My bike has problem changing gear. If I try to change the one with the smaller number of gears (ie the one where you go up 6 at a time), it makes a noise like its trying to change but doesnt quite get there.

To fix this I assume I just need to tighten or loosen or fiddle with some screws. Any tips ?

Lots of tips here http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

Its cable tension.  If you are trying to change into an easier gear, try twisting the barrel adjuster on either the shifter or the dérailleur.

fiddly as f**k it is. I know it should be easy but Ive spent a good hour so far on my bike trying to get it right. Seems I end up making it jam going up, or down, but never "just right".

Quote from: soopahflyIts cable tension.  If you are trying to change into an easier gear, try twisting the barrel adjuster on either the shifter or the dérailleur.

Lol is that English ?

Dont use the screws basically.  That defines where the rear "cogs" are.  Adjust them, and youll end up with a chain in your spokes.

If its the rear mech...



Adjust that to make the cable slightly tighter.  If when you shift it goes too far, slacken it off.

Ok finally had time to go and do this. I tried that adjusting barrel on the back. If I go all anti clockwise then it will change from low to medium. If I go anywhere else it stays only in medium.

I can see the gear moving when I press the button so its trying to put the gears into the right place.

Its the front larger gear cog in case I didnt make this clear.

If its a reasonably new bike, or only ridden infrequently...and was working fine before, its the cable tension.

On the front chainset, look at where the cable is attatched.  

Make sure the bike is in the bottom cog, and undo the bolt.  Pull the cable taught, and tighten the bolt again.  Dont swing on it though!

Its always been a bit dodgy but I used to be able to get in by fiddling up and down while riding.

I left it in storage for 6 months until I moved to Iowa and since I went out on it again it doesnt do it.

Ill go see if I can figure out what you mean.

Seems tight but before I fiddle do I undo this bolt here with an allen key then pull cable tight and try again ?

Would the cable stop it going onto the cogs because it does mean the actual mechanism.

Arent there usually fine adjusters on the gear bits that are more accessible? On my bike the bit where the cable goes into the gear changer thingy on the handlebars has a screw thread so you can loosen or tighten it there, but only a little. However it seems to only need a little to make it go horribly wrong ><

Not normally Zpyder.  Most bikes only have a barrel adjuster on the rear shifter and mech.  Some obscure brands have it on the front.


Adjusting the stops on the front can be done, but you dont normally need to unless it wont go into top or bottom cogs, or it drops off.

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75

So what on earth have I been twiddling then?!?! :S


Using the above image (its not the same but close enough) - I can twist the bit on the far right so it goes in or out by a few mm (its screwthreaded), which effects how much the gear changer thingymajig moves across?

Im a bit out the loop with this new SLX/SAINT/SHADOW stuff.

There isnt any adjusters on my XTs, and havent been for many a year.