bill_m3

I have a 2003 Specialized Enduro Comp. I've had continuous problems with ghost shifting (mostly rear, but also having issues with front). When going up a steep hill, it sometimes skips out of gear. I've had the bike tuned several times at my LBS and also had the rear crank and chain replaced. Each time, they say the issue is resolved and everything seems to shift okay in the parking lot but when I push it off road, the problems come back. I've borrowed a friends Trek with similar components and shifting is flawless so I don't think its my riding style. My bike comes with an XT rear derauler and Deore shifters. I'm wondering if the shifters are the issue and if upgrading to XT or XTR will resolve the problem. I'm hesitant to sink more money unless I'm fairly sure it will resolve the issue. Otherwise, I'm thinking of getting rid of the bike. Its just so frustrting.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

mrbubl

new chain often times needs new drive train, cassette and chainrings. They all wear out. New chain alone will only aggravate problems not solve them.

bill_m3

When I replaced the chain, I put a new LX cassette (sorry, I mistakenly said "crank"). Everything was adjusted at this time too.

cny-bikeman

I notice that's a suspension bike. Check your cable housing lengths. If too short the cable could be stressed enough to cause a partial shift, and that would be more pronounced under stress or off road.

DMF 

You have nice components now. Upgrading won't solve anything.

Has the shop checked your dérailleur hanger alignment?

Old Hammer Boy

Check your cables, make sure they're clean and lubed. Sounds like a cable problem if indeed you replaced your chain and cassette. Process of elimination.

bill_m3

Okay, I feel dumb asking but what's the best/proper way to clean and lube the cables? Any link to an article would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

DMF 

Clean the exposed parts of the cable, then loosen each housing so that it slips up and down the cable and clean the hidden parts of the cable. Some you can pump grease down the housings, but those are just about obsolete. Some people lube with oil; IMO there's not much point. Some you can't (or shouldn't) lube. https://sheldonbrown.com/cables.html#lubrication

If the cables aren't working right and there's no fraying (check inside the shifter, too) then the housing is probably worn out. It just might be time for a new set of cables and housings.

Proximo

+1000. I had a section of the rear derailleur cable housing between the front and rear triangles that was 1/4" too short on my Rift Zone and I was convinced the bike was possessed until I figured it out. Everything worked great until the suspension was compressed then shifting just went to hell.

To the original poster: any section of cable housing on a full suspension bike *must* fit snug between its cable stops, but particularly housing that goes between two parts of the frame that move relative to one another when the suspension compresses. If it doesn't fit tight, compressing the suspension will effectively shorten the cable path and momentarily loosen cable tension. That'll play hell with shifting. Having the cable housing slightly too long is infinitely better than having it slightly too short.

Manufacturers won't usually make that mistake. However, if the cables and housings have been changed before then it's very possible whoever did it screwed up when cutting the new housings to length.

orange leader

Try this link from Sheldon Brown's site.

https://sheldonbrown.com/autoshift.html