Why your bicycle gears might be skipping and how to fix them
In short: When your gears skip, the culprit isn't always a broken component. It could be a bent derailleur hanger designed to fail, or even corroded cable housing. Learning to adjust your limit screws can prevent a dangerous mechanical failure while riding.
Mechanical issues in a bicycle drivetrain often stem from components that are working exactly as intended. The derailleur hanger, for instance, is engineered to bend under pressure to prevent the bicycle frame from cracking. If your gears are skipping, this part may have taken the hit. Other common culprits include a worn-out chain or old, corroded cable housing that prevents the derailleur from moving smoothly through its housing.
Adjusting the rear derailleur requires precision, specifically when managing the limit screws. These screws, often marked with 'H' for high gear and 'L' for low gear, act as physical boundaries. The high screw regulates the derailleur's position on the smallest, hardest gear, while the low screw prevents the chain from jumping into the spokes. Improper adjustment of the low screw is particularly hazardous, as it can force the derailleur into the spokes, potentially breaking them during a ride.
To begin the adjustment, shift the rear derailleur to its smallest gear and release the cable tension. Using a 5mm Allen key or a three-way Phillips head screwdriver, you can manipulate the high screw to ensure the derailleur sits straight above the cogs. You will feel resistance as the screw moves the mechanism. The goal is to find the balance where the derailleur is aligned with the cogs without being so loose that it shifts into the second gear or so tight that it pulls toward the frame.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Adjust Gears & Derailleurs | Bicycle Repair
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/society-how-to-adjust-gears-derailleurs-bicycle-repair.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Society · Latest · A–Z · All topics
