SRAM provide a gauge, which simplifies this adjustment. The chain gap is the distance between the largest sprocket and the upper jockey wheel, and it should be about 22 mm. If the chain is on the biggest cog then you can adjust the chain gap (derailleur tension).

Too much play and youвЂ™ll force the derailleur into the spokes. There should still be some minimal play in the gear lever after shifting вЂ“ if youвЂ™ve set the stop too early, the gear shifter just wonвЂ™t click into position. You should set this so that youвЂ™re not having to actually press against the inner stop to get the chain to move onto the largest cog. Slowly click up through the gearsвЂ¦ вЂ¦ and then adjust the inner stop with the outside screw. Once set up properly, the upper jockey wheel should be directly under the smallest cog. Turn the screw clockwise, and the derailleur moves inwards (i.e., limiting its outward movement) and vice-versa. If it wonвЂ™t jump down to the smallest, then release some tension on the cable using a 5 mm allen key.ДЄdjust the outer stop with help of the inside screw on the rear mech. First shift down to the smallest chainring.

However, itвЂ™s wise to follow this guide from start to finish so that you can rule out other issues. If the derailleur has already been fitted well but still isnвЂ™t working properly, it might be the case that it just needs a few tweaks in order to run smoothly. This is a complete how-to on setting up a SRAM EX1 drivetrain in particular, but the same steps will apply to all SRAM 11-speed derailleurs.

Mountain bike chain too long