How to Tune a Front Derailleur

A geared bicycle uses a closed system called the drive-train to change gears and propel the bike. Derailleurs are employed to trigger the chain shifts over the chain rings and cassette gears. The front derailleur is responsible for the shifts over the chain rings, the large toothed rings in the center of the bicycle and where the pedal cranks connect. Getting the front derailleur tuned is essential once the derailleur is attached to the bike.

Things You'll Need

  • Hex wrenches
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Bicycle grease
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shift the chain so it is on the smallest chain ring and the largest cog on the rear cassette. Look at the front derailleur from behind to see the two small adjustment screws.

    • 2

      Turn the top adjustment screw counterclockwise until the chain is less than 1/8-inch from the inside edge of the derailleur cage. Loosen the hex screw where the cable enters the derailleur. Pull up on the cable until it is tight. Turn the hex wrench on the screw clockwise to lock the cable into position.

    • 3

      Turn the set screw back so the chain is at least 1/8-inch away from the cage. Go up to the left-side shifter on the bicycle handlebars.

    • 4

      Turn the black adjustment barrel at the derailleur shifter clockwise in quarter-turn increments. Go for a ride and shift the left shifter to move the chain over the chain rings. Make quarter-turn adjustments until the chain moves over the chain rings without scraping the derailleur cage.