How To Troubleshoot a front derailleur on your own.

How To Troubleshoot a front derailleur on your own. I am going to go through troubleshooting the front derailleur. This will be specific to issues regarding upshifting, starting from the smallest chainring in the front onward to the biggest ring on the outside. There will be two potential problems I will address in this video. Too much slack in the front derailleur cable and the high limit screw to tight or screwed down too far into the derailleur. Hope this helps.
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About-
Bike Teacher provides a complete hands-on bicycle mechanics repair and maintenance training for beginners, enthusiast, bike shops, race teams, bicycle clubs, businesses, and recreational. Receive a certificate and a certification.
Located in the North Bay, San Jose California.
www.biketeacher.com
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Please watch: "Let's bench test the rear derailleur and see how it moves."
• Let's bench test the r...
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[@chrishayward3520]

I've watched a dozen or so of these videos and just wasn't grasping it until your video. Thank you, you're a skilled teacher!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you so much👍🏽.

[@vickyrowe1205]

Just what I was looking for. I’m a beginner bike mechanic and you’ve taught me so much in just 10 mins. Thank you!!

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad it helped Vicky!!

[@deltaop1reload]

You have elucidated the concepts excellently. I have been biking on and off for 5 years and yet never fully grasped the intricacies of the front derailleur until I came across this gem of a video. Thank you!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you for the feedback, glad to help.

[@beardedvikingmtber]

Clearest & most thorough explanation I’ve found on KZbin, seems my problem was I’d adjusted the gear cable to tight. Thanks for your help buddy

[@BikeTeacher]

My pleasure!

[@marvinnabor2015]

I absolutely agree that’s why I did not hesitate to subscribe. Thankful enough.

[@Sahxocnsba]

I had the same issue! No other video I've found explained the limit screws as well as you have. With your video I fixed my front shifting in 5 minutes

[@cliffferguson4256]

This is the easiest and best description on how to fix something essentially easy but which I continue to make really hard. Thanks from Cliff in Australia.

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome Cliff thanks for the comment.

[@llee4225]

My derailleur was out of calibration and after much frustration decided to search for a video to understand the procedure. After watching a few confusing video, this was the best as the explanation was easy to follow and understand. Thanks very much!

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome L Lee. Glad to help you out. ⚙️🏁

[@godfreyberry1599]

Boy I've battled a whole day trying to work out the science of this adjustment. Perfect instruction - thank you

[@dennismurray703]

Thanks so much for this video. The procedures were explained clearly with excellent shots of the components. After struggling with the front derailleur after fitting a new cable your video finally allowed me to get it working properly. 👍👍

[@BikeTeacher]

That’s great. Thanks 🏁⚙️

[@pykessports]

Thank you tightened the slack and now it goes up to the big ring.

[@grahamsampson769]

I like how you explain this simply and concisely.Solved my problem. The best front derailleur video on KZbin!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you Graham!

[@__ryan]

Thank you so much for the clearest explanation I've ever seen. My road bike has been sitting a while and I've just serviced it myself and even swapped the stem and she's looking beautiful.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thats great! Thanks for the feedback.

[@andraspeter1114]

after 3 hours of searching, this was exactly the video for my problem. props man

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks, glad it helped.

[@DogzDinette]

Your presentation and video clicked with my brain👍

[@PhilTheProf]

Finally! A video that addresses all of my issues, from cable tension to getting the chain to move through all three front rings! Many thanks to you, from a new subscriber.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks 😊. Glad it was helpful.

[@edgoins9418]

Listen to this guy. This is the clearest explanation I've found. I was able to trouble shoot and adjust the front deraileur . No troubles. Thanks

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank soo much!!

[@Sahxocnsba]

I spent over an hour last night watching other videos and messing around with with. Didn't quite understand how the limit screws worked as no other video really explained they're the low and high limit screws. I fixed my front derailleur up in 5 minutes after just waking up! Thanks for the easy explanation video

[@BikeTeacher]

You're welcome, glad I could help.

