How to Improve Your Bike's Shifting Performance
As your bike gets older, shifting performance can deteriorate. Here are some steps to help restore your bike to its old shifting glory.
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Instructions
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Maintain a clean drivetrain. See "How to Maintain a Clean and Efficient Bike Drivetrain," under Related eHows.
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Replace your chain at least every 2,000 miles. If your cassette or freewheel is worn, you may need to replace it as well.
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Make sure that your shift cables and shifter housing are in good condition. The cables should be cleaned and lubricated from time to time. If they are a few years old, they may need to be replaced.
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Lubricate the pivots of your front and rear derailleur with a light, penetrating lubricant from time to time. Wipe off excess grease.
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Fine-tune your index shifting using the barrel adjuster. See "How to Fine-Tune a Bike's Rear Index Shifting," under Related eHows
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Ask your local bike shop about upgrading you cables and cable housing. There are now several types to choose from.
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Have a bike shop check the alignment of your rear derailleur hanger if you have crashed or dropped the bike on its right side recently.
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Replace your front chain rings if they are worn.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are unsure of your repair or adjustment skills, you may want to have a qualified bicycle mechanic do the work.
