Tri Tech Support: How To Set Your Rear Derailleur

Want to eliminate sloppy, slow or imprecise shifting permanently? All it takes is a little practice to master setting your derailleur. Follow these easy steps to ensure quick and precise shifting.

Written by: Ian Buchanan

Step 1: Set The H Stop

The high “H” stop controls how far the derailleur can travel away from the wheel. With the cable unhooked, the chain should rest on the smallest gear.

1. Set the bike in a work stand or a trainer so you can pedal and shift while working.

2. Make sure the rear shift lever is set to the hardest gear, unhook the cable from the derailleur and screw the barrel adjuster all the way into the derailleur.

3. Pedal the bike. If the chain tries to jump into the second cog, turn the H stop screw counterclockwise in quarter-turn increments until it no longer skips. If the chain tries to jump off the smallest cog toward the frame, turn the H stop screw clockwise in quarter-turn increments until it turns smoothly.

4. Check the adjustment by pushing the derailleur up the cassette with your hand while turning the crank, then releasing the derailleur so it snaps back against the H stop screw. The chain should return to the smallest cog without over-shifting past the cassette.

FILED UNDER: Gear & Tech TAGS: Rear Derailleur / tech support