How to Install Your Advent RD-M6195M Rear Derailleur at Home

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The microSHIFT Advent RD-M6195M [paid link] is a reliable, high-performance rear derailleur designed for riders who demand precision and smooth shifting in their drivetrain. Installing the RD-M6195M can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a systematic approach, you can do it at home with ease. This guide will walk you through the installation process step-by-step, ensuring that your derailleur functions optimally for both road and off-road riding.

Tools Required

  • 5mm Allen wrench
  • 2.5mm Allen wrench
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Chain tool
  • Torque wrench
  • 10mm or 11mm open-end wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Cable cutter
  • Grease or anti-seize compound

Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. Prepare the Bike

Before you begin installing the Advent RD-M6195M, ensure your bike is securely placed on a stand. This will provide you with the necessary stability and accessibility to the rear derailleur area.

  • Lift your bike on a work stand, or place it upside down if you don’t have a stand.
  • Remove the rear wheel to give you easier access to the derailleur hanger and chain.

2. Remove the Old Rear Derailleur

If you’re replacing an old derailleur, start by removing it:

  • Use the 5mm Allen wrench to loosen and remove the bolt that secures the derailleur to the derailleur hanger.
  • Disconnect the derailleur from the derailleur hanger and set it aside.
  • Carefully remove the derailleur’s chain cable. Use the 2.5mm Allen wrench to unscrew the set screw that clamps the derailleur cable in place. Then, slide the cable out of the derailleur.

3. Install the Advent RD-M6195M Derailleur

With the old derailleur removed, it’s time to install your new Advent RD-M6195M:

  • Position the RD-M6195M on the derailleur hanger, ensuring the mounting hole aligns correctly with the hanger.
  • Tighten the mounting bolt using a 5mm Allen wrench, ensuring it’s secure but not overtightened. Torque specifications are generally around 6-8 Nm.
  • Insert the derailleur’s chain cable into the derailleur’s cable clamp and secure it with the 2.5mm Allen wrench.

4. Attach the Chain to the Derailleur

Once the derailleur is mounted, it’s time to reattach the chain. If you’re installing a new chain, make sure it’s the correct length before proceeding:

  • Pass the chain through the jockey wheels of the derailleur.
  • Ensure the chain is running smoothly and without any twists. If the chain is too long, use a chain tool to remove excess links.

5. Set the B-Tension

The B-tension screw determines the distance between the derailleur and the cassette. Proper adjustment is crucial for smooth shifting.

  • Use a 5mm Allen wrench to adjust the B-tension screw.
  • Set the distance between the top jockey wheel and the largest cog of the cassette to about 5mm.
  • Tighten the screw to your desired position.

6. Adjust the Derailleur Hanger Alignment

Ensure that your derailleur hanger is perfectly aligned to avoid any shifting problems. If you have a derailleur hanger alignment tool, check for any bends or misalignments. If necessary, use a hanger alignment tool to adjust it back into place.

7. Attach the Shifter Cable

Now, reconnect the shifter cable to the derailleur:

  • Thread the cable through the frame’s cable housing, ensuring there is no kink or obstruction.
  • Once the cable is positioned, pull it tight and secure it into place with the cable clamp screw on the derailleur using the 2.5mm Allen wrench.
  • Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the clamp screw securely, ensuring the cable doesn’t slip.

8. Fine-Tune the Shift Performance

Now that the derailleur is mounted and the cable is attached, it’s time to fine-tune the shifting performance.

  • Shift to the smallest cog and adjust the high-limit screw using a 2.5mm Allen wrench. This will ensure that the derailleur doesn’t overshoot the cassette.
  • Next, shift to the largest cog and adjust the low-limit screw. Ensure the derailleur does not overshoot the largest cog, preventing chain derailment.
  • With the derailleur in the smallest gear, use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the tension of the shift cable, making small adjustments until shifting is crisp and precise.

9. Test the Shifting

With everything installed and adjusted, it’s important to test the shifting performance before riding:

  • Spin the pedals and shift through all the gears, checking for smooth transitions.
  • If there is hesitation or rough shifting, make additional adjustments to the barrel adjuster or limit screws.
  • Check the alignment again if necessary, ensuring the derailleur is shifting smoothly across all cogs.

10. Reinstall the Rear Wheel

Finally, reinstall your rear wheel and tighten the quick release or thru-axle. Double-check that the wheel is properly aligned in the dropouts and the cassette is free of any obstruction.

  • Spin the wheel to ensure it’s running true and isn’t rubbing against the derailleur.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Skipping or Hesitation While Shifting

If you experience skipping or hesitation, it could be due to incorrect cable tension. Use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the tension, ensuring that shifts happen promptly.

2. Chain Dropping Off the Largest Cog

If the chain falls off the largest cog, the low-limit screw may need adjustment. Tighten the low-limit screw to prevent the derailleur from traveling too far.

3. Poor Shift Performance in Certain Gears

If your bike shifts poorly in specific gears, it could be a sign of misalignment between the derailleur and the cassette. Ensure the B-tension is set correctly and check the derailleur hanger alignment.

Customization and Optimization for Better Performance

For riders seeking optimized performance from their Advent RD-M6195M, consider the following customization options:

  • Upgrade the Chain: Pairing the RD-M6195M with a high-quality chain can improve shifting performance and durability.
  • Adjust B-Tension for Maximum Clearance: Fine-tuning the B-tension screw ensures optimal shifting on the largest cogs, particularly for off-road conditions.
  • Lubricate Regularly: Keep the derailleur and its components lubricated for smooth operation, particularly in wet or muddy conditions.

Comparison with Similar Models

When comparing the microSHIFT Advent RD-M6195M to similar derailleur models, it stands out in terms of its affordability and smooth performance, especially in the mid-range price category. Its simplicity and easy maintenance make it a popular choice for casual riders and those upgrading from basic drivetrains.

However, it is worth noting that for riders looking for the lightest possible weight or those who prioritize shifting speed, higher-end models such as Shimano’s Deore or XT may offer faster and lighter shifting with additional features, albeit at a higher price point.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The microSHIFT Advent RD-M6195M is designed to work seamlessly with 9-speed drivetrains. It is important to ensure compatibility with your bike’s shifters, cassette, and chain. While the RD-M6195M can be used with other 9-speed components from different brands, it’s always advisable to confirm that the components are properly aligned and compatible to ensure optimal performance.