The Campagnolo Chorus 11s [paid link] front derailleur is a precision component designed for smooth, accurate, and fast chain shifts across the front chainrings. However, even the best derailleur cannot function correctly without proper limit screw adjustment. These small screws dictate the travel range of the derailleur cage, preventing the chain from falling off either side of the crankset. Setting them accurately is essential for optimal performance, rider safety, and drivetrain longevity.
This guide will cover the complete process of adjusting the limit screws on the Campagnolo Chorus 11s [paid link] front derailleur, along with common issues, best practices, and fine-tuning techniques.
Understanding the Limit Screws on the Chorus 11s
The Chorus 11s [paid link] derailleur is equipped with two limit screws, located on the derailleur body.
- L-Screw (Low Limit): Controls the inner cage movement and prevents the chain from dropping onto the bottom bracket when shifting to the small chainring.
- H-Screw (High Limit): Controls the outer cage movement and stops the chain from overshooting past the large chainring.
Correct adjustment ensures smooth shifting between the small and large chainrings without excessive friction or derailments.
Tools Required
- 2mm or 2.5mm hex key [paid link] (depending on model year)
- Torque wrench [paid link] (recommended for fine adjustment)
- Bike stand [paid link] (optional but recommended)
Initial Set-Up Before Limit Adjustment
Before adjusting the limit screws, it is critical to ensure that the front derailleur has been installed and aligned properly. The cage must be parallel to the chainrings, and the lower cage edge should sit about 1–2 mm above the tallest tooth of the large chainring. Additionally, the derailleur cable should be tensioned according to Campagnolo’s specifications. Without these conditions met, limit screw adjustments will not deliver accurate results.
Adjusting the Low Limit Screw (L-Screw)
The low limit adjustment determines how far the derailleur cage can move inward when shifting onto the small chainring.
- Shift the chain onto the small chainring and the largest rear cog.
- Inspect the inner plate of the derailleur cage in relation to the chain. There should be a minimal gap (approximately 0.5–1 mm) without cage rub.
- If the chain rubs against the cage’s inner plate, turn the L-screw clockwise to restrict inward travel.
- If the cage sits too far from the chain, turn the L-screw counterclockwise to allow more inward travel.
A correctly adjusted low limit prevents chain drops to the inside while still allowing clean shifts to the large chainring.
Adjusting the High Limit Screw (H-Screw)
The high limit adjustment ensures the derailleur cage does not push the chain past the big chainring during an upshift.
- Shift the chain onto the large chainring and the smallest rear cog.
- Check the clearance between the chain and the outer plate of the derailleur cage. The gap should be extremely small (around 0.5–1 mm) without any rubbing.
- If the chain overshoots and falls off the large chainring, tighten the H-screw clockwise to restrict outward travel.
- If the chain struggles to shift onto the large chainring or rubs against the outer plate, loosen the H-screw counterclockwise slightly to allow more outward travel.
Proper adjustment of the high limit screw guarantees precise shifts onto the big ring and prevents derailments.
Fine-Tuning After Limit Screw Adjustment
After setting both screws, shift repeatedly across the full gear range. Pay attention to two key conditions:
- In the small chainring / large cog combination, there should be no inner cage rub.
- In the large chainring / small cog combination, there should be no outer cage rub.
If minor rubbing persists, a small adjustment of the limit screws or cable tension will resolve the issue. For Campagnolo Chorus 11s, fine cable tension adjustments are made at the inline barrel adjuster.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
- Chain Drops Inside: The L-screw is too loose. Tighten it slightly to limit inward travel.
- Chain Overshoots Outside: The H-screw is too loose. Tighten it to prevent outward derailment.
- Difficulty Shifting Up: The H-screw may be too tight, restricting outward movement. Loosen slightly.
- Cage Rub Across Gear Range: This may be caused by incorrect derailleur alignment rather than limit screw adjustment. Re-check installation.
Best Practices for Chorus 11s Limit Adjustment
- Always make small adjustments, no more than a quarter turn at a time.
- Test shifting under light pedaling pressure to avoid stressing the chain.
- Recheck both limit screws after initial rides, as cable tension can settle and affect cage movement.
- Combine screw adjustments with proper cable tensioning for the most precise setup.
Conclusion
The Campagnolo Chorus 11s front derailleur is engineered for precision, but achieving perfect performance requires careful limit screw adjustment. Correctly setting both the low and high limits ensures smooth, reliable shifting and protects against dropped chains. Riders who dedicate time to fine-tuning their derailleur will enjoy the full benefits of Campagnolo’s engineering excellence: crisp, confident, and efficient front shifts every ride.