Bicycle Mechanics - Ten Speed Rear Derailleur Issue

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tommywpg
07-04-11, 09:15 AM
I'm pretty new to working on ten speeds. Forgive me if my question is stupid.

I've been cleaning up a very nice but incredibly dirty 1974 Raleigh Sprite. It has cleaned up beautifully and I have lubricated it appropriately but I have one remaining issue.

When I change gears, the rear derailleur returns to the outside or low gear position. It moves fairly well but wants to return to the original position. The gear lever instantly returns to the upright position.

Can anyone help me identify the cause of the problem and provide a solution?

Thanks in advance.

Monster Pete
07-04-11, 09:33 AM
It sounds like the friction of the shift lever is set too low. There is a spring in the derailleur that is used to return the derailleur to the smallest sprocket (high gear). The shifter is designed to have a certain amount of friction in its rotation to stop that happening. There should be an adjustment screw in the middle of the shifter pivot. Set this tight enough to hold the derailleur without slipping in all gears, but no tighter.
tommywpg
07-04-11, 10:11 AM
It sounds like the friction of the shift lever is set too low. There is a spring in the derailleur that is used to return the derailleur to the smallest sprocket (high gear). The shifter is designed to have a certain amount of friction in its rotation to stop that happening. There should be an adjustment screw in the middle of the shifter pivot. Set this tight enough to hold the derailleur without slipping in all gears, but no tighter.

I'm using my blackberry without proper internet access to find pics of the parts you mentioned. Can you tell me a little more about what I'm looking for?

DCB0
07-04-11, 11:02 AM
on the side of the shift lever there is either a screw head (usually to fit a large slot screwdriver) or a D-ring. THis is the bolt that holds the shifter together. Tighten this screw about 1/4 turn at a time until the derailleur stays where you put it without snapping back.
tommywpg
07-04-11, 01:56 PM
Thanks for the help. It was the loose shift lever in the end.
Kimmo
07-04-11, 10:15 PM
BTW,


When I change gears, the rear derailleur returns to the outside or low gear position.

Smaller cog or bigger chainring = higher gear.
Bigger cog or smaller chainring = lower gear.
DCB0
07-05-11, 07:04 AM
Smaller cog or bigger chainring = higher gear.
Bigger cog or smaller chainring = lower gear.

That's because you are in Australia. In most of the rest of the world, Smaller cog or bigger chainring = higher gear; Bigger cog or smaller chainring = lower gear.

OK, I know it looks the same, but I wrote it without a funny accent. :)