Bicycle Repair

Question
I can't switch any gears on my right side (the gears the deraiileur controls) i've tried messing around with the screws and fixing it myself but it didnt't work , i'm down to 3 gears now, so anything i can do to fix it !?

Answer
Jon,

This is a tough one to answer without actually seeing the derailleur.  For one thing the type of derailleur matters (Shimano, Campagnolo or SRAM) as does the model.  Assuming you have a basic Shimano model, if you have adjusted the limiter screws (two side-by-side screws on the rear derailleur) you have probably narrowed the amount the derailleur can swing from largest gear to smallest.  Take a look at the plastic beside the screws: Does it say "H" and "L"?  If it does, then here's how to fix the amount the derailleur swings (or "throw") from low to high gears.  Turning the L screw counterclockwise allows the derailleur to swing into a lower (bigger) gear on the back.  You should shift as close to gear 1 (the biggest) as you can and adjust the L screw until the chain only goes as far as gear 1.  If you adjust it too far, you can shift the chain into the spokes, and that is not good, so don't over adjust.

On the other side is the H screw.  That allows the chain to shift down onto the high (smaller) gears.  Turn that screw counterclockwise to allow the chain to shift away from the spokes.  Again, don't allow it to shift too far, because that could kick the chain off to the right, between the frame and the smallest gear, and that is not good, either.

The best answer, of course, is to take my advice while also determining the make and model of the derailleur and searching on the internet for an electronic copy of the owner's manual.  I am confident that Shimano, Campy and SRAM have gone electronic, rather than continuing to supply a manual with every component they sell.  So it's just a matter of being savvy enough to figure out where they keep the manuals on the website.  By this method, in the past year I have figured out how to replace a shock damper, puncture-proof a tubular tire and adjust a rear air spring.


Good luck, hope this helps.

Graeme