Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,505
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
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Bikes are almost never adjusted before they hit the box. Just FYI, online bikes can be some of the worst offenders but most bikes need adjustment of most things on it. It is not a postal thing.
For rear derailleurs you want to make sure you have checked your hanger first and make sure that isn't damaged (which could be postal) and then of course make sure the cable tension is correct and then adjust high and low gears. The Park Tool videos are excellent Truman and Calvin are excellent at what they do.
For front derailleurs make sure the derailleur is aligned properly with the chainrings and then same thing with the rear derailleur (minus the hanger).
If you are adjusting derailleurs make sure you are using the proper screwdriver. Phillips head and JIS are somewhat similar but only one is actually used on Shimano and other derailleurs and that is JIS. If you are having to adjust derailleurs a bunch stripping a screw will suck plus JIS works better in most cross head screws anyway including a lot of Phillips head screws.