How to Index Mountain Bike Gears for Smooth, Efficient Shifting
To index the gears of a mountain bike, you need to adjust the indexing barrel on the derailleur. Begin by shifting to the highest gear and make sure the chain is on the smallest cog. Turn the barrel adjuster until the shifting is smooth and quiet. Next, shift to the lowest gear and adjust the tension of the cable so that the chain is aligned with the cog. Test the shifting by riding the bike and make adjustments as necessary. Repeat the process until the gears shift smoothly and accurately.