Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano 105 Front Derailleur issue

Hi,
Just bought a Claud Butler Torino. Took it out at the weekend for a charity spin. The problem is the FD stuck on the large chainring and would not release to the smaller CR.

I checked the cable tension when I got home and it appeared to be seriously tight.

I loosened the cable with an allen key and retightened.

The FD Sprung back into the lower CR position when I loosedned the cable.

Now it won't move up to the larger CR. Silly question....Do I need to increase the tension on the cable again to resolve the issue?

Hope someone can advise.

Thanks

Keith

Hmm... I would try to move the FD from ring to ring by pulling the bare wire cable out from the frame, I think. If I could move the FD up and down that way, I would suspect the shift lever was too tight or not functioning right. Yes, I can move the FD up and down just by tugging on the cable down near the bottom bracket. Must be something in the levers or shifter adjustments.

Or, if the shift levers are moving smoothly, the cable is caught on something or has a kink or knot in it.

Hi,
Just bought a Claud Butler Torino. Took it out at the weekend for a charity spin. The problem is the FD stuck on the large chainring and would not release to the smaller CR.

I checked the cable tension when I got home and it appeared to be seriously tight.

I loosened the cable with an allen key and retightened.

The FD Sprung back into the lower CR position when I loosedned the cable.

Now it won't move up to the larger CR. Silly question....Do I need to increase the tension on the cable again to resolve the issue?

Hope someone can advise.

Thanks

Keith

If this is a new 10 speed 105 unit, there have been lots of teething issue with the front shifter. If you move the lever too far you can break the mechanism and the shifter won't release, or move, the cable. Look here (http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/drivetrain/groupos/shimano/PRD_27978_2497crx.aspx) for other riders' experiences.

It doesn't take much pressure to break either. I did it to a friend's bike when she asked me to show her how to tune the front shifter. I swung the lever over to shift and then it wouldn't go back.

Take it back to the shop. Warranty issue.

Glad you got a better answer than mine. I spend a lot of time in Classic and Vintage Forum where about the only thing new on bikes might be the tires. :)

Sounds like the problem is too much tension on the cable, jamming the cage up against the limit screw. The ratchet that works for the downshift paddle needs a less tension.

Loosen the cable tension, then tighten just so you can hit the big ring consistently and get a bit of movement for the trim position. On your small ring, the cable will actually be slack. If the cable needs to be so tight that you can't get onto the small ring, loosen the outer limit screw a bit, but not so much that you drop the chain.

Also make sure the cable is routed correctly in the shifter and the derailleur cage is properly aligned. True, 105 front shifters are not as smooth or durable as Ultegra, but when properly set up they are more than adequate.

I appreciate the feedback. Will drop the bike into the Bike shop this week for a look.