Bicycle Mechanics - Rear Derailleur Not Shifting... At All.

Yesterday, on my way to work, the gears decided to get very sticky. The shifter had a hard time downshifting especially. I thought... oh, I'll take a look at it tomorrow night when I have time.

Well, today, it won't shift at all. The grip shift moves up, but won't move below 4th. The bike is stuck in 5th gear no matter what (at least it's a gear that I can ride comfortably).

I'm going to call around to shops and see if I can get it in today. Hopefully some kind soul here in the office will give me a ride to the shop.

Any suggestions for me to try while I'm searching for a shop?
--sam

Sounds like a broken or frayed cable.

Sounds like a broken or frayed cable.

Thanks... I'll start looking to see if I can find where it's frayed.

--sam

And/or it's jammed in the housing. The short rear section is usually the culprit. Have the shop replace both cable and housings.

You guys nailed it. I have a folding bike (Bike Friday Tikit). I didn't notice this at first, but the hyperfold cable somehow got bound with the gear shifting cable. Not sure how that happened, but it's the reason for the problem. This was causing the cable to get jammed in there... no movement whatsoever.

The bike is now at the LBS getting some new cable and housing and a little gearing tuneup to boot. One of my co-workers was kind enough to drive me to the shop. She'll be driving me back when we're done today. w00t!

--sam

Next time do it yourself. Shift cables are < $10 and "gearing tuneups" are free. Good luck!

Next time do it yourself. Shift cables are < $10 and "gearing tuneups" are free. Good luck!

Thanks, and I agree 100%!

--sam

Be aware that brake cable/housing and shift cable/housing are not interchangable.

Thanks for the tip. :)

--sam

Make sure you have enough cable to fold the bike.