Q&A for How to Adjust a Front Bicycle Derailleur

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  • Question
    What do I do if my front gear isn't working?
    Ikaika Cox
    Bicycle Mechanic
    Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.
    Ikaika Cox
    Bicycle Mechanic
    Expert Answer
    First, you need to diagnose in what way your front shifter is not working. Cable tension and derailleur position are usually the culprits, and both can be adjusted relatively easily. Sometimes the cable and/or the housing is ruined and will need to be replaced. Also, a bent or broken front derailleur or shifter will require replacement.
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  • Question
    On a Falcon front derailleur, how do I best open the rails to go around the chain?
    Munko Jensen
    Community Answer
    You have to break a chain link and feed it through the cage to remove it. Then feed it to the proper cog.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Can I lower ride height on a mountain bike?
    Matt Gander
    Community Answer
    No, this is not possible. The seat height can be changed but not the height of the frame.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 4
  • Question
    I have three gears in front and when I change from 1st to 2nd it is changing but when I change from 2nd to 3rd it is not going. What can I do?
    Munko Jensen
    Community Answer
    It may be that your high limit screw it too tight and it is not letting the cage out a the way. try loosening it a bit.
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  • Question
    My cycle has three front gears, but I cannot shift them; the shifter moves, but not the derailer. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You have to adjust the derailleur cable so that when it shifts, it pulls that cage to the next cog.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How do I reset a Shimano front derailleurs?
    Munko Jensen
    Community Answer
    First, shift to the lowest gear and tighten the barrel adjusters. Then remove the screw clamp and let the cable loose.
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 3
  • Question
    When I shift the front derailleur, it starts to shift but the shifter springs back to the 1 position. What is causing this?
    Rudy Toth
    Community Answer
    You have to use a screw driver to adjust the two screws on the front derailleur. Either one lower than the other and\or one higher than the other lower. Ride on a pavement trail so you wont be bothered by traffic and you can adjust that part in peace.
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