Help with Mountain Bike
 

Hello

I received a mountain bike a little while ago (Raleigh Diamondback Peak (I know I know, sorry)), something went wrong and I took it back. (CostCo are great for that)

Anyway, the new replacement the gears at the front do not shift properly. Having spent a little while faffing about with 'H' and 'L' screws I still can't get them to shift correctly. Am I just being a muppet and I should spend a bit more time or is it possible there is a fault?

Steve

Front derailleur adjustment can be challenging. Try here for advice. H and L limit only the maximum movement of the mechanism - you also need to consider the adjustment i.e. tension of the shift cable.

Boxst - I have to admit that it's a bitch to get the gears just right - even when you know bikes pretty well. You have to be methodical and have plenty of patience.
Sometimes it's best to get a shop to do it - they are probably "out" because the cable has stretched a bit. You could try loosening the hex screw at the end of the cable and then pulling it through a bit more then tightening it up. Do it bit by bit (pull about 2mm through at a time).

You will probably find the cable has just stretched, most shifters have an adjustment on them, try turning it anticlockwise (i.e. out) this should compensate for the stretch in the cable. If there isnt an adjustment follow Matt's suggestion.

Arg, that sounds painful.

Roughly how much for a bike shop to do it for me?

Thanks,

Steve

Boxst - if they charge more than a fiver, then they are having a laugh.

Search youtube for leonardmlee

His instruction video's are easy to follow.

Good site for advice here too: Park Tool Website

It's not actually as hard as it seems, you need a bit of patience, and idealy to be able to support the bike so you can turn the pedals forwards while adjusting/changing gear.

Upside down is not ideal as it's often hard to get to the gear levers....