them from skipping a cog.

[@arildksnevad6233]

Thank you very much! I followed this procedure when I replaced my "gearshift controller unit" today, and it was very easy to follow your instructions. An excellent video with pedagogical comments and good pictures!

[@BikeFixIT]

Glad it helped! thanks for watching!

[@Beardboost]

Amazing tutorial, quite different from others but i find this more effective, thank you

[@clydebassethound2229]

Thank you for the very clear tutorial. Great job!

[@omarkhan4856]

Thank You Very much Sir. I didn't know how to adjust the gears and been struggling for about 4 months with my bikes gears. I was ready to sell it after getting tired of it and then I saw your video. Thank you it really helped me.

[@MultiVde]

Was looking for such a simple how-to for quite some time now I've no idea why I have not stumbled upon it sooner. Easy to follow and very accurate. Just changed my rear cable and switch and managed to adjust them properly. Thank you for the details :) Cheers

[@CHARLIETWW]

This tutorial is great as I am about to assemble and adjust my first bike by myself soon!

[@walterpalmer2749]

Nice explanations. very clear. Thank you.

[@AmmoDude]

Excellent video, probably the best I've seen on adjusting the rear derailleur. Thanks!

[@louisdoucet420]

Thank you "BikefFixIT". your video helped me a lot to tune up the gears on bikes I assemble at work.

[@BikeFixIT]

Louis Doucet Awesome! Glad I could help.

[@rufdymond]

Thanks great video - saved me a trip to the bike shop.

[@Paul_owie]

I have savedf £s just watching your tutorial. You describe how to adjust the gears perfectly 10/10. Thanks 👍

[@markanthonyvelasco8618]

Very good tutorial on derailleur adjustment. Clear instructions and very easy to follow!

[@jakehaseman984]

Excellent video! Very informative.

[@yafi2475]

Thanks, that was a very awesome video :D

[@taku1132]

Absolutely awesome! Step by step, from the first thing to start with, to the end! Well done

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks a ton!

[@dcrook525]

Well done! It gave me a good understanding of not only how to adjust things but how the whole thing works. Thanks

[@zboi2643]

Thanks so much dude I was able to fix my rear derailleur make more vids like dis dude

[@fosterseth]

This is the best rear derailleur adjustment video I've found so far on YT, good job!

[@BikeFixIT]

I never imagined I would be helping this many people, it was just a weekend project to play with some video editing software.

[@fetB]

you only watched one?

[@scovarrubias24]

Thanks for this awesome video. I got a brand new bike yesterday and my bike was skipping shifts. I ended up taking my bike to the shop I got it at for them to make the adjustments. This video helped me understand what they did! Hopefully I'll be able to make these adjust on my own.

[@jimmycburfield5997]

A very tricky operation! I have watched many videos on this subject. This is the best video I have seen on the matter. Very systematic and clear instructions. Thanks for this, really helpful

[@BikeFixIT]

Thank you very much!

[@ninjaturtlepoodle]

Perfect just the video I was hoping for

[@BikeFixIT]

Glad I could help!

[@emanuelasava33]

Very useful video !

[@frankcrawford416]

Great explanation far better than I have seen on other KZbin videos!

[@colauty2598]

This always baffled me, I had no idea how to adjust gears... Brilliant video thanks !!

[@rknrollstar]

Really useful video, particularly for amateur cyclists such as myself.

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks, I hope to keep everyone riding by making cycling less daunting.

[@runeolsen7927]

wonderful tutorial, thanks a lot

[@gray4acause]

OUTSTANDING! Absoutley the best rear mech vid out there!

[@BikeFixIT]

DudeInBlue :D Thanks! I should probably make a new, better quality video now. I filmed this with my phone on a whim and it's turned out to be very popular. If you don't mind me asking, where are you from? I've noticed a few people call it the "rear mech" before too.

[@b.rizzle4102]

My bike is one of the most important things in my life. Recently the shifting has been off so I decided to follow along with some "expert" for 25+ minutes and fix it. By the end it was even worse and I was getting ready for an anxiety filled night of sleep until I found your video. After watching, I had it all fixed perfectly. Thanks so much man

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks for watching! Congrats on toughing it out and figuring out the process! Always rewarding to learn something new.

[@mimi_da_dogg4357]

Dude!! I was thinking of getting a repair stand....when all i needed was my ladder and my saris bike rack lol f***king genius bro!

[@BikeFixIT]

Tony B lol it works alright. Being able to change the angle of the bike would make adjusting brakes loads easier.

[@iraira2818]

This is probably one of the best derailleur adjustment videos I have seen. Thank you so much. Question: In the background; is that a Warner ladder? How are you using that as a repair stand?

[@BikeFixIT]

Yes, it is. I strapped my car trunk transport rack to the ladder.

[@richardkowski4665]

I tried so many videos over many sessions but still didn't manage to fix my dérailleurs then finally came across these great videos and voila, such logical techniques, well done and thank you.

[@BikeFixIT]

Great to hear! Thank you for watching and commenting. I started working at a bike shop when I was 15. Had some great teachers and lots of practice working on bikes. Feels good to pass some tribal knowledge on.

[@ginti4725]

The best gear adjusting video I've seen and I've watched a lot of these videos, top job.

[@ThePangus]

Great tutorial. Thanks

[@unfa00]

Awesome video, very well done. Thank you!

[@BikeFixIT]

Tobiasz Karoń Thanks!

[@evilkivi]

Thanks! Got new a new bike. Didn't seem to go up from 6 to 3 properly. Now everything runs smoothly. Great vid! Especially the green arrows! Helped a lot.

[@BikeFixIT]

evilkivi I used iMovie to add the arrows to the video

[@anteka12]

This has been the most clear, DIY video, for adjusting the rear derailleur. Cheers!

