How to adjust bike gears?

Question

I am a novice, so please try to use the simplest terminology possible. I have issues with both my derailleurs on my K2 Zed Sport.
The rear dérailleur is not line up with the number on the shifter. If I twist it to 1, the derailleur is in 2. So each gear is off by 1. Aside from that it shifts crisply. So how do I adjust it?
My front derailleur does not allow me to shift to 1 with my shifters. And it goes up into 3 before the shifter is at 3. Whenever I need to go up a steep hill I move the the chain into 1 with my hand, is that okay or bad?
I was told both these can be fixed with the barrel adjuster, but I wasn't sure. I thought there was an adjuster at the shifter and at the derailleur, so which one am I supposed to do.
 I also don't have those fancy bike repair stands, is there anything I can put together with household items to mount the bike up?

John M · Accepted Answer

First find a way to get the rear tire off the ground so you can turn the pedals.  Clamp or nail a board to something so it holds the saddle.  Second option is tying a rope to the saddle and hang it from a beam or tree.

Rear derailleur the barrel adjuster is right where the cable enters.  Turn it out until the chain jumps to the next larger sprocket.

Front derailleur the barrel adjuster is located where the cable exits the shifter.  Turn the adjuster in so it can go to the smallest sprocket.

If you run out of barrel adjustment you will have to reclamp the cable in a different position.  On the rear put both shifter and the chain on the highest gear.  On the front put both on the lowest.  

Turn the barrel adjusters all the way in then back out 1 turn.  Loosen the cable pull it snug and then reclamp.

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How to adjust bike gears?

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