How to adjust your bike gears

Having a few key skills and the right multi-tool could save your bike tour from a premature end, so we spoke to Adrian at Terry White’s bike shop to show us how to get it done.

With use, the cables can stretch and will need some fine adjustment to keep the gears running smoothly. The chain can jump and snap because of badly adjusted derailleurs.

1. High and Low limit screws on both derailleurs are marked with an ‘H’ and ‘L’. A quarter-turn on either of these screws will adjust the transition of the gears.
2. It may be necessary to tension the cables using an allen key. On the rear derailleur, turn the key anti-clockwise with a 5mm allen key.
3. Check the ‘e screw’ this lifts the mechanism on the rear derailleur. Turn the pedals and run through the gear levers to check the transition.

Servicing…

Have your bike serviced every 200-300 miles. It should run quietly and smoothly, so if it develops grinding sounds, the gears jump or you can’t attain top gear, your bike needs attention.

More like this

• How to change a bike chain
• All aboard the Coast to Coast
• How to replace a bike chain

More stuff that you might find interesting

• 5 ways to keep busy this June
• Scott MTB Marathon series kicks off this weekend
• New kit we like: Do it yourself cycle lanes
• Cycle to the Cinema kicks off 2014 programme
• All aboard the Coast to Coast
• CYCLE OR HIKE OPTION FOR GREAT WALL OF CHINA CHALLENGE
• Team OAG bikes, runs and kayaks Coast2Coast Scotland adventure race 2013
• C2C Scotland gear guide and advice
• 48 hours in North Norfolk
• Alternative Olympics