Stumped on a bike repair

I'm almost done refurbishing a bike for my son and am stumped on dealing with the front derailleur. I can't get it right. I've come really far without bringing it to a shop and now am hoping someone can help me over the finish line. I can bring it over or if anyone is willing, come check it out here. Watched youtube videos, read tutorials...I'm just missing some apparently crucial step. Thanks in advance for any help.


jaz761 said:
I'm almost done refurbishing a bike for my son and am stumped on dealing with the front derailleur. I can't get it right. I've come really far without bringing it to a shop and now am hoping someone can help me over the finish line. I can bring it over or if anyone is willing, come check it out here. Watched youtube videos, read tutorials...I'm just missing some apparently crucial step. Thanks in advance for any help.

 Can you give a description of the issue you're having with it? There's a few bike guys on the board. 


Sure. I changed from a drop bar to a riser bar. The old 105 shifter/brake levers were shot anyway. I got a rapidfire combo setup and also put on all new cables and housing. Brakes and rear derailleur work well but I can't get the indexing on the front shifter to line up with where the derailleur is on the chainrings. I think I might not be starting off with the correct amount of tension on the cable. I have done it and redone it so many times that the cable is starting to get a little frayed where it bolts in to derailleur so am hoping to cut my losses and get some help! Hopefully someone here can help, otherwise I may end up trying a shop somewhere. Would rather not leave the bike for what is likely a very simple fix that I'm just not getting right. 


jaz761 said:
Sure. I changed from a drop bar to a riser bar. The old 105 shifter/brake levers were shot anyway. I got a rapidfire combo setup and also put on all new cables and housing. Brakes and rear derailleur work well but I can't get the indexing on the front shifter to line up with where the derailleur is on the chainrings. I think I might not be starting off with the correct amount of tension on the cable. I have done it and redone it so many times that the cable is starting to get a little frayed where it bolts in to derailleur so am hoping to cut my losses and get some help! Hopefully someone here can help, otherwise I may end up trying a shop somewhere. Would rather not leave the bike for what is likely a very simple fix that I'm just not getting right. 

 When you say indexing, are you dropping off the bottom or the top of the front rings, or is the chain rubbing/skipping when it's on one of the rings?  


Couple of really good videos here for how to adjust a front derailleur if you haven't seen them:

Vid 1

Vid 2


If you've covered all those bases, you mentioned that you replaced the shifters.  Is it possible that your shifters are set up for a front chainring configuration that you don't have on the bike  i.e. bike has a double, the shifters are for a triple chain ring or vice versa?  

If all else fails, a good shop should be willing to do the job for very cheap(if not free), since you have all the parts, and a good mechanic if they have time would walk you through what they're doing.  


Thanks...those are good videos and different than the ones I watched. The shift lever is compatible with the derailleur. By indexing I meant that when the indicator on the shifter shows 1, the chain isn't on the correct cog. I think my issue is with initial cable tension so will start over there and see if I get anywhere.



Repair Cafe at Morrow Memorial Church, May 4, 2019 may have a bike repair person.  They have had one in the past.  Following is from the SOMA Two Towns For All Ages website:

  • Date: Saturday, May 4, 2019
  • Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Description: Back by popular demand - if you broke it, we'll try to fix it. Bring your beloved broken items to Morrow Memorial Church, 600 Ridgewood Rd in Maplewood, and our volunteer repair experts will do their best. Want to volunteer your skills? We'd love to have you join our team.
    for more info (973) 558-0863 or SOMA2towns@gmail.com

No charge for repairs.  Donations accepted.


jaz761 said:
Thanks...those are good videos and different than the ones I watched. The shift lever is compatible with the derailleur. By indexing I meant that when the indicator on the shifter shows 1, the chain isn't on the correct cog. I think my issue is with initial cable tension so will start over there and see if I get anywhere.


 It sounds like it could be your limit screws need some adjustment in order to allow the derailleur to shift all the way to the correct ring, but without being there it's hard to make a positive diagnosis.  You're certainly on the right path with the cable tension, since that can be the deciding factor in correct indexing in then end.  Good luck with the repair!



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