XT Shifter very stiff to change gear

T1berious
T1berious Posts: 438
edited July 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi,

I fitted new shifters to my partners bike and new mechs, it's been fine for months, but when I tried to change gear it was really stiff and required a committed dab to move the right hand shifter.

I just wanted to know where the problem might be coming from? Is it the shifter? the cables (Gore ride on) or the rear mech?

I have heard people strip the shifter and clean but the shifter has only been on for 6 months and my shifters run smooth and I've never touched them in 3 years :)

Any advice greatly appreciated :)

T1b
Updated_New_Ride

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    could be many things. from poor routing to crap in the cables.

    strip clean and inspect.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • stumpyjon
    stumpyjon Posts: 3,983
    Dirty cables most likely but could be cable routing, damaged mech or hanger or a gummed up shifter.

    Check the emch for obvious damage and alignment. Check the cables by removing them from shifter and then see how they feel, if they are gunked replace them (personally I just use the cheaper Shimano ones and replace when necessary). Finally if still no joy, remove the shifter, carefully remove the casing from the shifter. Get an old tooth brush and give the shifter innards a good going over with degreaser. Rinse, allow to dry and then regrease. Don't try taking the shifter internals apart, it'll explode.
    It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

    I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
    Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    Mine went like that just before it exploded :(

    I think Shimano shifters are a little less tolerant of cable conditions/runs than SRAM. Full outers help no end but as above, if you can clean it all up and go easy on the lube it should be OK.

    Gripshift FTW!
  • *AJ*
    *AJ* Posts: 1,080
    Check H/L screws too, if these are wound too far in they can make the shifting to stiff, along with too much cable tension.
  • cavegiant
    cavegiant Posts: 1,546
    Happens to me all the time, get new cables before it explodes!

    The explosion is rarely fatal, but can be fun reassembling the shifter
    Why would I care about 150g of bike weight, I just ate 400g of cookies while reading this?
  • T1berious
    T1berious Posts: 438
    Just cleaned it all and am just about to get new inners. I don't have these issues and I'm not sure the gore sleeves were such a hot idea. :( might remove and replace with regular cables.

    -1 Gore Gear Cable
    Updated_New_Ride
  • satanas
    satanas Posts: 1,303
    I'm still using the Gore cables I bought in 1997 and have never had any problems with them. If cables are the problem I suspect there was something wrong with the way they were fitted. Reading the instructions really helps with these!!!

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