RSX Not Shifting At Front?

Matt-B
Matt-B Posts: 112
edited July 2008 in Workshop
I did ask this in another thread, but I didn't really get a response to my question...

I have a Dyna-Tech Aspin - it is a really old bike, but it is still going strong. It has a full Shimano RSX 7-speed groupset with STI levers.

I neglected it a bit, and now I am using it regularly again I have noticed the front derailleur does not shift. The chain is on the outer ring (largest) and wont shift inwards - I can click the little lever on the STI shifter but moving the brake lever is stiff. Neither result in any cable movement.

I had similar problems with my MTB a while back and undid the cable, cleaned, replaced the shifter etc, and fixed it. But the allen bolt for the cable clamp is completely inaccesible on the RSX front derailleur - it is on the derailleur (it is bottom pull), pointing outwards towards the crankset, set millimetres from the little chainwheel. I can't get an allen key in there to undo it - anyone got any idea how to proceed? Pics can be posted if this doesn't sound very clear...!

Comments

  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    Is the cable going slack when you try to change. Pull the open section away from the frame when shifting. If so the front mech is probably siezed up. A good dose of WD40 or similar may fix it. If not it will be a cable or shifter problem. WD40 may sort the shifter, but you will have to remove the cable to sort that. It sounds as if you would have to remove the chainset to do this.
    My Fleet.
  • Matt-B
    Matt-B Posts: 112
    No, the cable doesn't seem to be going slack. I guess I will have to remove the chainset! Rubbish.
  • Matt-B
    Matt-B Posts: 112
    To resurrect this thread, I have decided to replace the mech and shifter, as both seem knackered.

    But - both are Shimano RSX, now discontinued.

    Does anyone know anything that will work as a replacement for the front derailleur (double) and the STi shifter?
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Matt-B wrote:
    To resurrect this thread, I have decided to replace the mech and shifter, as both seem knackered.

    But - both are Shimano RSX, now discontinued.

    Does anyone know anything that will work as a replacement for the front derailleur (double) and the STi shifter?

    I have 8 speed RSX which has been excellent I have to say. I was always told it was closest to 105 in it's day.
  • Matt-B
    Matt-B Posts: 112
    Yeah it's been great for the zillion years it has been on the bike - problem is, as with many things, it has inevitably worn out - so does anyone have any idea what 'modern' components I could use to replace the RSX 7sp double front mech and sti shifter?
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Erm .... I was implying that 105 could be a good replacement Matt-B.

    As far as I know, parts are compatible.
  • Matt-B
    Matt-B Posts: 112
    giant mancp wrote:
    Erm .... I was implying that 105 could be a good replacement Matt-B.

    As far as I know, parts are compatible.

    Sorry, work has fried my brain, totally misreading everything!

    So you think that something such as this:

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Shima ... 300005344/

    Would work, even though my transmission is actually only 7spd?
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Before you ditch the shifter, as you release the lever does the ratchet inside the body move? Blast the internals with WD40 or GT85 to try and coax some life - if that doesn't work then it's probably shot. FWIW RSX sat below !05 in the Shimano hierarchy - current equivalent would be Sora or Tiagra. In terms of spare RSX levers, look on ebay - I replaced a friends for £17 last year - there's always a few on there. As far as a front mech, an 8 speed Sora would be fine.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Matt-B
    Matt-B Posts: 112
    Thanks for the advice everyone - just one final (probably really silly!) question, but I know that RSX came in both double and triple versins - I take it that if I buy an STi lever from a triple set-up on ebay, that it won't work with my current double?
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    A triple shifter will drive a double front mech - you'll just have an extra 'click'
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Monty Dog wrote:
    Before you ditch the shifter, as you release the lever does the ratchet inside the body move? Blast the internals with WD40 or GT85 to try and coax some life - if that doesn't work then it's probably shot. FWIW RSX sat below !05 in the Shimano hierarchy - current equivalent would be Sora or Tiagra. In terms of spare RSX levers, look on ebay - I replaced a friends for £17 last year - there's always a few on there. As far as a front mech, an 8 speed Sora would be fine.
    That's fair enough Monty as I wasn't sure, it's been out of manufacture for yonks. I know that in 1997, Shimano groupset hierarchy, it was bottom, with both RX-100 and 105SC being above. Having said that, I believe it to be more durable and longer lasting than the current Sora/Tiagra offerings.

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