How to Shift Adjustments on a Double Chain Ring

Many racing road bicycles have two chain rings. Chain rings are the large toothed rings that surround the pedal cranks off the right hand center of the bike. Shifting the chain rings is done through the left hand side shifter and the front derailleur. Adjusting the shifting during a ride is accomplished with a special dial that allows subtle changes to the chain rings, making for smoother shifts .

Instructions

    • 1

      Hop on the bike and head out for a ride. Ride on a relatively flat section of road to get the chain rings and front derailleur adjusted properly. Grip the handlebars so your hands are on the shifter levers on the drops of the bars.

    • 2

      Push the left-side shifter in toward the center of the handlebars one full push. Wait for the chain to move up one chain ring, from thew smallest to the largest. Listen for any scraping or grinding, which indicates the chain is not properly adjusted. Push the inside lever on the shifter (most modern road bicycles have integrated levers with an inner and outer lever). Push the inner lever once to click the chain down to the smaller ring.

    • 3

      Turn the black adjustment barrel on the outside of the shifter 1/4 turn clockwise. Continue pedaling and push the outer lever of the shifter one full push. Wait for the chain to shift back to the larger ring. Listen for scraping or grinding. If present, make another 1/4 turn adjustment.

    • 4

      Continue to make 1/4 turn adjustments until no scraping or grinding takes place. Once the grinding is eliminated, the shifters and double chain rings are adjusted and ready to go.