How to Adjust the Front Cable on a Shimano Sora

Using a bicycle's gears translates into a more efficient use of energy. The Sora gear shifter relies on a derailleur to actuate each command. This derailleur, located above the front gears, moves the chain as directed to the appointed gear. Like a telephone line, a cable carries the command from the shifter to the derailleur. Proper tension of this cable plays a vital role in smooth, accurate shifting of gears.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Push the inside lever on the rear gear shifter all the way down. Turn the pedal crank clockwise to allow the chain to shift to the outside rear sprocket.

    • 2

      Push the front lever on the front Shimano Sora gear shifter all the way into the bike. Then, push the inside lever on the same shifter down one click. Move the pedal crank forward to allow the chain to shift to the middle front chainring.

    • 3

      Measure the gap between the front derailleur and chain. The derailleur sits just above the front chainrings and guides the chain between the chainrings. The derailleur consists of an inner and outer plate, with the chain passing between them. When measuring the gap between the derailleur and chain, measure from the inner plate. Check for a gap of 0.5 millimeters.

    • 4

      Turn the outer adjustment barrel in the proper direction to set the gap. To create a smaller gap, twist the barrel toward the bike. To create a larger gap, turn the barrel away from the bike.