Mountain Bike Gear Cable Tension
Gear adjustment is only the understanding of how much basic control cable tension is required to allow one click at the shifter to equal one gear change.
Mountain bike gear cable tension. How to increase cable tension on mountain bike gears. The derailleur arm is moved inwards and outwards by the release or tensioning of a cable which is operated by a gear shifter normally located on the bicycle s handlebar. Ensure the cable is in place and tight and then we can get the limit screws set up. However an unhappy front derailleur needn t mean a trip to the bike shop just follow our tips.
Once that s done make sure the front derailleur is 3mm above the crankset. By tammie painter. No more no less. Paul schmidt owner of bikes and more in gainesville fla shows you how to adjust your bike s cables to keep your shifters running smoothly.
From the full faced helmet downhill mountain biker to the lycra clad cross country rider. Find the cross head screw towards the back of the derailleur marked h. Too much or too little cable tension and the derailleurs will over or under shift the chain per single click. With the gear cable disconnected gently pedal forwards until the chain drops onto the smallest sprocket.
Then undo the pinch bolt and remove the cable. Cut the inner cable only at the rear mech and undo the cable clamp to release the old cable end. If the screws are vertical. Before you start make sure the bike chain is in gear one on your front gears.
Shifting gears on a mountain bike. Sensitive to small changes in position and cable tension they can require frequent attention. For snappy and responsive shifting on the trail tighten loose gear cables. Feed the new inner cable into the shifter through the outer cable and into the rear mech.
The global mountain bike network is the best mtb youtube channel with videos for everyone who loves dirt. Make sure the cable is routed correctly pull it taught and clamp it. The importance of housing length is amplified on full suspension mountain bikes where the suspension action can commonly cause a change in cable tension if the housing length is insufficient.