How To: Adjust Shimano Rear Derailleurs

In this short video, learn how to adjust a Shimano mechanical rear derailleur from Art's Cyclery pro bike mechanic, Daniel Slusser.

[jpete]

Derailleur adjustments always seemed to be a mystery to me. I followed this video step by step and I had my rear 10 speed Ultegra derailleur adjusted within 10 minutes. Excellent video.

[MrSpudweasel]

Have to say I'm impressed by the way this video has been shot. So many videos have blurry close-ups of sprockets against a murky background, and mechanics blocking the component they're working on by standing in front of it! In this tutorial, everything's clearly lit and shot (presumably in a small studio) - well done, must have cost a bit, but it's appreciated.

[markmcculloch]

Probably the most practical, clear and concise how to video I have ever watched.
Very well done.
Thanks so much !

[ToddDunning]

One of the best bike how-to vids out there. This would have taken 45 unbearable minutes if was done by most of the YouTubers you see.

[ralchianelli]

There are lots of videos showing this sort of adjustment, but the one is by far the best...best filmed (clear), best explained and most easily understood. Nice job!

[cameronsmith]

I recently had a $400 job done on my bike that included adjustment of derailleur. It was shifting perfectly until just a couple days later, after I'd dropped the bike on its right. It was a no-speed fall over landing on grass, but it was close to freezing, so the ground was hard. Now, I have clicking and in low cog, it shifts off into the spokes. Under normal conditions, I would simply not shift into low, but I'm training for a triathlon with a passenger, whom I tow in a trailer and I REALLY need that low gear to climb, so it's become an issue.

Thanks so much for this very informative and useful video. I have successfully adjusted the derailleur for smooth operation. Just back from a 25 mile ride towing a 50 pound trailer and 100 pounds of stone, and the bike was flawless.

[InDaBurbs]

this is excellent.  I'm a pretty good mechanic but have never completely understood all the screws and adjustments and have used trial and error to make adjustments. This completely demystifies the rear derailleur.  Very clear and concise.  Thanks

[exchaoordo]

Thanks! I never quite knew how to do this. Replaced a 7 speed shifter and had to dial it. This did the trick.

[wafflechatanddrone]

Thankyou Art. Setting these gears is close to finding the meaning of life.

[BC-bdkr]

I've gone back to this video more than once to adjust my derailleur. This video is excellent, professionally produced, easy to understand.

[PaliAha]

Till now I've felt EMASCULATED not knowing how to adjust my derailleur.
You've given me BALLS.

[NathanYoungLibrary]

This is probably the most thorough video I've seen so far (out of about 12) and it really helped me understand each component of the derailleur system, what will happen when I adjust them, and what I'm shooting for. That smooth shift is going to feel great, I can tell.

[azmike]

I know this is way after the fact but it still remains completely relevant in this day & age! Thanks bud!

[WN-ffqb]

Thanks for the concise and clear video! I'm getting back to riding after a 13 year knee problem hiatus, and I'd simply forgotten how to do all of the basic bike adjustments.

[edinfific]

Nice video, done professionally, focused right, lit right, clean room without disturbing and unnecessary stuff laying around to draw attention away from the subject at hand. Nicely shown and explained. Great job! Thank you!

[cliffmathison]

I hadn't messed with Derailleur in decades, but have been extremely successful finding tips & insights on YouTube, so finding this video was perfect timing.
Followed steps, especially helpful was the hard stop settings for high/Low gear, after that, worked like a breeze.
Thank you,

[seamusxrayb]

My derailleur was way off in every aspect with skipping, grinding, etc. I couldn't find anything clear on the shimano ultegra except your video. It was spot on just following your procedural order. 15 minutes and my bike is smoother than a trip to the local bike shop and free. Thank you so much for posting this video!

[bajawalla]

Best vid I've seen on this topic compared to many others on YT. Don't waste your time, this is the only one you need. Thanks Art!

[nayeemrahman]

probably the most detailed and easiest video tutorial for rear derailleur tuning....thanks ART'S CYCLERY.

[Wallstreetavarice]

There are more complex and in depth videos, but if you just want to get your shifting smooth without doing a deep dive, this video is fantastic and succinct!