How to adjust a road bike rear derailleur?

You've just fitted your rear derailleurOr are your gears unstable? It's time to adjust your derailleur.

Position the derailleur on the smallest sprocket, then release the derailleur cable
Adjust the low speed stop (screw H - High Speed) so that the derailleur pulley is perfectly aligned with the outer surface of the smallest sprocket.
Operate the derailleur by hand to bring it into line with the largest sprocket, in order to set the derailleur's high stop (L - Low Speed) so that it cannot go any further than this sprocket.
Release the derailleur, then turn the cable tension knob all the way in before unscrewing it by 2 turns.
Replace the derailleur cable, tensioning it slightly with the flat pliers.
Place the transmission on the smallest chainring and the largest sprocket.
Adjust the windup screw so as to obtain the distance between the pinion and the derailleur pulley recommended by the manufacturer (generally 5/6 mm).
Finalize the adjustment with the cable tension knob until you obtain the best possible gearshift smoothness. If the gear doesn't go up, there's not enough tension; if it doesn't go down, there's too much.
Probikeshop tip: To facilitate final adjustment, lubricate your transmission.

The derailleur is now set. After a first ride, you may need to adjust the final setting with the knob.

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Road - Rear Derailleurs

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