Front shifter takes effort

bill_gates

Mrs G is complaining that it takes a bit more of effort than usual to shift the front mech into the big ring. Where do I start in diagnosing this?

Matthewfalle

Mech - give it a really good clean and oil and check cable tension and general adjustment.

Then cables - inners and outers. Check that they run ok, aren't snagged, dirty, jeffed.

Then shifter. Really good clean, oil.

Or just set fire to the piece of junk, get her a Ritte with Obermayers - job jobbed.

You could also suggest some wrist strengthening exercises. I'm not a physio/PTI so maybe a Google search?

majormantra

It might simply need adjusting, i.e. an increase in cable tension. Look up front derailleur adjustment on youtube.

bill_gates

Is the front mech adjustment not a black art? If I release the cable to lube, tighten, etc. Do I run the risk of having to have it all adjusted again?

majormantra

It's a cable pulling a lever against a spring, not a Swiss watch. Watch some videos and decide if you think you're up to it.

bill_gates

Looking on YouTube now, seems to be just within my level of bike maintenance. :-)



Maybe.

Matthewfalle

It's actually one of the nice simple jobs.

I would recommend changing the cable and outer while you're at just so the job is completely done.

Remember to set fire to the old stuff.