[@ricodeco2139]

You just saved me a trip back to the bike shop to give them another try at doing this. Watched your video instead, followed the steps, problem gone in 5 minutes. Thank you!

[@BikeTeacher]

Excellent!!!

[@kevinkahiga3063]

Very thorough and practical explanation right there. I've seen many videos to understand my problem in vain but once I watch your vid I easily understood and diagnosed. Great teacher indeed!

[@davehandley]

I've spent far too much time fiddling around with the front derailleur in the past, it's so frustrating. I hit the same problems again today but you explained things so clearly that I'm pretty confident I'll nail it. After this break.

[@christiancerroni15]

Hands down THE BEST front derailleur troubleshooting video. Wondering why this didn't come up as first result when looking for it... Finally fixed my old mtb :) Thanks a lot!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you Christain!!

[@jetverde00]

The best front derailleur tutorial on YT!

[@BikeTeacher]

+Jet Verde Thank you so much!!!

[@commentooli8041]

Yep

[@Graham47100]

Wow! 👏👏 I endorse all the other comments. I’ve looked at numerous vid’s to understand how to rectify the problem with my front derailleur. This is by far the best, clear, precise and has even given me the confidence to have a go. I’ve obviously found this vid years after others have seen and commented on it....but it’s still doing the job! Thank you

[@TheVicho515]

I‘ve been looking through many videos but this is the best explanation I’ve seen so far! The shooting of the derailleur shifting is also spot on, thanks a bunch!

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome! Thanks so much for the feedback.

[@dennishowell1991]

This is the first video that actually explained things clearly and helped a newbie fix his bike.

[@BikeTeacher]

Awesome! Thanks

[@JonathanFGadd]

I struggled for hours trying to sort a new front derailleur because my other was damaged. Doesn't matter what videos I watched I still couldn't sort. It just wouldn't move up or down properly. Watched this short video and sorted it in less than 10 minutes. Biggest problem was cable tension. All other videos pull with pliers which tends to make it too tight - fingers are fine. Just then a matter of unscrewing the H screw a little and bingo. So easy to follow and understand!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks Johnathan! Happy to hear it.

[@sloppyname4184]

Helping me 5 years later with this video, thanks. Gonna go out tomorrow and tweak those screws.

[@BikeTeacher]

Oh cool! Thanks for the comment.

[@nivekvb]

I noticed that my cable was loose when the derailleur was in the bottom gear. Everything shifts okay but I kept thinking that I better tighten it, but I also kept thinking that if it works OK then why touch it? Hmm! Well, you saved me a lot of hassle because you say it's okay it to be a bit loose. Wow, it just shows you how experience is so important which us DIYers are not going to have a lot of as we only repair our own bike occasionally. These videos are really helpful. Many thanks!

[@gulmuhammad5158]

Misadjusred the H screw without knowing the function, then searched to fix it ( shifting to larger sporket was hard) searched to fix the problem but they showed complicated methods, this one is realy straightforwrd and simple, thanx

[@BikeTeacher]

You are so welcome!

[@amirehsandehghani8117]

The best video. I was able to fix my problem in less than 5 minutes!!! My high screw plastic holder needed to be loosened

[@BikeTeacher]

That’s great! Thanks for the feedback.

[@amirehsandehghani8117]

@@BikeTeacher thank you for the great content

[@mindmap6710]

Amazing, absolutely Amazing explanation, Finally I understood how it works. I have seen a lot of videos but you are an amazing-born teacher, your camera work is excellent. I am usually a lazy bum, usually, I don't want to comment but after watching your video I got up. Today I was totally lost why the hell my chain is not moving to big gear, it is always staying in the smallest gear. even pushing the cable hard. Now I am pretty sure it is the limit screw, I almost gave up on this problem, Now after watching your video I can't wait till daylight shows up tomorrow and start working on it again.

