How to Adjust an Ultegra Rear Derailleur

Ultegra bicycle components are made for road bicycling use. Ultegra is made by Shimano. The Ultegra rear derailleur is mounted on the right-hand, rear-side of the bicycle frame and when engaged via the shifter, engages the chain across the gear cluster. Over time, the cable that connects the derailleur to the shifters stretches, requiring the need for an adjustment to ensure smooth shifting. The adjustment is done via the adjustment barrels and the two adjustment screws on the device.

Things You'll Need

  • 4mm hex wrench
  • Small Phillips screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Screws

    • 1

      Set the bicycle agist a wall or post. Look from behind the bicycle to see if the Ultegra derailleur is set against the rear wheel. The adjustment screws on the Ultegra rear derailleur are on the back end of the derailleur.

    • 2

      Screw the top attachment-screw in 1/4 turn increments clockwise using the hex wrench. Watch the position of the derailleur in relation to the last cog on the gear cluster. Turn the screw until the position of the derailleur blocks the view of the last cog when viewed from the back.

    • 3

      Turn the bottom screw in 1/4 turn increments clockwise, and lift the back of the bike and rotate the pedals. Shift the right hand handlebar shifter until the chain is at the next to last cog. Turn the bottom screw clockwise until the chain will not hit the last cog; then turn it back counterclockwise until the chain just goes into the last cog.

    Barrel Adjustments

    • 4

      Hop on the bicycle and begin pedaling. Shift the rear derailleur via the right hand handlebar shifter and feel for any missed or slow shifts between gears. Turn the black adjustment barrel on the inside end of the shifter in 1/4 turn increments clockwise.

    • 5

      Continue pedaling and moitoring the tension change the shifting as you rotate the barrel adjuster. Stop the adjustments when the shifting is to your liking.

    • 6

      Get off the bicycle, and locate again the barrel adjuster on the back of the rear derailleur. Turn it one 1/4 turn increment clockwise to tighten the rear end of the cable for smooth shifting.