Cycling Tips: Install Front Derailleur

On previous article we have learnt about how to install the rear derailleur on mountain bike, and now it's time to learn about how to install front derailleur. Maybe for some, front derailleur is not too important due to the riding style, but this maybe will helpful in another time. And we need some tools as the preparation before install the front derailleur.

The main tools to install front derailleur (and rear derailleur, actually) is the hexagonal key with 5 mm size, and also the screwdriver to adjust the setting. The hexagonal key will be used to release the derailleur from its mounting bolt. Special cutter for wire maybe will be used too.

To remove the front derailleur, the first thing to do is change the chain position into the smallest ring, then on the end of the cable, you have to pull on it and then remove the front derailleur cable. Then, you need to break up the chain; find the connector pin on it then use chain breaker.

Now it's time to install the new front derailleur; but give some grease on mounting bolt before apply it. Use your hands to make sure that the front derailleur have been placed properly, both the height and the angle. You must feel by yourself on this part, is the front derailleur has been placed properly or not. If the front derailleur have been placed properly, now adjust the tension on it using the screwdriver. Try various tension until you find it best, by trying to shift up and down. Finish.

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Bike Guide: Install the Rear Derailleur

The technology of mountain bike today becomes more complicated and complex, but as bike owner we have to learn about simple and basic things on having mountain bike; the derailleur. Derailleur system is one of the old technology, and have improved for certain scene of biking. Basically the derailleur on cross country bike is same as the derailleur on all mountain bike, so the knowledge about this part is very important.
On this first session of "Bike Guide", we will learn more about "how to install the rear derailleur." But some tools will be needed to install the rear derailleur, and we can assume that we all have basic tools for mountain bike.
The installation is simple but the complex thing is how to set up so the shifting and rear derailleur have good acceleration. This is important, because when the shifting system is not good, this will be problem if we want to climb but the rear derailleur have not in good response. Then, how to make it have good response? The step is we can preset the high limit (H) and then drift the shift wire back to the derailleur. Then find a bare stretch of cable and give it a good pull to make sure the cable is seated and has no slack. Then loosen the wire, pull it tight again and re-tighten it.

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