[@joemdo_southflorida]

Excellent video... I don't think it could have been explained better... thanks for putting it all together so well!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you Joe!!👍🏽⚙️

[@rdzhang]

Great Teacher, the best one on KZbin. Thanks!!!

[@BikeTeacher]

🙏 thanks⚙️💪🏽

[@jpsharpe2127]

Out of all the videos I've watched ti learn about the front derailer yours explained how it work (which I needed to know that how I learn thing) and how to identify everything. Keep it up and thank you

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad to help. Thanks for the words.

[@gururaj57]

So clearly explained...great job mate!! Thank you.

[@zeustiki]

Exactly my problem.....as a former teacher I recognize good teachers. Well done.

[@BikeTeacher]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ipadcraig]

Calmly & clearly explained without any unnecessary babble; a really excellent instructional video.

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@T.I.M.5]

Thanks a bunch. Finally someone that makes this understandable. Well done.

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mauricehall8883]

We

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks

[@polymathematics5837]

First time on your channel and I subscribed and give a like! Your audio, voice and instruction quality are the best I've experienced on any bike repair video channel! What I really like about your channel are the following: 1) Clear and simple instructions. 2) No long-winded introduction or music which wastes time for the listener, you get right down to the essentials with no fluff! Most KZbin channels completely miss this point. 3) Your microphone and audio quality are par excellence! Bad audio quality will turn me away every time, no matter how good the content. I rate your channel and content a 10 out of 10. Great job!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you so much for the detailed feedback, I appreciate it. It took me a while to figure out what works best.

[@polymathematics5837]

@@BikeTeacher You're most welcome! You've nailed the formula for what a perfect YT channel is. I've been unsubscribing to channels I had subscribed to previously due to creators being long winded and getting off topic or due to excessively long introductions, kudos for your short intros and staying on topic!

[@shanedeLuxe]

Nailed it! I had several crap experiences with shops f**king my gears after a service, so I wanted to learn so I could do it Hans Solo. Half way through this vid I became enlightened. I immediately fixed everything wrong with my gears. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@BikeTeacher]

That’s awesome! Never fear the dark side. 👍🏽

[@nobody-ly9ef]

You simplify the process while many others complicate the peocess.. thank you for helping me understand the problem and its solution.....I will always check your channel first from now on....thanks again brother.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you, let me know if there is any topic you would like to see a video on.

[@K14V2000]

Just fixed my bike, this is the only video that truly helped. Thank you :):)

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome Katya!

[@williamrobert5258]

Thank you for this video, it helped me address my front derailleur and I'm back on the bike!

[@BikeTeacher]

Sweet!! Glad it helped.

[@johnrobin8769]

That was a perfectly clear explanation and detailed example! Thank you for this.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you so much John!!

[@davidwayneprins]

This may have given me the answer I needed. Pulled out my 30 year old Schwinn Mirada Sport that I bought in high school and haven't ridden since before the pandemic (so fall 2019 at the latest I last rode) and the front shifter is frozen on the middle ring. The Shimano 100 GS mechanism may also be gummed up but I did see some slack in the front shift cable and I do remember trying to fix this earlier by messing with the limit screws as at that time, I only had two of the three front gears. Rear shifter is working on all seven gears (although it wants to jump gears at seemingly random times). Thanks for a few things to try before I resort to bringing it in for service.

[@BikeTeacher]

Your so welcome. I hope you get it running. 🏁⚙️

[@louiesingh4444]

Top notch. Better than any other video. Simple and easy to understand

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks Louie!!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Absolutely the best video on a front derailleur. Well done!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you so much!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@BikeTeacher honestly, I watched about 5-6 different videos, spent about 2 hrs trying to figure out my mum's new bike; today was a new day, thought to look one more time on KZbin, and found your video - the way you explained it etc, meant that I was not only able to sort out the issues but also understand it so well, that I can apply it to my and my fiancée bike. So, thank you again - subscribed!

