How a Front Derailleur Works

In order to service and fine-tune the front derailleur, we need to first understand how it works. This video will explain the function of each component that makes up the front derailleur system, including the cage, barrel adjuster, limit screws, and index shifter.

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Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our YouTube channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.

➤ More Derailleur Repair Help:

[NomoSapienss]

Park Tool company is the father I never had!

[iancourt]

He is the King of set up and humble..makes me want to do the job.

[timmothycopeland]

Mr. Jones, I hope you are still gainfully employed and greatly appreciated by those you work with or happily retired on a tropical island somewhere. I have found your videos to be quintessential over the past few months, repairing a poorly maintained bike (my own). What I knew about bikes was barely the minium: put air in the tires, don't ride with bare feet and stay upright. I have since removed and replaced both derailleurs (and learned how to spell derailleurs) and shifters, both brakes and levers, and all cables and housing. I finally learned what the maddness of the brake pad mounting nut spacers was all about and how to re-install them correctly with new pads and replace the chain. From what I can tell, this would have cost me upwards of $400 for a bike shop out here in California, and $100-200 more if I had to ship it. I'm sure I speak for many people when I say how much you and Park Tool have been a great help to me, saved me a boat-load of money and kept me from having to walk all over God's green earth. So Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

[sandrost]

This guy would give me the confidence to do open heart surgery following his directions.

[sunshinealley]

these videos are so high in quality and education. a big thanks to everyone involved in making these videos.

[el_carbonara]

another reason I have purchased park tools is because of these videos, gives me more confidence to believe I can tackle these jobs myself.

[hsashwinishankar]

I love the way how well this articulated and very detailed. Covers every inch of what is needed to know; no minute details skipped.

[stagevtec]

I'm new to cycling and just purchased a mountain bike. The front derailleur is not shifting properly and I decided to look online for help before attempting to adjust it. I am happy I came across this tutorial, it does an excellent job at explaining how everything works. As someone else had mentioned, the visuals really do help a lot in making this easy to understand. Thanks for the vids!

[Habibulla.M]

I fixed my son's 18 gear cycle just by seeing and understanding your video .. 🎉🎉So easily demonstrated...Thanks...

[musamor]

Thanks so much for sharing your encyclopaedic knowledge of bike mechanics, and with such a clear language. I have two beauties : a French steel frame racer of the early seventies, and a gorgeous Raleigh Record Ace (nearly all Campy equipped) of 1979/81. I cherish them both, and thanks to you, I'll be taking a greater interest in the general mechanics of these treasures. I will continue to enjoy your informative videos. All the best from Paris, France

[redjr]

Very clear and thorough explanation. The graphics and the slow motion are so helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[rvrgrl]

Finally learning how to adjust my own bike. These videos are amazing. They make everything so clear and unintimidating. Calvin, you're awesome!

[georgerudenko]

You have the Best videos about how bikes work on YouTube. Thank a lot.

[IGotsBadFeeling]

I love the visualization on these video's. It makes everything so easy to understand.

[ohdehhan]

This guy is the best on YouTube. Really informative, no crap, love it!

[Ben-hizq]

Nice and clear. The close-up of the limit screws is v helpful for a noob like me trying to understand!

[espenstevens]

Thank you park tool and thank you Calvin. You have saved me so much money and brought me so much happiness through your amazing videos

[dorphac]

Been riding a bike for over 30 years and never took the time to learn this information. Thank you!

[CattusPugnus]

Thank you very much for this video. I'm a very (read: VERY) amateur cyclist, who rides from necessity (though I have nothing against those who enjoy exercise), and while I like to think that I am an intelligent person, I don't know my bike mechanics/physics any better than the average person who doesn't ride a bike.

This has been a very helpful video. Doesn't assume any knowledge, but doesn't condescend at the same time... and I'm now that little bit closer to getting all 3 front derailleur gears to work. Cheers!

[mrvan]

After watching over 10 different videos, this is Most helpful video out there. Thank you🙏