My shifting is driving my nuts, with gears slipping especially on uphills and when peddling hard. I have tried repeatedly to adjust the barrel adjuster, both tightening and loosening it in small increments. I still can't seem to find the right setting. Does anybody know any tricks or tips to help me get the cable tension right? I want my bike running its best for this weekend's HIM. Thanks.
Getting the gears shifting correctly seems like pure luck to me. I just keep twisting the cable tension thingy and turning the limit screws (quarter of a turn at a time) until either the gears work, or I get too frustrated with it. At which point I take it to my LBS.
I don`t think the cable tension has anything to do with it. Turning the barrel adjuster does change the position of the derailler so that the chain alignes with the cog. The problem might be that the derailler is slightly bent or your chain and /or cassette is worn. How many miles do you have on your chain and cassette. I was told by my LBS that a typical 9 speed chain lasts about 2000 to 3000 miles.
tridantri Don't play with the limit screws thoses keep the chain from dropping off the smallest and largest cogs.