General Cycling Discussion - shifting is kinda hard on the left shifter?

I notice the left shifter is kinda hard to move on my bike. I remember it use to be easier to shift. It may be my hands are weaker from me being sick. I usually do 4 clicks then shift down once to get it on the middle crank gear. Its not really that important of an issue I think. I dont shift the front gears much. Mainly I shift the back gears. Its super easy to shift them.

So its only the hardest to shift from the small gear to the middle gear. I got a cannondale touring bike. Dont know what year.

Could I adjust the front derailer or something to make it easier to shift the left shifter? Maybe put some chain oil somewhere?

clean and re lubricate, the 1st suggestion, as you say it deteriorated over time.

So put some lube on the joints that move when it shifts?

Also make sure to check the cable, where it is set in the shift lever and where it clamps into the derailleur-- it might be frayed and could suddenly snap off.

Hope you recuperate swiftly from your recent illness.

I put some lube on. I think it helped some. But still hard to shift. I'll probably take a pic tomorrow to show on here. Would a pic help any?

I put some lube on. I think it helped some. But still hard to shift. I'll probably take a pic tomorrow to show on here. Would a pic help any?

I'm still holding out for lubrication. If you haven't done this, follow the cable all the way from the shifter to the derailleur and put a little lubricant everywhere the cable touches anything (does it slide under the bottom bracket before going up to the derailleur? That's a common trouble spot). Then move the shifter while you watch the derailleur and put a drop or two (not a flood, just a drop or two) of oil on each of the pivot points of the derailleur. Move everything through its full range of motion, and that should do it. If not, you could loosen the bolt that holds the cable to the derailleur, pull the cable out of its housing and lube that lightly. But if you go that far, you might as well install a new cable. They're cheap and it's usually easier to thread in a new one than try to stuff the old one back in. www.parktool.com is one place to look for advice on this.

The cable may be rusted or corroded inside the cable housing. Try adding a few drops inside the housing.

The cable may be rusted or corroded inside the cable housing. Try adding a few drops inside the housing.

+1... although if you take the time to remove and lubricate the cable, it's easy enough to replace the cable and housing. If either are more than a couple years old, I bet it's time for new.