[@BikeTeacher]

@@TotallydubbedHD That's great to hear, Do you mind if I use this comment on my website? Your feedback really tells me I'm doing something right fundamentally and good by helping people out.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@BikeTeacher absolutely man! :)

[@jromero3713]

Finally a really really thorough video that left nothing for my confused brain to overcomplicate. Cheers dude!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks Jon!

[@kks1546]

Well explained. Much better than other over marketed videos

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad it was helpful!

[@suanhengyeoh8402]

The best tutorial so far that I have seen.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you. Happy you liked it.

[@sammeredith459]

Hiya , im cycle Tour Girl . Thank you very much the problem is fixed in 60 seconds. Really helpful . A simple tool my screwdriver save's the day

[@BikeTeacher]

That's' great, I'm glad the video helped.

[@NatSatFat]

Excellent Explanation! I really liked the info on what the limit screws actually do! and the slow and steady approach to a problem 1 whole turn, 1/2 turn etc untill it was sorted

[@BikeTeacher]

Much appreciated!

[@finoreditz5071]

Incredibly helpful! I just got a new bike and I tested it out but my front derailleur wasn't changing the chains. I hope this works.

[@fyuuredhijgfzregjjygtdftyi6021]

Yes really useful. I thought Parktools had the clearest vids- and they are good- but you've got the smarts to explain exactly WHY for each thing. That logic makes everything a heap easier to grasp and to remember. The proof is in this: that impressed as i was by the other vid, I couldn't get the job done until watching this one. The front gears now shift smoothly up and down.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you for taking the time to comment I really appreciate it.

[@froglegs4910]

This is the best video for explanation of derailer adjustment ! Very clear !

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad it was helpful!

[@writhewithme3912]

Still the most useful and informative video I've seen on the topic. Thanks, you saved me a chunk of cash.

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome 🙏

[@macdoggy2]

Wow! Gracias amigo. This was by far the best video on front derailleur adjusting i have seen on KZbin. Even better than RJ and Park tool. No disrespect to those two channels. I can’t believe you got thumbs down votes. Locos. Keep up the good work. Instant subscribe.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it.

[@FlameDevily]

Great video, very clear to understand the mechanics of a biker/derailleur.

[@mattp7209]

Superb explanation- you are a natural teacher my friend!!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you Matt. I appreciate that.

[@martinjoneslivelife]

Thanks for the clear explanation. Not just the how to but the why! I ended up having to turn one screw about 3/4 and all was good. Wonderful.

[@BikeTeacher]

Soo cool, glad it helped, thanks for the comment.

[@thetruthissweet2847]

Regarding my previous reply, I found the problem. The front derailleur was factory set too high off of third ring. I lowered it and presto, it now shifts to first ring. Now I can sleep tonite. Take care.

[@silver_biscuit8161]

Thanks so much! I picked up my new bike and only after I'd got home realised it wouldn't shift into the big ring. Thanks to your video I was able to identify that I needed to adjust the high limit screw and easily sort the issue myself without taking the bike back to the shop. One difference with my bike was that screwing it in increased the limit while screwing it out decreased it, so initially I made it worse but quickly worked out to go the other way.

[@BikeTeacher]

Was this a Shimano, or electronic shifting, I have only seen that in the DI2 so far. Thanks

[@silver_biscuit8161]

@@BikeTeacher Shimano 105. It's a Cube Attain GTC Race 2020.

[@TheDuntman]

Thank you - that was really helpful - I've watched a lot of videos on this and yours was the most clear - great job!

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad it was helpful Paul!

[@sarahtomlins5523]

Thank you so so much. Just bought a second hand bike and it wouldn't shift up. This has saved me £££s not having to take it to get it looked at and fixing it myself. Thank you

[@BikeTeacher]

That’s what I like to hear. 💪🏽⚙️

[@761stTank]

Yes sir, this video empowered me! Your video was so easy to understand, I now can service the transmission of my bike. All videos are not created equal. I am now a subscriber of your channel! Thanks for making the video.

