Gears not right?

Schoie81

Hi guys,

I've just started riding my MTB again after 4 or 5 months of it being stood. As far as I can remember, when I last rode it in July all was well, but now the gears aren't right.... When I swap from going up the gears to going down again, the first 'click' on the lever does nothing. If I click again, it changes quickly and smoothly. It does eventually catch up again, usually when I get to the top or bottom of the cassette - I click the last click on the lever and it jumps two gears to get to the outer gear on the cassette. Occasionally it'll catch up with itself earlier than that though, if I pedal for a while without changing it'll suddenly jump into the right gear - but not always. This also tends to be worse when changing up the gears (ie, down the cassette), when changing down the gears it works fine about 75% of the time, whereas its always one gear behind when changing up.

Any ideas? (or is she just sulking with me because I've been seeing another bike over the summer?? )

miceden

The derailleur adjustment shouldn't have gone out of synch but that's where I'd look first... otherwise its possible your cable has stretched or maybe the spring is starting to go - how olds the derailleur and in what gear did you leave it?

Schoie81

How would I check the derailleur adjustment? The derailleur is about 2 1/2 years old and has done just over 2,000 miles.

I'm afraid I have no idea what gear I left it in now but my last ride ended with a fairly steep hill so I'd guess it was in a low gear, probably 3rd or 4th biggest gear on the cassette (11-34, 9 speed cassette).

I did wonder if maybe the cable isn't moving freely, possibly rusted slightly having been stood? Could that cause this problem?

97th choice

Loads of info in the tech links above. try park tools as it is one of the best websites.

You need to check and adjust your rear mech. a free running cable is obviously essential and cable issues are normally the cause of shifting problems

Schoie81

Cheers, will try those.

One thing to add - when changing 'one click' and nothing happens, it isn't even trying to change gear - when I've had cable tension problems before it has made a sound as if the chain is almost moving over, but not quite making it - i'm not getting that - a click on the lever and literally nothing happens...

The Rookie

If the problem is moving from largest rear cog to smallest, it could just be a sticky cable or joint on the rear mech.

cooldad

If it doesn't index easily, 99% of the time it's cables. Just replace them. Shimano SP41 outer and stainless inners are cheap and excellent.
Parktools below for indexing.

Schoie81

Thanks guys - this is the time I wish I had a bike stand.... Christmas can't come soon enough - lets just hope the guy in the big red suit is feeling generous!

cooldad

Turn it upside down. Simple.

Schoie81

cooldad wrote:

Turn it upside down. Simple.

Well yeah... but then its not so easy to get to the gear levers...

The Rookie

Or just lift the rear wheel off the ground by the saddle......

desmorrow

if yo have a garage you should be able to throw toegether a DIY stand.

Rightarmbad

Quite possibly the cable is frayed inside the shifter and getting caught up.
If not, then it may be gummed up from sitting, or the casing/cables simply need replacing.

Schoie81

desmorrow wrote:

if yo have a garage you should be able to throw toegether a DIY stand.

Unfortunately no garage.... Bike maintenance is strictly an outdoor activity (or the kitchen if the missus isn't in! )

Will check the cables and see if there's anything obviously that can be fixed, failing that, I might replace them. Seems strange it was fine when I stopped riding it in July but after not having moved for a few months its developed a problem - to my logical mind that suggested something has ceased up/stuck having been stood still for a while.

Schoie81

Right, finally think i've worked out where the problem is. The 'ferrule' on the end of the cable sheath where the cable goes into the barrell adjuster on the rear mech has a slight bend in it and seems to be stopping the cable running smoothly through. Can I just replace the ferrule? Or do I need to replace the sheath too? And are ferrules much the same thing, or are there different types?

cooldad

Yes, and if you mean the cable outer, no, but it may be worthwhile, and yes, but yes as well.
I would just replace the inners and outers - you normally get ferrules and cable ends included.