chain rubbing against front derailer (again) - pictures

Thanks to everyone who posts here and helps the newbies like me.

I've read a couple threads about the chain rubbing the front derailer, so I assume I'm not alone.. but I haven't been able to gather enough info to fix the problem.

When the chain is on the biggest cog in the front, the chain rubs the outer side of the front derailer. It doesn't seem to matter as much which cog it is on in the rear, but it ALWAYS rubs when on the smaller ones.

I'm completely new to cycling & just picked this bike up used.. so I don't really know what I'm doing & can't figure out how to adjust the derailer to allow it to move out a tad bit more. Suggestions?

Read up on the subject on Park Tool's site <http://www.parktool.com/> and Sheldon Brown <http://www.sheldonbrown.com/>.

Essentially, you need to adjust the outer limit screw to give the chain some clearance. For an aged bike, it's worthwhile to adjust the FD from step one. See the above or get the instruction manual from the manufacturer.

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Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

Thanks. I read about adjusting the outer limit screw on the site,
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75
before posting here.. but I can't figure out what in the world the outer limit screw is!! I only see about 4 screws on the derailer (2 normal phillip head and 2 hex/allen wrench).. none of them seem to do anything and I'm afraid to make mroe than a couple turns...

Answered my own question.. found it here:

http://sandbox.reebosak.net/2006/05/...r-derailleurs/

Maybe this will be helpful to someone else.

Again.. thanks to all who post here!

Lube up all the pivot points and moving parts of the derailleur and the cable and shifters. Sometimes they just don't travel the full distance if they're sticky.

Of course, with that bike, there's a lot of lubrication that is needed. Really get after it - every moving part of the shifters, chain, derailleurs, and also lube the cables (or replace them if they don't work smoothly after that). Really work the lube in, moving all the parts back and forth, spin the chain around, etc. to get it in there. Wipe all excess off as clean as you can (including the chain). If you can't get "real" bike and/or chain lube, use some Tri Flow or even 3 in One oil. Even drips and drops of motor oil will do... Any lube is better than no lube! WD40 doesn't count as lube, although it can be very helpful for initial cleaning and freeing up of stuck parts - but follow with real lube.

All this stuff is virtually 0 cost and just a few minutes. Makes a HUGE difference.

Good luck, hope it works out for you.

- clean up the drivetrain first.

- lubricate all moving parts.

- then start adjusting.

.

Don't forget to clean and lube the cable guides under the bottom bracket. That area accumulates road scum and can often retard cable movement.