Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!

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2008-09-21 4:39 PM

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Subject: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!

I am normally able to handle any mechanical problems on my bikes.  I even work on friend's bikes.  But I HATE working on the rear derailleur.

Today I am at the tail end of a 50 mile ride when I feel my gears slipping in the upper ranges.  No problem, I think.  I only have another mile or so to go, and it probably is just the barrel that needs adjusting.  I finish the ride, come home, and pop the bike on the stand.  After cleaning everything and relubing, I check the shifting.  I can't get on the largest cog.  At all.  I try adjusting the limiting screw, removing and reinstalling the wheel, re-tightening the cable, even adjust the b-screw.  Nothing. Nada. No luck at all.

I know I can take it to the shop and they will fix it under my service plan, but I'm a guy.  It's like asking for directions.  I hate not being able to fix it myself!

2008-09-21 7:35 PM
in reply to: #1686945

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Subject: RE: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!
The larger cogs are just spacers and should never be used. Stay in the 11-13 range and you'll be fine.
2008-09-22 6:23 AM
in reply to: #1686945

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Subject: RE: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!
Did you lay the bike down or possibly bang it on a bike rack or in the truck bed? By your "location" it's a certainty you drive a pick up =)

You might have bent the hanger or knocked the frame out of alignment. RD's should come into spec with some minor adjustment if you follow shimano's instructions about installation to the letter. If I take shortcuts, I'll struggle. But if I do it step wise like the instructions say, very fwe problems.

Hope you haven't buggered the bike
2008-09-22 7:11 AM
in reply to: #1687141

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Subject: RE: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!
skavoovie - 2008-09-21 8:35 PM

The larger cogs are just spacers and should never be used. Stay in the 11-13 range and you'll be fine.

This post makes zero sense.

It could be your chain and/or cassette wearing out, and both should be replaced at the same time. Sadly, it happens more frequently with 9- and 10-speed drivetrains.
Have the LBS check them for wear.
2008-09-22 8:46 AM
in reply to: #1686945

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Subject: RE: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!

OK, I'm better now.  The problem, I think, was that for some reason when I put the wheel back on, I think I had it misaligned (twice - that what you get for trying to do bike repair work after riding a half century and drinking beer at the end).

I knew there was not a problem with wear, since the bike is only about 6 months old. I also knew it wasn't bent since my minor crash last weekend was on the non-derailleur side, and I don't drive a pick-up (I'm a non-native to the area, so it's OK).

Anyway, after taking a break and a rest, I was able to re-seat the rear wheel and make the screw adjustments so it works again.  Not shifting as fast as I would like, but I know it is back to where it was.  And I just need to do some barrel adjustments to get it shifting in between top and bottom gears.

Oh, and if I wanted to only use the smallest cogs, I'd have gotten a fixie.  Thanks anyway.Wink

2008-09-22 9:04 AM
in reply to: #1687553

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Subject: RE: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!
bcart1991 - 2008-09-22 7:11 AM
skavoovie - 2008-09-21 8:35 PM The larger cogs are just spacers and should never be used. Stay in the 11-13 range and you'll be fine.
This post makes zero sense. It could be your chain and/or cassette wearing out, and both should be replaced at the same time. Sadly, it happens more frequently with 9- and 10-speed drivetrains. Have the LBS check them for wear.
I think this was meant as sarcasm.  By saying stay in the 11-13 ring (the hardest to pedal) he was saying you are more manly.

2008-09-22 9:09 AM
in reply to: #1687772

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Subject: RE: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!
11-13 es muy macho!
2008-09-22 9:13 AM
in reply to: #1687772

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Slower Than You
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Subject: RE: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!
kproudfoot - 2008-09-22 10:04 AM
I think this was meant as sarcasm.  By saying stay in the 11-13 ring (the hardest to pedal) he was saying you are more manly.


That is playing with fire on a Monday.
2008-09-22 10:59 AM
in reply to: #1687772

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Subject: RE: Rear derailleurs are STUPID!!!!

kproudfoot - 2008-09-22 10:04 AM 

 By saying stay in the 11-13 ring (the hardest to pedal) he was saying you are more manly.

I already use the RealMan saddle from ShelBroCo.  Here's a blurb from their website:

"By contrast, the Real MAN ® saddle is made from solid granite from Canada's rugged Gaspé peninsula, shaped and smoothed by eons of pounding by powerful Atlantic breakers. The Real MAN ® saddle is tough enough to stand up to whatever you can dish out!"

And a picture:

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