Adjusting Gear Cables On A Bicycle
One of the most important parts of a bicycle is the gears. Gears help the rider to change the speed of the bike, making it easier or harder to pedal depending on the terrain. However, over time, gear cables can stretch or become misaligned, causing the gears to shift poorly or not at all. In this article, we will explain how to adjust gear cables on a bicycle to ensure smooth gear shifting.
Tools Needed
Before starting, you will need a few tools:
- Bicycle wrench
- Cable cutters
- Phillips head screwdriver
Step 1: Shift to the Smallest Chainring and Cog
Shift the bike to the smallest chainring and cog. This will create slack in the gear cable, making it easier to work with.
Step 2: Loosen the Cable Clamp Bolt
Locate the gear cable clamp bolt on the derailleur and use the bicycle wrench to loosen it. Do not remove the bolt completely, just loosen it enough to allow the cable to move.
Step 3: Adjust the Barrel Adjuster
Locate the barrel adjuster on the derailleur and turn it clockwise to tighten the cable or counterclockwise to loosen it. Make small adjustments until the gears shift smoothly.
Step 4: Test the Gears
Shift through all the gears to make sure they are shifting smoothly. If the gears are still not shifting smoothly, repeat steps 3 and 4 until the gears are adjusted properly.
Step 5: Trim the Cable
Once the gears are adjusted, use the cable cutters to trim the excess cable. Leave about 1-2 centimeters of cable beyond the bolt to ensure a secure fit.
Step 6: Tighten the Cable Clamp Bolt
Use the bicycle wrench to tighten the cable clamp bolt. Make sure it is tight enough to hold the cable in place, but not so tight that it damages the cable or the derailleur.
Step 7: Test the Gears Again
Shift through all the gears again to make sure they are still shifting smoothly. If they are not, repeat steps 3-6 until they are properly adjusted.
Conclusion
Adjusting gear cables on a bicycle is an important part of bike maintenance. Following these steps will ensure that your gears are properly aligned and shifting smoothly. Remember to always test the gears after making adjustments and to use caution when working with cables to avoid damaging them.