How to tune your derailleur with basic tools (for beginners)

If you're new to working on bicycles, and want to troubleshoot a shifting issue, you likely will be short a few tools. Here's how to diagnose most shifting issues on a rear derailleur with just basic tools you already own.

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[sirus_blue]

I started watching u when i was 7 and because u taught me nearly everything I know i have a better chance of getting my dream job (bike mechanic) when i was 12 i got a apprenticeship and it's all cause of u thank u

[amazinf]

Hey Seth, I’m a home mechanic bike flipper that’s started about a year ago. I came to know you very early on in the journey and you helped me a ton. Not only did you introduce me to more services, but you also taught me about trails and events and parts. I just wanted to thank you because without your videos, I don’t think I would be anywhere near where I am today.

[bkmontgomery]

I’ve watched a ton of YouTube and read several books on bike maintenance and I really appreciate the simple approach you took here. I’m sure plenty of others will too 👍 Well done.

[churchkidpod]

Please do more videos like this! Suspension setup, mysterious creaks, brake bleeds, etc — all would be valuable additions to such a series!

Your super-accessible approach to bike maintenance and repair is just what “a friend” needs! And I’m sure I’m not the only one who has such “a friend”. 😉

[vickiignaszak]

As much as I love and appreciate the park tool video tutorials, I've watched their video on derailer adjustment countless times and for some reason it might as well be in a foreign language to me because I get lost and confused about what each adjustment does. You managed to explain it in a way where I no longer feel afraid to touch my derailer and try to fine tune my shifting. Thanks Seth!

[AmPPuZ]

Seth you are incredibly good at explaining bike mechanics. Other videos often assume you already know a bunch and skip many explaining steps, leaving the viewer lost and confused.

[milesnathanharmony]

I wish this tutorial existed seven years ago. This is the best explanation of derailleur adjustments that would have saved me hours apon hours of self learning headache and heartache.

[gloamingtime]

Big fan of being entertained AND educated. I would love more of this kind of stuff for sure.

[sammcalilly]

best "how to tune your derailleur" video i've watched so far, while watching tons of youtube videos trying to learn how to fix a derailleur. loved the recap with the bike at the end, after you had shown us everything on the first bike. asking me questions, making me think!!! dunno if you intentionally followed the "i do, we do, you do" teaching model but it felt kinda like that

[Caterpillar]

The easiest derailleur tutorial to understand on all youtube! Everything is crystal clear. Thank you Seth!

[andrew_gardner]

Lots of "entry level" MTBs still come with 2x, or even 3x, drivetrains. Could you make another video like this for front derailleur troubleshooting to help those people? This is great info for those that aren't very mechanically inclined!

[tannerbittinger]

As a college student who doesn't get to spend a lot of time riding my Trek full suspension like it's actually a trail bike, I really appreciate this. Thank you Seth, with this video college kids like me can avoid a trip to a bike shop (and an unfortunate amount of money down the drain) just enough to keep commuting until I can go out on trails again. Your videos are 100% of the reason why I still love learning about bikes and riding as much as I can!

[MichaelRei]

I think its great that you are so inviting to all potential mountain bikers! Some enthusiasts tend to be snobby like they are some special elite class. We should be welcoming to all and realize everyone has to start at the beginning some time!! Thanks for this informative video Seth!!

[stateofdecay]

No wonder how you can afford really expensive bikes aside of what you doing, your YouTube videos are just a simplification marvels 😁👍 I'm watching your videos recently and I'm gonna buy a mountain bike because of it, you just make everything so simple and so awesome that it's just pleasant, thank you 😁👍

[HARA_]

Ive only ridden and worked on bmx and dirt jump bikes so building an enduro bike and having to get a "real" drivetrain to work was a challenge indeed, Im glad I could go back to this for some tips

[Exstaz]

This is by far the best video. I struggled with some of the issue and this one explained the fixes so good. This is the only video you need.

[jammerb]

Had to subscribe. Just bought me a new bike since I'm now retired and want to learn to do my own work and be able to diagnose my problems and repair when they arise. You are fantastic and please keep it up for this rookie. P.S. Just purchased my first ever bike helmet, so now I just need to get over what I might look like out there. LOL TY

[walter.bellini]

First time watching your video I have learn a lot from this video, and you teach it in the way that I need to see it and hear it, now a subscriber

[dolittle]

Love it, clear, to the point, well organized, personable content creator, just the kind of instruction video that we can learn from.

[TheMogulman]

The process you described for adjusting the B tension is actually a great example of scientific method. Thanks for this video best description of how to adjust a derailleur I have seen.