Bicycle Mechanics - New bike...Front shifter need adjustment??

Just got my NEW BIKE (http://ecarthage.com/~nivens/bike/P1010004.JPG) and have only put about 12 miles on it so far. Everything seems to work fine except for the front derailleur(sp?) - This is all Ultegra group(double front rings). Every time I shift from small ring to large ring, the chain guide(or whatever it's called) stays up against the chain and makes noise until I click the downshift lever once. Then it clicks into position where it should be. It's almost like it's shifting too far or it's shifting two gears(but since there is only one other ring that should be impossible) Can anyone tell me what adjustment(s) I need to make to keep it from doing this. Is it just a matter of adjusting the limit on the derailleur or is there something else I need to look at too?

THANKS!!

David

There are trim positions in the shifter, and it also depends on what cogs you are in in the rear.I'm assuming the chain is rubbing on the inside derailer plate and you may be in the bigger rear cogs.If so,it may be normal that you would have to use the trim to stop the noise.LBS should have showed you how to use the shifters and is the place to have it made right if maladjusted, which also could be a possibility.You can checkwww.parktool.com for derailer adjustment,

Originally posted by pokey
.....................I'm assuming the chain is rubbing on the inside derailer plate and you may be in the bigger rear cogs...........

Yes that is correct. It rubs until I click the downshift lever once and then it's ok. I bought the bike on the 'net and have not had it to my LBS but I may just go ahead and take it to them and have it checked out. Probably would be the best thing to do instead of messing around with it without knowing exactly what I am doing.

It sounds like the shifter and derailleur are working fine. When you are on the big ring and the larger inside cogs, the chain is an an angle and will rub the left side of the derailleur cage. On the small ring and smaller, outer, cogs it will rub the right side. As Pokey mentioned there are extra "clicks" to move or "trim" the der just enough to eliminate the contact without shifting. This is all normal.

It just seems strange that when I upshift and then immediately downshift one click, it stays on the big ring and is fine with no rubbing or noise. Then if I click down again it goes back to the small ring, no problem. It's like it's "over-shifting" when going from small to large chain ring. It works fine except for the fact that when I upshift I have to upshift and then downshift at the same time to get it to position the deraileur in the right spot.

well,then,if it really bugs you or you thik it is not right take it back where you bought it.Have them check it out,or show you how to use it.OR learn to adjust derailers yourself.www.parktool.com

Originally posted by dragracer
It just seems strange that when I upshift and then immediately downshift one click, it stays on the big ring and is fine with no rubbing or noise.

As pokey said, it's the front derailleur trim function... feature, not bug. Most people never even notice it. Here's Shimano's setup advice:
Front der trim setup (http://www.shimano-europe.com/cycling/roadracing/content_tips_x.phtml?articleid=8560&ips_index=1)

Well ok then I guess that's the way it's supposed to work. Sorry I wasted the space :o

I'm not too familiar with STI shifters, but if the der. cage is truly moving too far out (and it's not just chain-line angle causing the problem), why not just set the outer limiting screw on the der. tighter so that it doesn't go so far out? Then no need to trim after shifting, ja? Again, that's only if the cage is swinging further than you really need.

dragracer,

Sorry, dude. Didn't mean to be a pr!ck.


Originally posted by es_seattle
why not just set the outer limiting screw on the der. tighter so that it doesn't go so far out?

Well, really, you aren't supposed to use the combination that the trim adjusment is for. And what you recommend is what I do. While riding, I find it nearly impossible to hit the front shifter with the right pressure to make the trim adjustment. I press too lightly and nothing happens, or too hard and make the shift.