Winter Cycling - The cold & integrated shifters??

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View Full Version : The cold & integrated shifters??

Tsuru
10-02-08, 06:48 AM
So, got a good taste of the first cold today with a nice & chilly 44 deg morning (F).... Didn't think I needed gloves and I was very very wrong. Ha!

Anyways, my shifters (Shimano Integras on my Kona Kapu road bike) work really well, no problem, I keep them in tune, good to go. Today though, I noticed (and occasionally on a few other chilly mornings), the didn't want to shift. I twist it over, and had no resistance and no shifting.

If I twisted all the way, it would catch a little, then the next shift it would catch fine, then if I didn't shift for a while, it would "miss" again.

Is this the cold? Do I need to load up on a protective lube? What do you guys thinks?

tsl
10-02-08, 07:53 AM
I've ridden my 10-speed 105s down to 4°F (-15°C) and my 8-speed R-500s down to 20°F (-7°C) without any issues.
CastIron
10-02-08, 08:38 AM
It's not cold enough to be a condensate freezing issue, so it's likely an adjustment problem. Dirty grease gets stiff pretty quick when it cools off. Might be time for new housing or to clean out the shift mechanisms.

Tsuru
10-02-08, 09:38 AM
It's not cold enough to be a condensate freezing issue, so it's likely an adjustment problem. Dirty grease gets stiff pretty quick when it cools off. Might be time for new housing or to clean out the shift mechanisms.

Thanks... what do you recommend to clean it out with? I don't want to be spraying WD-40 in there!
tsl
10-02-08, 05:27 PM
Thanks... what do you recommend to clean it out with? I don't want to be spraying WD-40 in there!

I believe he's recommending you replace the cable housings and clean the dérailleurs.
AEO
10-03-08, 06:18 AM
WD-40 in the cable housings can work too.
Tsuru
10-03-08, 11:47 AM
Well, I picked up some lube last night, and start flushing everything out.... this morning's ride, though not as cold, was wonderful. The shifters were very responsive & solid.

Thanks so much for your help!
blisster
10-08-08, 02:07 PM
Neutral Milk Hotel! ^^
Tsuru
10-08-08, 03:54 PM
Neutral Milk Hotel! ^^

and more --> http://www.tsururadio.com

;)
CastIron
10-09-08, 08:46 AM
WD-40 in the cable housings can work too.

Indeed it does. I do prefer, however, to use a Liquid Wrench dry lube product. It's heavy on both solvent and pressure, so it cleans better, and leaves a dry lube film in place after. WD leaves a wet film better suited, IMHO, to more open applications.

Still, wouldn't hesitate to use either.