Tips and links for setting up groupset on a new build?

[frogracer]

Hi all, apologies for n00b (and possible non-retro) content...

I have got to the point with my build that I am ready to adjust the gears etc properly, but I'm a bit lost as to where to begin:

1. I am concerned that the chain is too long, and the rear mech cage (long cage) isn't right. The mech cage lays back a long way and the chain is slack.

2. How do I set the cables to begin with? Do they need to be tight, and if so where do the mechs sit when the cables are tensioned?

3. Is there a set of base positions I need to start from (chain on middle ring etc) to get the right sort of ballpark?


For info, it is a 9-speed cassette, XT mechs, Middleburn RS7 cranks and 9-speed compatible rings. Chain is HG93 narrow 9-speed.

Frame is a Sintesi, FS.

I tried Goooogle but got 84 trillion results

 

[development_cycle]

Good set of questions. Never be afraid to ask these, else risk a bike that isn't set up prperly.

I would say that you should start with chain length and go from there before setting up any cables and adjusting mechs.

I was about to post a thread asking how to work out correct chain length anyway, so I'll sit back and see what replies you get to this.

 

[cchris2lou]

correct chain lengh for me is :

put chain on biggest cog and on big ring without the chain going through the mech , and add one inch ( one full link ) .

once that is done adjust the min and max srews on rear mech so that they match small and large cog respectively . then put chifter in small cog position , and tightne the cable on the mech .

for best results , see Sheldon brown web site .

 

[clockworkgazz]

Mr S Brown is indeed a great online referance however if you are in the shed/garage/garden a book is so much easier. I have the mountain bike maintance book

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zinn-Art-Mounta ... 1884737994

And it has been about the best bike related thing I have ever bought, this will take you throu' all the chainset setting up clearly and with loads of diagrams

 

[stew-b]

this is how i set my chain length on big-big-

 

[frogracer]

Hmmm, in that case I think my chain is too long...

I'll do some more reading, but I didn't want to begin from a point that was wrong to start with. If you see what I mean.

I found some Youtube videos too:

Gear adjustment

Rear mech adjustment

Front mech adjustment

Another rear mech/ setup video

 

[csd_19]

Another way to work out the proper chain link was to put it in big-front and smallest-rear, and the jockey wheels on the mech should sit inline vertically.

At least that's how I've done it since BITD!

 

[stew-b]

it must be able to cope with big big though incase you shift into that combo by accident.

 

[REKIBorter]

Big rear and big front without going through the jockey wheels plus add 2 links.