How to adjust the gears on your bike

Problem: Gears won't shift up or down perfectly with one click

Solution: This is most commonly caused by stretched gear cables and you will need to re-index your gears. The second video in this article explains how.

Problem: Gears are well indexed but the chain keeps dropping off of either end of the cassette or chainrings

Solution: This is most commonly caused by poorly set up derailleur limits and these will require adjusting. See the third video for an explanation on how.

Problem: My rear gears are properly indexed, but the chain shifts too far in one direction

Solution: If the chain won't run to the bottom of the cassette and shifts over the big cog into the spokes (or vice-versa), it sounds like a bent rear hanger needs straightening or replacing. If you've been in a crash or damaged the bike somehow, this is the likely cause. The final video below explains how to do this.

Problem: Down-shifting is fine but upshifting is sticky or slow

Solution: When were your cables last replaced? Dirty cables and housing can cause slow or inaccurate shifting. 

Problem: Chain slipping, jumping and generally misbehaving

Solution: Inspect your cassette, chain and chainrings for wear. Can you see a pointy shark-fin-like profile on your cog teeth or chainrings? We're sorry to say, but that sounds like you may need to replace your chain, cassette and chainrings.

Indexing your gears

If the gears on your bike are properly indexed, each click of the shifter will cause a single shift up or down the gears, front or rear. If you find you’re skipping a gear or that your shifting is getting stuck, then there’s a good chance you need to adjust your indexing.

Indexing problems can be caused by cable stretch, which is a normal part of the bedding-in process for new bikes or cables.

Check that a bent or damaged rear derailleur isn't to blame first. If it's all good, here's how to index or re-index your gears.

Biyclce factory :www.oceanbicycle.com