Deore LX Front Shifter Problem

johnboy78

I am currently trying to resurrect my 1996 Orange C-16R for my father in law to use and have come across one or two problems along the way. Most have been fairly easy to sort (although having to try and set up the cantilever brakes brought back memories of much cursing and swearing in the past!).

After sitting idle for quite a while (2-3 years!) the left (front derailleur) Deore LX shifter on will only advance one click from low to medium, and the problem cannot be adjusted out. If you continue to push the shifter beyond the first click the chain does sometimes climb onto the outer chainring but it won't stay there as the shifter seems to have lost it's second index point.

I'm not familiar with the internal workings of thumb shifters, but it seems there is some internal ratchet that only goes up one click and won't catch the second one.

I have also noticed that the shifts requires a lot of effort to move the front derailleur - so much so that after 30 mins of trying to sort the problem I had a pretty stiff and sore thumb! Not something I recall having when I used to use the bike regularly.

So, my question is three fold:

(1) does this sound like something that can be fixed?;
(2) can you still get replacement 95-96 LX shifters?; and
(3) does the stiffness issue sound like a new cable would sort it?

Many thanks.

John

supersonic

I think it is a derailer problem, not a shifter problem: the pivots on the derailer will have siezed. As you push, the shifter is not reaching the index point.

To check, unhook the cable and click the shifter. How does it feel? Then try lubing the cables, and degrasing the mech and relubing. Set up and give it a go.

cooldad

Firstly is the mech (limit screws)adjusted correctly.
Cables could be a problem. Will it move by hand not using shifter.
Any Shimano 3 speed shifter will work (or any Sram for that matter)

johnboy78

Will dry disconnecting the cable and trying the shifter to see if all clicks are present.

Derailleur moves ok by hand but just seems stiff when using the shifter which is why I suspected the cable to be the problem. Limit screws also seem ok.

I was hoping to replace the shifter like for like (if that is what needs replaced) as I assume that another brand/model/year shifter won't fit onto the 95-96 LX brake lever?

supersonic

Is your shift/brake lever combined ie STi? All front shifters will operate your front mech.

johnboy78

Yes it's a combined brake/sti shifter. I was originally going to change the cantilever brakes to V brakes but was put off due to needing new brake levers and therefore new shifter pods that weren't attached to the brakes.

supersonic

Not easy to find old ones, especially one that will match. Ebay worth a go.

I'd see if you can free up the mech a bit first though.