Athena left shifter / FD issues

jamie4759
jamie4759 Posts: 117
edited July 2013 in Workshop
Morning all, I have Campagnolo Athena Carbon on a road bike and for some reason the left shifter is playing up. When I shift into the big ring at the front, and the thumb shifter occasionally does not shift the chain back to the little ring. It simply just clicks (as if shifting) but there is no movement at all from the front mech. I have tried adjusting the limit screws on the front mech, and a Campagnolo dealer has looked at the bike, as has an experienced mechanic elsewhere. I also have a few issues shifting up, which at times is hit and miss. The cables have been changed as well. The shifters are around 3 years old, and I know that one of the mechanics that looked at the bike said he has seen this before, also on shifters around 3 years old. Could the thumb shift button just wear out after 3 years (and 15000-17000 miles)?

Comments

  • pinarellokid
    pinarellokid Posts: 1,208
    you have had a lot of miles out of them fella so not a massive surprise if they are worn..

    one thing it check is that the thumb lever isnt fouling on the rubber hoods of the lever.

    could just be snagging on the hand grip.

    you never know
    Specialized S Works SL2 . Campagnolo Record 11spd. rolling on Campag Zonda wheels

    http://app.strava.com/athletes/881211
  • blackpoolkev
    blackpoolkev Posts: 474
    I have Athena on my bike,both my shifters have failed to last 3 years(13,000 miles).

    First,the left one suddenly stopped shifting to the big ring-I sent it to be repaired.Postage,labour and parts ended up costing over £70.Then the right shifter developed a habit of slipping 3 or 4 gears with one click.I came across a pair of new shifters on e-bay for £83 before it failed completely.(The spare left shifter is silver. :( )
  • jamie4759
    jamie4759 Posts: 117
    Thanks gents. Actually, I have just calculated that the shifters are not quite as old as I thought, they are only 2 years old, and nowhere near as many miles. However, I have ordered some Chorus shifters to be on the safe side which I got at a good price. The only thing I can compare the issue with the shifter to is some old Veloce shifters I had a few years back on a winter bike. These packed up and it was revealed that they had worn down. Something to do with Veloce changing to plastic components internally on the shifters. I wonder if the Athena shifter is similar in build quality????? :?

Categories