adjusting derailleurs (again!)

mattacjones

I've had new cassette (SRAM) fitted to my specialized hardrock. I fitted a new chain (shimano) - I did check compatability first. Then had it all adjusted at the lbs. I have one issue that I can't fix - when physically on the bike, the switch from 7th to 8th is 'reluctant'. It will go, after a couple of pedals but doesn't simply click straightaway like the other. Similar on 2nd to 3rd. This happens when on the middle front cog. The larger, outer front cog is smoother.

So, I'm stuck. Did the other bike at same time where both cassette and chain are shimano, and all is cool...

Could this be issue with diff chain/cassette manufacturers?
Could it be that it simply needs to bed in a bit?
Any thoughts?

Thanks

alfablue

Could be the cable, whenever shifting to the smaller sprockets is reluctant I suspect that the last bit of the rear mech cable is the problem. A new cable (inner and outer) may be the answer, or lubing it as a temporary measure to see if that's the issue (in my experience, once they start to get like this it is really new cable time).

mattacjones

I will give that a shot, they are 3 years old with the thick end of 2000 miles..

alfablue

Yes, it's most likely to be friction somewhere along the cable, the most likely place is the last bend of outer. If you take the cable out of the stops you can feel how smoothly it moves. I had a chronic problem with my commuter, water and gunk found its way in all the time - seemed to need weekly attention, in the end I got some Mudlovers sealed cables, they worked a treat.

cooldad

I put a blob of grease in the ferrule when I put new cables on. I think it helps keep gunk out of the cable for a while at least.

mattv

Does it shift ok further up the range? Oil the cable, also look down the mech and check it is not slightly bent. This is often the cause if it shifts ok in some of the range but not the whole number of gears.