[@Briankaetz]

Very helpful to me as I bought a Schwinn Aluminum Comp 27.5 mountain bike at Walmart that was poorly put together and set up. The biggest problem was the front chain ring would not go from smallest chain ring to middle chain ring but it would go to the largest chain ring then down to middle chain ring. Been a while since I adjusted derailleur's on a bike and this was a big help. Took me some time and I had to start over from initial set up. The front derailleur wasn't even in the proper parallel position to the chainrings. Once I got that set up properly it was a matter of taking the slack out of the cable and fine tuning the cable tension. Then I noticed the rear derailleur was not shifting properly and had to fine tune that with cable tension, which took less time. Lots of stationary testing then a test ride and all seems good now.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thats great! test ride, test ride, test ride, I always say.

[@walpha2362]

Hi, very good information but my problem is going from big to middle. It doesn't stop in middle goes to small. What do I need to adjust?

[@BikeTeacher]

Hmm, mY be a shifter issue. Verify it is a 3 speed shifter. Some shimanos can switch between 2 and 3 chainrings.

[@walpha2362]

@@BikeTeacher normal operation is it can go from big to middle to small. I have bike on trainer, this just occurred where it is going from big to small, when I shift down.

[@konakoala7782]

That was a sweet explanation. Now I just need to put it into practice. Even if my abilities aren't up to it I feel like I learned something!

[@BikeTeacher]

Cool!! Getting the concept can go a long way. Thanks for the comment.

[@konakoala7782]

@@BikeTeacher You're so right about the concept thing! I'd watched other videos and it wasn't clicking. I'm dusting off my 20 year old Kona Nunu! Anyway thanks again. 🔧

[@ChereAthey]

I fixed my own derailleur today thanks to you. Much obliged!

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome Chere, happy to help.

[@steveg4950]

Thanks so much for this. I’m wholly manually incompetent but with the clear instructions even I managed to fix this problem

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad it helped and for the feedback.

[@sapphire348]

I've watched a bunch of these and you explained it the best. Thank you

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks you so much.

[@redmasc]

Thank you for putting out this video. Understanding how derailleurs work helped me understand what the problem was on my bike. This video clearly explained a lot.

[@BikeTeacher]

Awesome. Thanks

[@darrelljernigan3241]

I agree with the positive comments regarding your troubleshooting methods. Well done video, and thank you.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you! I hope it helps. ⚙️🏁

[@thomaspagenkopf7066]

Very useful. Sorted out the slack on my front derailleur within minutes.

[@BikeTeacher]

Awesome!!

[@clarkadams1985]

Shifter was gummed up. Cleaned out with wd40, works good. Now I can use your very detailed tutorial.

[@BikeTeacher]

Awesome!

[@williamtyree3896]

Thank you so much for that. This video just saved me $120

[@BikeTeacher]

Oh nice!! Glad it worked.

[@ferccini]

best video so far! sufficiently and clearly explained thanks mate

[@BikeTeacher]

+Fernando Mendoza-Puccini Glad you liked it. I appreciate it!

[@rolandlemke65]

this video was perfect. I was finally able to understand what I was doing wrong and fixed my derailleur. THANKS

[@BikeTeacher]

You are welcome Roland!

[@ghertfrobe2026]

Great vid - simple, clear, and methodical... helped me while I was wrestling with a FD for over an hour...

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you glad it helped you.

[@karenrahilly4852]

hanks so much the gear cable had popped out and when i adjusted the back gears to the largest sprocket with a lot of force I was able to move it far enough to re attach it.. cheers

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad it helped

[@lastchance3552]

Thank you. Excellent video. No wasted time, great camera work and explanations.

[@imstillhereileft7530]

Wow , if I didn’t bother to troubleshoot myself by looking a you tube , I’ve would’ve spent 49 plus labor , good video

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you.

