Adjusting Derailleurs

[Ricky Moore]

I have a 18 speed Mountain Bike (Outlaw USA) That's all I have on it. It has the SHIMANO SIS Deraileur.

Problem: When the Thumb Shifter is set to "Click" the chain keeps wanting to jump off the spocket (largest one) and go to the next lowest one.

This is with the front one one the middle sprocket.

If I don't use the "Click" setting and change the speed by just moving the Shifter it seems to work fine.

Is there a way to adjust the Click setting or do I replace the Shifter??

I also like to know more about the Name Brand for this bike!!! (any ideas)

I have sent a picture I hope it turns out!

[DaveM]

You should be able to adjust the click (index) shifting so it works better. See this: http://bikeride.com/adjust-rear-derailleur/

On the brand, it looks like one of the "department store" brands. This means that it was made by one of the big Chinese bike makers (probably Pacific). They make bikes for all kinds of companies and then throw the "brand name" on them for what ever seller it is. There isn't any "Outlaw Bikes" company. A Huffy by any other name...
Doesn't mean there is anything wrong with it. Just a good basic bike. Should work fine. Just don't start upgrading with expensive parts. You'll spend more trying to get better performance than if you just bought a new or used bike a couple steps up complete.

[JonB]

From what you say you have a problem with the front shifting?

Try adjusting the front derallier (http://bikeride.com/adjust-front-derailer/). Your description of the shifter is interesting. What sort of shifter is it (gripshift? trigger? something else?)? I can't make it out on the photo. This should sort out the problem, as it sounds like an issue with cable tension maybe (though I'm not 100% sure as your post seems slightly confusing, sorry).

[Ricky Moore]

I found the name of the bike..... It's a Huffy! The name was covered by some tape that I use to tape the cable for the computer (PamORam) I saw it as I was removing the bracket for the computer since it has stop working.

[Ricky Moore]

(11-20-2009, 09:57 AM)JonB Wrote:  From what you say you have a problem with the front shifting?

Try adjusting the front derallier (http://bikeride.com/adjust-front-derailer/). Your description of the shifter is interesting. What sort of shifter is it (gripshift? trigger? something else?)? I can't make it out on the photo. This should sort out the problem, as it sounds like an issue with cable tension maybe (though I'm not 100% sure as your post seems slightly confusing, sorry).

I called them Thumb shifters because I work them with my Thumbs. The shifter for the front has no "Clicks" it just moves from the 1st to 3rd speed. The Rear Shifter has another lever on it to set it to Click or not. When set to Click you move the Shifter until it clicks into the speed. When it is set not to click you work it like you work the Front Shifter.

Soon As I can I will post some close up of them so they stand out better.

(Just have to find my picture taker thingy!)

[DaveM]

I believe those are "thumb shifters", but it doesn't really matter much. What you're adjusting is the rear derailleur and cable tension.

I was actually joking about it being a Huffy, but there you go. I was right about it being made by Pacific Cycles which owns Huffy. What I didn't know is that Pacific is now owned by a Canadian comany, Doral. Cheap bike trivia. Regardless, made in China/Taiwan.

[Ricky Moore]

CHEAP? Did you just cut my bike down?????

OK, so it was cheap REALLY but to me it cost a lot of money compare to some of the others in the store that I didn't like. It has been a good bike and I use to ride it to and from work while I lived in Tenn.

I do have one big problem it seems the side with the chain won't stay tight and when I go to take off even in the Lowest gear the back wheel want to move and start rubbing the frame. I have to stop and re-adjust and tighten. I was told there was a nut on the inside that needed to be tighten to the frame as I tighten the outside. I saw that this is true on the side without the chain but not the side with the chain. There is a nut there that is about 3/4 inch long but it don't come out side of the cassette. It could be that it got out of adjustment while I was cleaning chain. Any ideas?

[Ricky Moore]

OK, Here is an update, I think the 3/4 inch nut I removed is what they refer to as a combo "Spacer" and "Locknut"

I have also found that this bike has Shimano SIS MF-HG20 Freewheel made in Singapore and it has 6 Speeds.

I do not see a Master Link in the chain. Should there be one or is this one of those you can remove any link with on of those chain tools????

[DaveM]

By "cheap". of course what I meant was "non-overpriced Euro-crap". Good solid bike.

The spacer/locknut from the axle needs to be on before you install the wheel. And tightening/loosening this can change the bearing adjustment. This does have to stick out a little past the end of the freewheel so the freewheel won't rub on the inside of the frame. You should look at the tutorial on rebuilding an axle.

Once the axle is complete, you shouldn't have to touch that to tighten the wheel in the frame. If the axle is spinning as you try to tighten the nuts on the outside, try getting the other side tight first. That will hold the axle from turning. But you don't turn the nuts on the inside when you're installing the wheel. If the wheel keeps coming loose, look at the threads on the axle, they may be stripped. If they look ok, it may be on the nut. Try a new nut.

Most chains don't have master links on this type of bike. You'll need a chain tool. Why are you taking it off?