Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon 3/24


Rear derailleur problem
#1
I have a new bike and suddenly I can't shift to the 3 largest sprockets on the cassette. When I do the the chain skips around a lot and won't catch. Is this something that can be adjusted with the low gear limit stop screw or do I have a bigger problem? I'm a bit hesitant to start attempting adjustments since I'm new at this.

  Reply
#2
This video might help: http://bikeride.com/adjust-front-derailer/

  Reply
#3
I'm not sure what part of the front derailer video will help with a problem on the cassette - not that I'm not positive that the front isn't the problem, just I'm not sure what adjustment would help.

  Reply
#4
My fault, I completely mis-read your message. Here's the video for rear derailleur adjustments: http://bikeride.com/adjust-rear-derailleur/

  Reply
#5
I was recently biking and I shifted from second gear to first and my rear derailleur caught my spokes and snapped right off. The bike is a Mongoose and the derailleur is a Shimano Altus.
I need to know what replacement I can buy and how to install it.

  Reply
#6
First question: How did the derailleur catch your spokes? Perhaps the first question on how to solve this. Did it get bent somehow? You'll want to determine how this happened before you replace anything, so it doesn't repeat itself with your replacement.
As for the replacement, the first thing that will be useful is the model #. You should find that somewhere on the main body of the rear derailleur ("Shimano Altus" isn't too useful, honestly). As for what to replace it with, generally you should be okay as long as it is replaced with a similar derailleur, especially the same bracket since it will need to fit on your frame.
Derailleur removal instructions (this would be easier with a picture of the rear of your bike to be specific, so these are very generic):<br />
1) Remove the chain from the bike and unloop it from the derailleur parts. Video tutors are on this site for that. You will want to double-check the chain as well to see whether it has been damaged or not (same goes for the spokes).
2) You will then likely need to remove the derailleur guard (if there is one).
3) Then remove the rear wheel, as it is likely the axle is put through some part of the bracket and the axle nut is tightened down onto the derailleur. A video tutor is on this site for that as well.
4) Disconnect the shifter cable from the derailleur.
5) Then you will find a bolt and nut through the derailleur bracket. Remove this and be careful to not pull on the bracket as you do, and collect all the parts (this will be useful at least to determine a good replacement). The derailleur and its bracket should come off.
Repeat the process in reverse to put the new one back on.

Why is it that they make adult bikes that'll generally work for 5'9" or above, yet when you pedal these same bikes they only work for someone who is 5'4" or so?
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
What tools have you bought recently?
Yesterday 06:57 PM
Santini fluted frame
Yesterday 06:47 PM
Expensive bikes with crappy wheels
Yesterday 10:15 AM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
03-27-2024 11:43 PM
2007 Trek Pilot S.P.A. 5.2
03-27-2024 07:06 PM
2010 Specialized Hardrock
03-26-2024 09:16 PM
1990 Specialized Rockhopper How to Fluff...
03-25-2024 07:05 PM
Thread busted on right pedal crank
03-24-2024 08:52 PM
Trek domane tyre
03-24-2024 05:48 PM
Modern rims crack at spoke holes
03-24-2024 05:32 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Painkiller
21 posts
no avatar 2. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 3. Jesper
15 posts
no avatar 4. GirishH
15 posts
no avatar 5. meamoantonio
15 posts