Adjusting bike gears - in wrong positions

Tigerandahalf

I am trying to learn how to maintain my bike. Upto now I have been able to adjust gears but I don't have enough knowledge or a mechanical head to figure it out my current problem.
I have my shifter set to the smallest ring at the back but the chain is two rings up from that.
I see there is a barrel adjustor at the deraileur but also one up near the front end of the bike. Is there any difference?
I am also having issues with the front deraileur with the chain rubbing on the big chainring.
Which limit screw do I need to adjust?

One of my problems is that I don't have a bike stand and thus have the bike turned upside down which confuses the hell out of me when you are trying to follow instructions.

calistro

For the rear derailleur, loosen the gear cable and click the shifter at least 9 times to get it to the bottom position, also turn the barrell adjuster(on the derailleur) clockwise until it stops. Take up any slack in the cable and reconnect to the derailleur, from there you should be able to index your gears by clicking up with the shifter and using the barrel adjuster.

**all the above is assuming your derailleur is aligned properly etc and limit screws set right on rear derailleur**

Youtube is your friend here, plenty of 'How to' guides.

Tigerandahalf

The high and low limit screws - is the high limit screw for the biggest ring/sprocket?
As my chain won't go into the smallest sprocket now do I need to loosen the cable?
My mechanics should be fine as I haven't done a huge amount of cycling.

calistro

Have a look at this video, should cover most of your issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQncKmddahk

Tigerandahalf

Calistro

I did what you said and I have the problem sorted. Only gear that is squeaking a bit is when chain is in high ring in the front and big ring in the back but that is probably more to do with crosschain.

crosstownk

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Calistro

I did what you said and I have the problem sorted. Only gear that is squeaking a bit is when chain is in high ring in the front and big ring in the back but that is probably more to do with crosschain.

The 'squeak' is probably from the chain rubbing the inner side of the front derailleur. Don't use that combination - nor should you use the small x small combo. There are plenty of similar ratios available to avoid cross chaining.

Kinet1c

calistro wrote: »

Have a look at this video, should cover most of your issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQncKmddahk

Much appreciated for posting that, had been suffering for the past 2 months with skipping/slipping gears. Working perfect after about 5 minutes work.