[@Brandonvscars695]

Thank you for this video dude, I'll be able to fix my bike tomorrow afternoon.. Then im on a mission to get working brakes haha After that I can start riding again :)

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks for watching and best of luck!

[@robton007]

Great vid helped me out no end.....problem I got in my gears keep jumping on gear change....Instead of hitting 3rd it jumps 3rd and hits 4th any ideas....?? It's a muddy fox 18 speed. ..6 casette

[@manuelb7255]

Thanks man, I watched other videos and was just extremely confused... Your vid was easy, straight forward, and very informative! You the man! Can't wait to riiiiide🚴🏽‍♂️🚴🏽‍♂️🚴🏽‍♂️🚴🏽‍♂️🚴🏽‍♂️

[@vidiia]

Thanks for showing the right procedure for setting the H limit screw, I hadn't heard of disconnecting the cable before. Should help me a lot next time I'm working on a bike's shifting.

[@BikeFixIT]

No problem! Pretty good little trick to help ensure wire tension is not holding up the der instead of sitting on the limit screw. Sometimes it helps to just lean over and look to see if the der is resting on the set screw as well.

[@flat_bastard]

Tip top.. bike fixed.. thanks mate..

[@MondoMarcy94]

this is a damn good "how to" video!

[@BikeFixIT]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for sharing.

[@marvinsequera]

Man you're a life savior, I just bought a bike and I had to take out the rear wheel and It started to sound everytime I swift gear, and after saw your tutorial, everything was back in its place

[@BikeFixIT]

Glad the video worked! It might be worth double checking your wheel is on all the way / correctly.

[@woodbine66]

Great vid. Many thanks - really easy to understand. Couple of questions. When you were making these adjustments, which cog was chain running on the crank/pedal gear set? Also at the end of the film, how were you making the play happen in the derallier when setting the low limit screw?

[@BikeFixIT]

woodbine66 Thanks! 1.small front ring for adjusting the easy gears in back, big front ring for the hard gears in back. 2. The play is caused by pushing on the shift lever (in the same direction you would shift to an easier gear) or by pulling on the exposed cable.

[@luciensellem7748]

Super video bien expliqué merci

[@nathanhaber]

You are the best teacher! And the way you present the info sequentially is great. Please make more bicycle video's. You have the gift for teaching.

[@BikeFixIT]

Thank you so much! Is there anything specific you would like a video on?

[@dalewiens3556]

Best explaination that I have seen for adjustment of rear derailleur!, Very simple and easy to understand for a novice bike repair person, thank you

[@BikeFixIT]

+Dale Wiens Thanks for watching!

[@Smegger]

excellent video

[@MrShadowduck]

I like this video. You Tube is full loaded with hardcore bicycle fan videos which are not educating because main purpose is to show own skills not to help other people.

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks!

[@michaelmke]

Thanks so much for making this. It was very easy to follow and now my rear derailleur is working smoothly!

[@trustinGod8907]

michaelmke , 35

[@ravihossur677]

Very good explanation of the topic. Thanks! I have seen a number of videos on the topic - this definitely is the best.

[@ThiccNThirsty]

Thank you

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks for watching!

[@shendereh]

great vid.how did you rig your bike repair stand? the werner ladder? if so,can you show us how you did it. thanks in advance.

[@BikeFixIT]

I have a bicycle carrier that goes on the trunk of the car, i just strapped it to the ladder. www.saris.com/product/bones2

[@Borth42]

Thanks so much! This is the best advice I've watched about adjusting derailleur gears. It's detailed and clear with brilliant explanation.

[@BikeFixIT]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@slicker55]

Thanks for this GREAT tutorial which I've bookmarked for when I need it next.

[@richardsalt8002]

nice vid thank you for saving my bacon haha great job :)

[@BikeFixIT]

Watch the video all the way through before starting.

[@mikes.6003]

What shop?

[@vicentetuazon5078]

BikeFixIT scandalous

[@vicentetuazon5078]

BikeFixIT.

[@evanietoussaint7485]

BikeFixIT molcut

[@morganfulgenzi]

BikeFixIT what bike holder are you using ... is it attached to a ladder?

[@jovialfernandes7956]

Thanks for this great video tutorial... The gears on my new bike were slipping every now and then.... But I followed your instructions and now the gears shift on perfect precision... Thanks! Keep up the good work...

[@BikeFixIT]

Thanks for watching! Glad I could help out. Always amazes me how many people find this video helpful

[@bludoggy71]

One of the most clear & direct videos on that type adjustment. Thanks, you have helped completely.

[@christopherallen1107]

Great video, I think this will help me out with my wives bike! Thank you. hers is over shifting to the lower(easier gears) my bike is stumping me, my bike is a 20 year old decent quality mountain bike. other than basic cleaning not much maintenance has been done to it. It recently started to shift on its own when I would stand up on a hill and pedal, and now its just shifting on its own all the time. I also feel like all of a sudden there is a ton of rubbing and friction going on someplace. up till now my bike has always been super smooth and perfect shifting. any suggestions ??

[@BikeFixIT]

It could be your chain is stretched. As the chain wears the rollers wear down the teeth of the cassette. Once the teeth get to worn, when pressure is applied the chain will slip or "skip". Many people think its ghost shifting when its actually slipping. If it is worn, you will need a new chain, cassette, and possibly crank/front chainrings. cyclingtips.com.au/2009/03/how-to-check-for-chain-wear/

[@roeypaster5502]

tnx man! help me ! but i was littel bit stock with the 3rd Screw of the derailleur... donno if it was to in or out...

[@BikeFixIT]

The derailleur cog shouldn't touch the big cassette cog. So, unthread the screw as far as possible without the two cogs touching.