Q&A for How to Adjust Bike Gears

Yes. "10 speed performance" implies your three-speed bike performs as well as a 10-speed.

Many things could be causing that. First you should make sure you are shifting properly. Do not shift while putting a lot of stress on the pedals, especially going up hill. You should only be lightly pedaling when shifting. You should also make sure you are not already in the highest gear and your chain is lubed. Lastly, if the bike still will not shift, you will need to index your shifting or bring it to a mechanic. A bent derailleur hanger, for example, can keep the bike from shifting properly.

Limit screws should not be used to keep a bike in a particular gear. As long as you're not shifting, and your gears are indexed properly, the bike will stay in the gear you set on it's own. If you want to make it impossible to shift below a particular gear ratio, you can change the cassette on your bike to one with a lower range, for which you'll also need to change your chain, or you can block out gears the way junior racers do. You can also convert your bike to single speed with the help of your local bike shop.

This most likely means your derailleur is bent. If you're not able to fix it yourself, you should take it to a bike shop to get it straightened.

The front is known as a derailer and on that derailer has two screws that you adjust high to change your lower chain gear up to the second ring and to the third. Never mind the rear it has no effect. You need to work on the front first find a good vacant road and ride and see if the front changes over and if not you need to unloosen the derailer screws. Its all trial and error. But eventually it will fall into place the way you want it.

You might have too much slack and the tour de force going down hill too fast due to the road vibrations and bumps shoots the chain off to the side. You need to tighten the chain by pulling on the back wheel by a strong guy and then you re-tighten the nuts on the rear wheel.

Do you leave your bike outdoors all of the day and all of the night? You probably have oxidized cable lines. Since cable doesn't rust, but the weather can have an effect on your cables though. Try 3in1 Oil down the cable shields and spray some WD-40 into the gear shifter. Try standing the bike straight up and drip the oil down thru the cable shields.

The derailleur in the rear needs adjustments in the rear side you will find L for Level and H for Height alignment for your gears to go below # 4 gear on the Cassette. Try also some lubrication through your cable derailleur 3-in-1 oil. You want it to slide smoothly and not rusty. Try to keep your mountain bike out of the weather. Bring it inside always, as it will last you longer in its age.

The front derailleur needs to be adjusted by the two screws and trial and error over and over eventually you'll hit the sweet spot and there you got it.

The rear derailleur has adjustment screws, one being L for Level and H for Height. Get a flathead screwdriver and turn slowly and observe closely and you will see the derailleur move the chain on a angle. Its very tricky and it will take some time to get the right touch to it and perform just right.

It is time for you to get your mountain bike a new derailleur for the front gears. Take your time to work out the changing gears and clicks from bottom low ring to middle to the top large ring.

When going uphill, the bike should be in a lower gear, allowing for less resistance and easier pedal strokes. When going uphill, make sure to continue to pedal quicker for less resistance and a lower gear, to avoid getting tired out.