Fine tuning gear indexing

coyote101

Hi,

I'm going through the same procuedure with my DH bike as I always have done with xc bikes to index the gears. I wind the knob by the shifter all the way in, set the higher and lower limits so they don't chatter, then tighten the bolt to hold the cable, before winding out the knob by the shifter again to try and get good shifting.

I can't however, seem to get it right. When shifting up is perfect, shifting down won't go on the first click, when shifting down is perfect, gears jump on the way down. Can't seem to get it right both ways.

Any advice on this please?

Thanks!

jimothy78

Check for loose jockey wheels - if they're too free to move laterally (within the cage) it effectively reduces the distance moved with each shift - this can cause the effects you're describing.

If that's not it then just perservere and work in tiny increments with the barrel adjuster. Shimano's suggested method is to adjust the tension so that when in second gear, moving the shift lever far enough add tension to the cable (but not actually click up a notch) should result in chatter from the chain interfering with the third sprocket, but not actually shifting on to it. (Apologies for the poor paraphrasing - check the shimano techdocs page for the full indexing process)

cooldad

New cables.

coulddobetter

Start with barrel shifter 2 turns out in the first place . That's what Sram advise . I guess that way there's scope to loosen and tighten rear derailleur cable after clamping . If starting with it fully wound in you can only wind it out and increase tension .

Obviously ensure chain , sprockets etc are in good condition and lubed.

cooldad

99.980697399%* of indexing problems are due to cables.




*scientifically verified fact.

Chunkers1980

Mech on properly and a straight hanger obviously help too for the 1- what CD said