Thanks to everyone for the help/suggestions.
Originally Posted by
Slash5
Have you adjusted the B-screw on the rear derailleur? Sounds like the top pulley is too close to the large cogs.
Yes, I've checked the B screw adjustment.
Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
Yet the OP has issues. Perhaps the cables are friction filled. Perhaps he doesn't know how to set up an indexed system. Perhaps the cables are anchored on the wrong side of both anchor bolts (remember he does mention front issues as well as rear). Perhaps the chain and cogs are worn out and lack crisp edges. Maybe the same for the guide pulley. But an equally possible issue is what Shimano spoke to.
It will be interesting to see what is really at play. Andy
I'm definitely not a professional mechanic, but I do have experience setting up indexed shifters/derailleurs. Everything from older 6 speed stuff (105, 600, Deore, XT, Accushift) to newer 9/10/11 (Deore, SLX, SRAM X9, Shimano 5800). This is the first time I've had a problem with the indexing, which is why I was guessing that maybe my parts were incompatible.
Also, the cables are new, and I checked the cable routing in relation to the anchor bolts. Everything looks good there. Chain, cassette, and crankset/chainrings are all brand new.
Originally Posted by
70sSanO
They should work. Are they brand new Alivio shifters? If they are not, I'd be willing to bet the shifters are all gummed up. If they are new, the cables have to be binding somewhere.
John
Yes, they are brand new. I sort of misspoke in the OP when I said "newer." What I meant was that they aren't the current generation Alivio shifters, but they are new, never used.
I messed with it again last night, and I can get it to shift pretty well in the stand, but when I ride it, it just doesn't want to shift to the larger cogs unless I really increase the cable tension, but then of course it stops shifting to the smaller cogs. Similar issues with the front.
This setup is currently installed on my wife's bike. On my bike, I have more modern derailleurs: a 9/10 speed era XT RD and a Tiagra FD. I think I might just swap those onto her bike and put these older XTs on my bike since I'm using bar end shifters and I'm fine with friction if I can't get the indexing to work on mine.