[Richthornton]

I’ve got myself in a right pickle with my gearing. Last time I rode some of the cos were being missed or making lot of noise, so after doing a it of research and reading the installation manual (Shimano 105) I tinkered about with the barrel adjuster and limiting screws, noting seemed to get it quite right, often made it worse.
I got to the point where all the gears were engaging if a bit noisy and thought right, that’s it I’ll ride it. Then 10 miles in the highest gear starts trying to shift into the frame.
The bike is a couple of months and 600 miles old and kept in good order so I doubt it’s a problem with kinked cables or worn teeth etc.
Every time I adjust something, one problem is solved but another is created and I’m starting to tear my hair out.
Any advice, suggestions, or links gratefully received. I really think this is something that shouldn’t require a trip to the local bike shop.
Is it possible to perhaps ‘start again’, going back to the way it would have been supplied and start as though I was fitting it new, following the manual word for word? Should I remove the cable?
Thanks to anyone who can help as I’m really going round in circles now.

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[Roberj4]

or if the rear mech hanger is
or if the rear mech hanger is welded as part of the frame (not bolted on – just replace) you can use an adjustable spanner (remove rear mech)and very gently from behind the frame, align the hanger back. But the frame should be clamped in a work stand to do this.

[withnails]

A mechanic once advised me
A mechanic once advised me that if the chain and cogs are unworn then it’s always worth checking the derailleur hanger alignment; you’d be surprised how many hangers are out of alignment even when the frames are new. It’s very hard to do this accurately by eye. Unfortunately the alignment guides aren’t that cheap but Park do a great one and it acts as both a guide and tool to carefully bend the hanger back into alignment. It’s worked for me when I’ve had similar problems to the one you’ve described.

[Roberj4]

Best way to deal with the
Best way to deal with the rear mech/gear set up is to leave the chain on the smallest rear cog (leave the gear cable alone). While you rotate the chainset push the rear mech with your thumb up the cassette to first gear (using a little force initially trying to push the chain into the spokes!). While you do this look closely how the limiting screw stop the mechs movement (into the spokes) and adjust the screw stopping this with a quarter turn as required, let go allowing the chain to roll back down towards the frame. If the chain moves off the smallest cog onto the frame adjust the other limiting screw with a quarter turns. Once you’re happy (both directions) push the chain up the cassette with your thumb and let go repeating 2-5 times, the chain should never move off the cassette in either direction and be noise free.
Rear mech gear cable should be stretched after 600 miles. Stand behind the back wheel see if the rear mech jockey wheels are aligned ok, the mech is not bent (should be ok on a new bike). Loosen the cable from the rear mech (don’t fully remove) turn the barrel adjust clockwise all the way in followed by 1 full 360 anti-clockwise to allow for some minor adjustment. Check the gear cable is seated correctly in the brake lever and is ‘clicked’ into 10th gear, chain remains on the smallest cassette sprocket. Pull the cable through and tighten to rear mech. All you now need to touch is the rear mech adjustment barrel (while you rotate the cranks) nothing else!! 180 degree turns on the barrel until the chain moves from 10th up to 9th sprocket followed by small turns until the chain rubs against the 8th sprocket you’ll be able to gauge this from the chain noise. Once this is initially set you can then use your gear level changing gear up and down the cassette making minimal adjustments (clockwise/anti-clockwise) through the barrel adjuster so the chain moves smoothly and quietly between each gear change. Some small barrel adjustment will be required but remember all the barrel adjuster is doing is altering gear cable tension and the adjustment is always done with the chain on the 10th, 9th, 8th cassette sprocket area. Google ‘Shimano tech docs’ for picture advice. Don’t forget to clean then oil your chain.

[Richthornton]

I totally agree Roberj4. Alas
I totally agree Roberj4. Alas I was taken in by fantastic prices and bought directly from the manufacturer. I have no doubt that they would sort it out if I took it in but I was hoping that with a bit of research I could avoid the 60mile round trip which it seems I have done.
In hindsight I will be buying my next bike from a LBS having already had to take it back for attention twice, but that’s a tale for another topic.

[Roberj4]

Being a few months old and if
Being a few months old and if all else fails. Give the bike a good wash and take it back to the shop for it’s ‘free’ (if it hasn’t had one)after sales service. Even if it’s had a service any descent bike shop should further assist you, see you right without further cost to you. Customer service is what this is all about. While it’s there the mechanic can show you how easy it is to maintain Shimano gearing which once settled in and looked after should never be a bother. If you’ve bought the bike online and having limited maintance knowledge the initial ‘bedding in’ period will cause you problems, we’ve all been there. Always buy bikes from a quality high street dealer to help you with maintance and warranty issues.

[Richthornton]

brilliant, thanks Gkam, it
brilliant, thanks Gkam, it actually does seem to be as easy as the video says. All appears to be sifting nicely now. I’ll have to wait til Sunday to give it a quick test run but the guy on the vid says if it works under no load, it’ll be fine under load. I have faith.

[Richthornton]

Wow, how simple is that?! I’m
Wow, how simple is that?! I’m just giving everything a good thorough clean, then I’m gonna copy him word for word, but I bet it won’t be that easy when I come to do it!

[Gkam84]

http://youtu.be/SkzvfCaIbyQ
H
http://youtu.be/SkzvfCaIbyQ

Hopefully that video will help you out. Thats what i used when i was stuck on adjusting someone’s gears after they buggered it all up and had tried to adjust the shifters without knowing that they were playing at 😉

[yourpaceormine]

I like to think I know my
I like to think I know my spannering, but there are times when it is all going a bit FUBARd I put everyhing back to factory settings, go and make a cup of tea then start all over again. Often the only way if it aint right and you are positive nothing is worn .

[Author]

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