I thought I would give it a go.

[gavroche]

I have always been puzzled as how adjust the derailleur so I watched a few you tube videos on that subject this morning, took some notes and decided to give it a go on my Giant Claris derailleur. I made a complete cock up of it and now only 3 gears actually work. I think adjusting derailleur will remain a mystery to me and will take the bike to my lbs next week for a proper set up. At least, it helped pass the morning quickly, even if the air was blue at times, but as I was on my own no harm was done. By the way, I mix my swearing between French and English so as to keep a fair entente cordiale.

 

[Tin Pot]

Brilliant!

Hit something with a hammer, have a beer, give it an hour.

Then try again from scratch.

It took me about three goes, now I can do it even though I still don't know what was wrong the first two times.

 

[numbnuts]

Ah the “Black Art” of derailleur adjusting what could possibly go wrong...........it's very simple when you know how

 

[winjim]

Brilliant!

Hit something with a hammer, have a beer, give it an hour.

Then try again from scratch.

It took me about three goes, now I can do it even though I still don't know what was wrong the first two times.

As above. Loosen everything off and try again. Once it clicks in your brain it'll make sense and you'll always be able to do it. Top tip, turn the adjuster barrel in the direction you want the mech to move, that's how I remember it. And don't forget the B screw.

Maybe use the opportunity to learn a few words of a third language?

 

[ianrauk]

This is the best video explaining the dark arts of rear derailleur adjustment

 

[broady]

Front derailleurs are the worst, especially if they are a triple!
Rear becomes a lot easier

 

[Goggs]

Don't attempt to true your wheels.

 

[gavroche]

Right, watched yet another video on the subject and will have another go at this bl***dy derailleur! Swear box is on standby, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. Let's hope the air doesn't turn the same colour! Now, another cup of coffee and I'm ready to battle.

 

[Salty seadog]

Right, watched yet another video on the subject and will have another go at this bl***dy derailleur! Swear box is on standby, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. Let's hope the air doesn't turn the same colour! Now, another cup of coffee and I'm ready to battle.

As in Ians post above, by far the best video I,ve seen.

 

[ianrauk]

G'luck. See you on the other side.

 

[Jimidh]

I'm with you all the way on this - I've watched umpteen videos and it looks pretty straightforward.

All my attempts of adjusting the gears have ended up in the LBS.

Then again I'm cack handed and pretty useless at anything more than picture repairs.

 

[gavroche]

That's it, I spent most of the morning at it for no result. I shall leave it to the experts and be happy to pay for it. I am sure I have messed it all up now, that is front and rear derailleurs, so the lovely lady in my LBS will have a job on her hands!! I will break it to her very gently , with a big smile on my face to cushion the blow.