Missing cable adjuster: bad?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by keydates
Yesterday I noticed that the cable adjuster for my (rear) derailleur has fallen off. The cable is still in the index shifter, and shifting still works. Is this a bad thing? Should I get it replaced? Or does it not really matter?

The adjuster cannot fall off, as the cable goes through it. If the adjuster was not there, shifting would be hosed,because there would be no cable tension. I suspect an outer knurled plastic thingamajiggy that you grasp when making adjustments,cracked and fell off ?? The actual adjuster is still there,but you might find it difficult to make adjustments. I'm assuming this is a derailer that has as an adjuster to begin with. Some older friction types didn't.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by keydates
Yesterday I noticed that the cable adjuster for my (rear) derailleur has fallen off. The cable is still in the index shifter, and shifting still works. Is this a bad thing? Should I get it replaced? Or does it not really matter?

As the OP said, not likely.
Many bicycles also have a second adjuster, in series with the one built into the rear dearailer, mounted at the front of the downtube (or in some cases on the head tube).
If you need adjustment in the future you could use the other series adjuster, assuming it's there, or add an Inline Cable Adjuster.

Yeah, I meant the plastic object. But question answered anyway.