evil_lies

I am a novice, so please forgive the fact that I can't remember which gear is up/down shifted. Anyway, I had problems the other day with my old Specialized Hardrock that another member helped me fix. It was shifting 2 gears when I shifted into a smaller (used thumb shifter) gear. I remedied this by lubricating the shifter. Now, it works right, but now when i use the finger shifter for the rear derailleur, it feels like the shifting is very hard or kind of snaps. Any ideas what would be causing this? I did not mess with any of the derailleur adjustments. The chain did slip off if that makes a difference. I just put it back on the gears indicated on the gear shifters.
Thanks,
Brandon

FBinNY 

First, for future reference, up-shifting, as the name implies, means going to a higher gear (smaller rear sprockets). Down shifting is the opposite.

You didn't say how old the bike is, whether this started suddenly or got worse gradually over time, or started after you did something.

Without any clues, I'll take a shot in the dark and say that if it's an older bike, the gear cables may need lubing, or possibly replacement. It can't hurt to oil the housings, so try that first.

Shift the rear to the largest sprocket, then without pedaling shift the lever up to high gear. The RD will hang giving you some cable slack. Pull the housing away from the stop and try to run a few drops of light oil into the housing. Do the same on the rear housing loop. Then carefully pocket the housings back into the stops and turn the pedals so the RD moves out and takes up the slack.

Test to see if it helped. if not, repost here with more detailed info.

evil_lies

thanks for the help with the lingo... I'm trying to catch on!
Yeah the bike is old. I don't know how old, but I bought it used about 7 or 8 years ago for $20. I had it tuned up at the time and only rode it a few times before setting it aside.
I pulled it out a week ago and it rides fine, just had to air up the tires. I first had the shifting issue where it skipped a gear, now it has a very "snappy" shift.
I'll try lubing it, but am not sure what lube to use. I've been looking at different lubes and tools (I really want to do my own repairs, and think that once I become more familiar with the mechanics I'll be fine). What lube would you recommend? I know i need a chain lube, but can I use the same lube for cables as I do for the body? Will a light motor oil or wd40 work temporarily until I can get something better?
Thanks,
brandon

MilitantPotato

Are you shifting while pedaling with force?
Shifting while applying force to the pedals is not recommended, and the chain "snapping" into the next gear is due to it being under high tension. It causes extreme stress to the chain and gear teeth to be shifted under load. If you're spinning the pedals gently and it's "snapping" into gear, that's usually good, since gear changes should be "crisp and quick."

Avoid WD-40. A 3-1 mix of mineral spirits and motor oil has been used by some people, but it's a debate on if it's a suitable chain lube.

Motor oil would be usable for cables, but it will attract a lot of dirt. I'd vote using a dry teflon based lube. You can pick up a big can of that from an automotive store for cheap. Don't use it on a chain though.

evil_lies

no, i wouldn't say i'm pedeling exceedingly hard. it was a pretty smooth shift, but now seems abrupt. Shifting in the other direction is still smoth. If I keep riding it as is to see if it rights itself out do you think I'll damage anything?