Part I: Getting Started in VS .NET

Generation QR in VS .NET Part I: Getting Started

A jammed chain (like the one shown in Figure 4-3) can be one of the most annoying malfunctions when you re riding A jammed chain often happens when the front derailleur shifts the chain too far inward and over the smallest chainring It can also be caused by a worn chainring not grabbing the chain properly or mud clogging the chain and chainring

Dennis has had this happen to him while shifting into his smallest or granny gear during a steep climb Trying to stop pedaling when you re on a sharp incline on a bike loaded down with pannier bags is awful it takes all your energy not to fall over and become fresh roadkill The best thing to do when you hear a loud, grinding sound when you shift is to stop pedaling immediately If you continue to apply force to the pedals, you could further jam the chain and make it even more difficult to remove To extract a jammed chain: 1 Try pulling on the chain to separate it from the chainstay and chainring Be careful not to twist it you don t want to damage the chain in any way

2 If pulling on the chain is not enough to free it, try rotating the cranks backward while you pull the chain This is often enough to spring the chain loose If not, move to Step 3 3 Insert a screwdriver between the chainring and chainstay and, using it as a lever, gently pry open the space This should allow you to slide the chain out (if not, move on to Step 4) Check the chainrings for any damage caused using this method and straighten as necessary 4 Separate the chain with a chain tool Note: This step should only be used as a last resort, when all the preceding steps fail

If the front derailleur gets hit or the chain gets stuck when you try to shift, the derailleur can become twisted or bent If the derailleur moves out of place by twisting on the seat tube, you ll want to move it back into place Follow these steps to adjust the position of the front derailleur: 1 Loosen the derailleur clamp bolt, which keeps it attached to the seat post Usually a 5mm Allen wrench or 8mm box wrench will do the trick 2 Position the derailleur so that its cage is parallel with the chainrings and only 1mm above the top of the largest chainring 3 Retighten the clamp bolt See 14 for more details on installing a front derailleur If the derailleur is bent or damaged, you ll need to remove it and continue your ride without it Follow these steps to remove the front derailleur: 1 Remove the screw at the back of the front derailleur cage 2 Separate the cage and remove the chain 3 Bypass the derailleur and place the chain on the chainring that will best serve you on your ride home 4 Remove the clamp bolt holding the derailleur to the seat tube, disconnect the shift wire, and detach the derailleur from the bike You ll need to move the shift wire into a position out of the way or completely remove it

Like the chain, the rear derailleur is a very exposed part of the bike It sticks out and has very little protection If you brush up against or hit something while you re riding, you can easily bend or damage it A bent rear derailleur frequently is the result of a bike that falls over on that side Most mountain bikes use a replaceable derailleur hanger that is designed to fail before the expensive derailleur itself would In this case, buy your bike s replacement hanger, and keep it with you when you ride Although modern rear derailleurs are precise instruments that are sensitive to the slightest adjustments, if you re in a jam and a bent rear derailleur is causing your from finishing your trip, you can try manually bending it back into place You can do this by inserting an Allen wrench into the mounting bolt and pulling upward while you pull the S-shaped cage away from the bike using your other hand, as shown in Figure 4-4