Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,707
Likes: 4,076
From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
It would be helpful to know what exactly happens in the 9/10 times when it doesn't work. The lever moves, but not the front derailleur? Does the cable go slack? If that's the case, it could be a problem with the Front derailleur (for instance, damaged tension spring).