Gear adjustment assitance

tank121
tank121 Posts: 201
edited September 2011 in MTB workshop & tech
I was out riding on Friday evening and during my way back the chain starting knocking against the dérailleur on the right hand side whilst in low gears.

How do I correct this ? I have no maintenance skills and don't mind admitting it.

Does anyone live close to me in Poynton (Stockport) who could offer some assistance please ?

I'm keen to hit the trail early evening tomorrow.

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    What exact front and rear cog combos did this happen in?
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    It's not the combination I'm not suppose to use!
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    But what combos? ;-)

    Is it rubbing where the chain exits the lower jockey wheel?
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    Hope these pics help, I'm not with the bike now.


    IMAG0394.jpg

    IMAG0395.jpg

    IMAG0397.jpg


    IMAG0399.jpg[/img]
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Ah, I assumed rear mech!

    Yeah, adjust as above, but a little rubbing in some combos often cannot be helped.
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    Gutted!

    I tried it myself and adjusted the limit screws but if anything I think I've made it worse!

    Does anyone live close to me who is keen to assist and to teach ?

    I can chuck a few quid in your direction if needed.

    I'm keen to learn and don't really to want to return it to the lbs and have it wait.

    I'm currently doing 3 - 4 rides a week to get my fitness levels up. Today was the first day I intended to go out but couldn't!

    Poynton, Stockport.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The Park Tools guide is really good. By low gears do you mean the hardest or easiest? Remember you will need to adjust cable tension too.
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    I'm just no good with practical things! This is a cry for help
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    You are going to need to do plenty more - bikes need routine maintenance, just changing cables you will probably have to fiddle with the indexing.
    Three choices
    Persevere
    Go on a basic maintenance course.
    Make your LBS rich.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    I don't want to feed the lbs pockets but want to get back
    On the bike ASAP.

    by following the park guide should I be able to fix it ?

    Can someone over see me ?
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    When you fiddled did you use Parktools or just randomly adjust scews?
    If randomly, use Parktools.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    I used Zinn and the art of mountain bike
    Maintenance dvd. Are there any better videos online. ?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Use the park guide! Is the best there is.
  • As above - Read the Park Tools guide!

    all you need is a small cross-head screwdriver
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    Is it worth buying the book or just use the website ?
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Just use the website.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Mine drives me mad. I've adjusted it two or three times now. And it's exactly the same as when I bought the bike - cak.

    It was great for about three days when I last adjusted it. But it just went back to the way it was. The cables are about 2 years old....not like they should be stretching...
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    Going to have another go at this on Wednesday evening before taking to the lbs on Thursday.

    Printing of the front derailleur guide from Park Tools

    Does anyone recomnned this book The Bike Book - Complete Bicycle Maintenance - Haynes ?

    I've looked at the Zinn Complete Mountain Bike Maintenance Guide but it's too big and too much text !
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Why bother? It's all on line. Parktools is excellent, and if you google youtube you will find videos and tutorials on just about everything.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Adjusting the front mech is as easy as it comes, don't buy a book for it, once you start doing it, how it works will be obvious to a blind man, just take your time and follow the guide exactly!

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    Well I had a go...

    Noticed the cage was a little low so undid the holding bolt and then the angle was wrong.

    To get the angle right disconnected the cable but then couldn't remember how to attach it again.

    I think I've also damaged the thread for the bolt that hold the cable.

    The end came of the cable that stops it from threading too.

    So I don't it could have gone any worse than it did!

    I had a go and ended up with a kick in the nuts that's life!

    lbs here I come on Thursay. I just want to get back on it.!

    Anyone know any good bike mechanic courses close to Stockport, South Cheshire ?
  • All part of the learning curve. Disheartening, especially if you don't have spares, but those bolts are easy to thread....I've done it a couple of times. I guess one thing that comes from experience is the amount of torque to apply without the use of a torque wrench...
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    All part of the learning curve. Disheartening, especially if you don't have spares, but those bolts are easy to thread....I've done it a couple of times. I guess one thing that comes from experience is the amount of torque to apply without the use of a torque wrench...
    You use a torque wrench on the cable bolt? Seriously?
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • tank121
    tank121 Posts: 201
    I used an Allen key on my multi tool as per some online videos
  • cooldad wrote:
    All part of the learning curve. Disheartening, especially if you don't have spares, but those bolts are easy to thread....I've done it a couple of times. I guess one thing that comes from experience is the amount of torque to apply without the use of a torque wrench...
    You use a torque wrench on the cable bolt? Seriously?

    Did I say anywhere in my post that I use a torque wrench? I've never owned a torque wrench, let alone used one.