CENTER FOR BICYCLE REPAIR
Set Up
Remove packs.
Steady the frame with wheels upright. If possible, hang bicycle from the saddle
Seating the wheels
With wheels on the ground: starting with the rear wheel, open quick release lever (QR) or thru axle (TA). With wheel loose, wiggle rim without unseating the wheel. Retighten the QR or TA.
With one wheel of the bicycle held off the ground: spin each wheel forwards. Listen for rubbing. Pump the brakes.
Check tire pressure
Squeeze tires, inflate if needed.
Inspect tires for trash.
Drop test, seat and bar check
In turns, lift the front wheel then the rear tire 4" above the road, let fall. Tap around the bicycle (kitty test) to identify loose bolts
Grab and twist seat and handlebar to test clamp tightness
Derailleur low limit check
With rear wheel in the air: pedal forward. Using "bottle opener" hand, push chain as far towards the center line as the lower limit allows.
Check for gap between derailleur cage and wheel spokes.
Tighten lower limit screw to increase the gap between cage and spokes.
Shifting Diagnostic
Observe
Chain position 1: resting position, furthest from center line.
Chain position 2: next to and inboard from 1.
Chain position 3: next to and inboard from 2.
Find the barrel adjuster along the rear shifter cable route. There is likely one attached to the derailleur where the derailleur and cable housing meet.
Run the diagnosis
With rear wheel in the air: pedal forward. Start with chain in position 1. Use rear shifter lever to make one click. Observe chain movement.
ONE CLICK = CHAIN MOVES 1>2
Pedal forward, shift one click. Observe chain movement.
ONE CLICK = CHAIN STUCK AT 1
Pedal forward. Open the barrel adjuster by unscrewing it. Open the barrel adjuster until chain moves from 1-2.
Once chain is in position 2, use shifter to test moving chain from 2 to 1. If chain returns to 1, push shifter lever one click to test moving the chain from 1 to 2.