[@Edcabraltv]

Thank you man. Best front derailleur video. Peace ✌️

[@ruimessias1302]

Best of the best... simplicity of the complexity explained and well presented. Thanks mate for your time and going to subscrive all your videos. Cheers...

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks for the sub Laku!

[@mezaluna_loki]

Thank you! First time fixing a front derailleur and this video did the trick 🙌

[@BikeTeacher]

Awesome. Glad it helped.

[@SnappingTurtle444]

@@BikeTeacher Wassup Bike Teacher. Question: before tightening a loose frontderailer cable, do you do anything with the barrel adjuster 1st?

[@BikeTeacher]

@@SnappingTurtle444 Hi, sure, you can do this first or second. It doesn’t matter. Usually you set the barrel adjuster half in half out. Unless the derailleur is always wanting a lot of tension then you would turn it in all the way. You won’t find this out until you start working on it. Thanks

[@SnappingTurtle444]

@@BikeTeacher Great!!! Thank you @Bike Teacher. 🤝

[@sQuaTsiFieD]

Thank you! I just bought a used Trayl for very cheap. I knew it had couple issues and this will probably help the most relevant one of shifting out of big ring 1

[@BikeTeacher]

Great, let me know how it goes.

[@najamislam3960]

Just fixed my front derailleur. Thanks for a simplified explanation

[@BikeTeacher]

You're welcome, Najam!

[@kendoty8790]

Very well explained and easy to follow, thank you.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you Ken!

[@DougHinVA]

explained and shown well... he guides us thru how it works and the likely problem and then solution. What he did NOT mention is a point I saw in multiple vids: set the derailleur bottom about 2 mm above the largest sprocket gear teeth. The one shown is not that close nor mentioned.

[@obi1760]

Thank you so much ....was having problem shifting to the biggest one

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome, happy to help. ⚙️

[@llewbach77]

Fantastic video with clear instructions and break down of the gear change functions.

[@BikeTeacher]

Thank you!!

[@michaeledmondson4385]

Great video. Clear explanations with good close up shots.

[@BikeTeacher]

Glad it was helpful Micheal!

[@zeyshaanrafiq]

Exactly what I was looking for, so so well explained, demos and lace just brilliant, you sir would make a fine teacher!!

[@BikeTeacher]

Wow, thank you!

[@bhopindermahal6481]

Excellent fault finding video that told me exactly what I needed to know. Thank you.

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome ⚙️🏁

[@danman2070]

Thanks very much for explaining how to identify the high and low limit screw. I had them the wrong way around. Shimano gears, the high limit screw is closest to the frame. At least on my bike.

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome. They change location a lot. Sometimes its not very intuitive.

[@timcountryman961]

Thank you! This video was easy to follow and my front derailleur works as it should.

[@BikeTeacher]

Awesome Tim!!

[@Cesare951000]

Thank you bro, saving me some trouble to send my bike for tuning, many thanks!

[@BikeTeacher]

Your welcome Fred!

[@MichaelDiCicco]

What Todd L said. Thank you for making that so simple.

[@BikeTeacher]

Any time!

[@truebeliever5233]

Clear and concise, without being a dick trying to impress like others do in their vids. Can't wait to see if it works. Thank you so much for the help!

[@BikeTeacher]

Haha, thank you. That was great, funny and realistic feedback.

[@a.e.p.9818]

Thnk u so much. thnks to u I was able to fix the issue with my front derailed of my mountain bike. Keep doing and awesome job with this informative videos :)

[@BikeTeacher]

Happy to help!

[@NoPro1962]

Thanks man my situation was your opener with a loose cable it looked like yours exactly tightened it up hopefully that works.🍻🤜🏻

[@CmdrColstel]

Excellent video ! Clear, concise and informative. Thank You !!!

[@BikeTeacher]

Thanks you.