Why can't I change into one of the gears on my bicycle?

I am quite new to cycling. I have just inherited a bike which I took to have a service. The front and rear cassettes (? The cogs) were replaced along with the chain. I was trying to get to grips with the bike when the chain fell off as I was changing gears trying to go up a hill. Ever since this happened I haven't been able to change to the smallest cog at the front, it just makes a noise. The cable had moved from its runner at the base of the frame, I have put it back in place. Please can somebody help me as I really enjoy my rides but steep hills are a nightmare!

I am very keen to learn more about how to look after my bike and do small repairs but I am new to all this so please keep the lingo simple.

It's very common that things will stretch and need to be readjusted after parts are replaced. Take the bike back to the shop that did the work. They should readjust it for free.

If you want to try adjusting your derailleurs yourself, see http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustm... and also http://www.parktool.com/repair/byregion....

These are the two best web sites I have seen on derailleur adjustment.

HTH

Intrepid is right, take it back to the shop.
You could also think about joining a club.
Many councils run cycling courses of one sort or another, most employ a cycling officer, for instance Sandwell have a cycling and walking officer and provide backing to a club called "Cycling in Sandwell".
There was also a scheme called "Biking Buddies" who helped to get people started, but I don,t know if this is still running.
Ring your local council and ask if they have anything similar.

You need to:

tighten your chain (No more and 1" play in the centre)
re-index your gears using the + and - screws on your derailier.

However, I would recommend that you spend about 拢6 at your local bike shop and get your gears indexed.

For advice on the above, go to this web site:

www.parktool.com

This has useful how to stuff that you will find useful.

Luck

Make sure the back wheel is straight as this can effect gear changes

I'm sorry to hear of your problem as there is nothing nicer that a correctly functioning bike and the ability to cycle up a good hill.

I have to make some assumptions about your problem so I hope I can help.

I think that for some reason the adjustments to the front changer might be out of sync.

It might be that the screw adjustment on the changer may be incorrect. This means that the front derailleur will not move far enough for the chain to move to the smaller cog.
The other reason may be that the cable is incorrectly set up and again the changer will not move enough to derail the chain. These solutions are very similar. Both of these adjustments are easy if you know what to do.

The easy solution would be to take the bike back to the person that serviced the bike and explain the problem.

If this is not possible, ask again on this site.

It all depends on who serviced your bike and what kind of service it was ,even most competent repair shops will only replace damaged or worn parts and may not adjust your cables accordingly as this is clearly the problem ,try adjusting the cable slightly by loosening the nut nearest your gear mech and either pushing in or pulling out the gear shift ,then retightening of course!Try running up and down through the gears until you have got it ,this may take a few attempts to get it right especially at first but remember all cables will stretch over time ,just keep at it and most of all enjoy the ride!