The Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed rear derailleur is a robust and reliable choice for gravel riders seeking optimal performance in rough terrains. Adjusting the Ekar 13 RD [paid link] ensures smooth shifting, reduces wear on your drivetrain, and improves overall bike performance. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing, adjusting, and maintaining the Ekar 13 RD for your gravel bike.
Tools Required
- 5mm Allen wrench
- 2.5mm Allen wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Torx T25 wrench
- Chain checker or ruler
- Lubricant (for derailleur pivots and chain)
- Cable cutters
- Bike stand (optional)
- Torque wrench
Installation of the Campagnolo Ekar 13 Rear Derailleur
Installing the Ekar 13 RD is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it correctly to ensure smooth shifting and prevent damage to your drivetrain:
- Prepare the Rear Hangar
Before installing the derailleur, check the condition of the rear derailleur hanger. It must be straight and free from any damage to ensure that the derailleur operates efficiently. - Install the Derailleur
Attach the Ekar 13 RD to the rear derailleur hanger using a 5mm Allen wrench. Tighten the bolt to the manufacturer’s recommended torque value (usually between 8–10 Nm). Ensure that the derailleur is positioned in alignment with the cogset and chain. - Install the Chain
Loop the chain through the jockey wheels of the derailleur. Pay attention to the direction of the chain and ensure it’s running smoothly through the derailleur cage. - Attach the Shift Cable
Feed the shift cable through the housing, connecting it to the derailleur’s cable anchor bolt. Tighten the bolt with a 2.5mm Allen wrench. The cable should be taut but not overly tight at this stage.
Adjusting the Ekar 13 RD
To achieve the best shifting performance, you need to fine-tune the derailleur’s settings. This process involves adjusting the limit screws, indexing, and derailleur tension.
Setting the Limit Screws
Limit screws control how far the derailleur can move in both the high and low gear positions. Properly adjusted limit screws prevent the chain from overshooting or jumping off the cassette.
- High Gear Adjustment
Shift the chain to the smallest cog (high gear). Use a Phillips head screwdriver to adjust the H-screw (high limit screw) until the derailleur cage is aligned with the cog without overshooting. Ensure the jockey wheel is just clear of the cog teeth. - Low Gear Adjustment
Shift the chain to the largest cog (low gear). Adjust the L-screw (low limit screw) to ensure the derailleur doesn’t push the chain past the largest cog. Again, the jockey wheel should align properly with the largest cog.
Indexing the Gears
After setting the limit screws, indexing ensures each shift moves precisely between the gears.
- Shift to the Middle Gear
Shift the chain to a middle gear (around the 6th or 7th cog). This allows you to accurately check and adjust the derailleur tension. - Adjust the Barrel Adjuster
Use the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur or shifter to fine-tune the indexing. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to increase tension (if the chain overshoots) or counterclockwise to reduce tension (if the chain hesitates to shift). Make small adjustments and test shifting between gears. - Fine-Tune the Shifts
Test each shift on the cassette and adjust the barrel further if necessary. Make sure each shift is smooth, and the chain moves without skipping.
Checking and Adjusting Derailleur Tension
Proper derailleur tension ensures smooth, reliable shifting and avoids chain drops.
- Check Cable Tension
Pull the shift cable lightly by hand to check if it has too much slack. If it does, tighten the cable by turning the barrel adjuster in the appropriate direction. - Shift Test
Test each gear and adjust the barrel adjuster to achieve smooth, crisp shifts across the entire range of the cassette.
Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues
Even after performing the adjustments, you might encounter some shifting issues. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- Skipping Gears or Hesitation: If the chain hesitates to move into a higher or lower gear, it’s often due to inadequate cable tension or improper indexing. Double-check the barrel adjuster and re-index the gears.
- Chain Drops: If the chain drops off the largest or smallest cog, this could be a limit screw issue. Ensure the derailleur’s high and low limit screws are correctly adjusted.
- Poor Shifting Performance Under Load: If shifting becomes sluggish or imprecise when applying force (e.g., during climbs), this may indicate too much derailleur tension or an issue with the cable housing. Inspect and replace any damaged cable housing and ensure the derailleur moves freely.
Customization and Optimization for Better Performance
While the Ekar 13 RD offers excellent shifting performance out of the box, you can further optimize it for your specific gravel riding needs.
Fine-Tuning the Chain
Gravel riding often involves variable terrain, so ensuring your chain is well-maintained is critical for longevity and smooth shifting.
- Chain Lubrication: Regularly lubricate your chain, especially in harsh, wet conditions, to ensure smooth performance and prevent rusting.
- Chain Length Adjustment: Ensure the chain length is ideal for your gear range. A chain that’s too short can strain the derailleur, while a chain that’s too long can cause poor shifting and unnecessary wear.
Using the Right Cassette
The Campagnolo Ekar 13-speed cassette is designed specifically for gravel riding, but you can experiment with different gear ratios within the 13-speed range to find the best setup for your riding style. Whether you’re focusing on speed or climbing capability, the right combination of chainrings and cogs will enhance your performance.
Comparison with Similar Models
When comparing the Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD with other gravel-specific rear derailleurs, such as the SRAM Force 1X or Shimano GRX, there are several key differences that may influence your decision:
- Weight: The Ekar 13 RD is slightly lighter than the Shimano GRX Di2, making it an attractive choice for riders prioritizing weight savings.
- Durability: Campagnolo’s Ekar is known for its robustness in gravel environments, handling dirt and mud better than many competitors.
- Price: While the Ekar 13 RD might come at a higher price point, it offers excellent performance and longevity, making it a great investment for serious gravel riders.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The Ekar 13 RD is designed to work seamlessly with Campagnolo’s 13-speed gravel-specific cassettes and shifters. It is important to ensure that all your drivetrain components are from the same brand and model for optimal performance. Mixing and matching components from different brands or speeds (e.g., Shimano or SRAM 11-speed systems) may lead to shifting problems or reduced performance.
Compatibility with Shifters and Cassettes
For the best results, pair the Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD with the corresponding Ekar 13-speed shifters and cassette. Using non-Ekar components might lead to compatibility issues, especially in terms of shifting precision.
Conclusion
Adjusting and maintaining the Campagnolo Ekar 13 RD rear derailleur is essential for gravel riders who want to maximize the performance of their drivetrain. By carefully following the installation, adjustment, and maintenance steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your derailleur functions smoothly and reliably in any condition. With the right attention to detail, your Ekar 13 RD will offer you the precision shifting and durability needed to conquer any gravel terrain.