Front Mech adjustment

[Pedal pusher]

I'm using a MTB on the road at the moment until the road bike comes along in April. The front mech wont shift through the full chain wheel. I have had a go at adjusting it after looking on the internet but so many conflicting ideas on how to adjust it. Anybody know of a good site or a simple explanation

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Assuming you have a triple.
1. Set cable tension so that front mech is centred on the middle ring.
2. Set L limit screw so that when the chain is on small front and large back there is 1mm clearance between inner cage and chain.
3. Set H limit screw so that when the chain is on large front and small back there is 1mm clearance between outer cage and chain.
4. Make a cup of tea, sit down and admire your setting.

You might find it easier to adjust the limit screws when the you are on the middle, it takes longer through trial and error but those screws are then not in compression and therefore easier to turn.

If either 2 or 3 are not achievable even with those screws completely backed out, you probably have a mech orientation (see this) or chainline issue (wrong chainset/bb combination).

 

[HLaB]

If it had previously been working it wouldn't have been necessary to adjust the limit screws (if that's what you done), more likely all that would have been needed was tightening of the cable (via barrel adjuster) and/or a thorough cleaning/ relubing of the shifters, mech, cables (inner & outer) or perhaps the replacement of the cables (inner & outer). Anyway Park Tools is a good site for explanation.

 

[Pedal pusher]

Thanks guys enough info to keep me busy in the garage tomorrow