How to Adjust a Shimano SLX Shadow

The SLX Shadow is a high-performance rear derailleur made for multi-speed bicycles by part manufacturer, Shimano. Properly tuned, the derailleur smoothly and quickly shifts the drive chain up or down the rear gear sprocket. Three screws on the derailleur adjust the position of the derailleur to the chain itself and the high gear and low gear limits. Adjusted correctly, these settings prevent the chain from coming off the sprocket or from rubbing on the derailleur. The task of making these adjustments is relatively simple and usually takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle stand
  • Phillips screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the bike in the bicycle stand.

    • 2

      Turn the pedals and shift the SLX Shadow derailleur to the high gear sprocket. Check the space between the sprocket and the guide pulley on the derailleur.

    • 3

      Turn the B-tension adjusting screw clockwise, if the pulley is too close to the sprocket. Turn the screw counterclockwise, if too far from the sprocket.

    • 4

      Turn the pedals and shift the SLX Shadow derailleur to the high gear sprocket so that there is no tension on the gear shift cable. If necessary, loosen the cable adjuster.

    • 5

      Turn the pedals and watch the chain turn on the high gear sprocket. Turn the high gear adjustment screw clockwise, if the chain appears to be coming off the sprocket. Turn the screw counterclockwise if the chain rubs on the adjacent sprocket.

    • 6

      Re-tighten the cable adjuster to place tension on the shift cable.

    • 7

      Turn the pedals and shift the SLX Shadow derailleur to the low gear sprocket.

    • 8

      Turn the pedals and watch the chain turn on the low gear sprocket. Turn the low gear adjustment screw clockwise, if the chain appears to be coming off the sprocket. Turn the screw counterclockwise if the chain rubs on the next lower sprocket.

    • 9

      Turn the pedals and shift the derailleur down, then up then down again watching how the chain rides on each sprocket. Tighten the cable adjuster, if the chain rubs on the adjacent sprockets. Loosen the adjuster if the chain wants to drop to the next smaller sprocket.