Derailleur/Cable/Shifter question
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 231
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From: NC
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD 10 5 105, Peugeot PX-10
Derailleur/Cable/Shifter question
Bike is a CAAD 10 with shifter gear levers and Shimano 105 derailleur.
Over time, shifting is working less efficiently. I'll click the shifter, I can see the derailleur move, but it often takes a second lever click to convince the chain onto a new sprocket. And often, that will be two sprockets over.
What should I look at first?
Over time, shifting is working less efficiently. I'll click the shifter, I can see the derailleur move, but it often takes a second lever click to convince the chain onto a new sprocket. And often, that will be two sprockets over.
What should I look at first?
#2
Facts just confuse people




Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Go to shimano's support website and download the DM (dealers manual) for your particular model of 105 derailer. That will tell you what does what.
I'd just expect cable tension is the problem if it did gradually over time. If you've laid it over several times and/or banged up the DR, then the hanger might be slightly bent. Most I just replace over trying to bend it back. It's a cheap part usually.
The worst thing is to just start adjusting stuff if you don't know what it's going to do. If you've never worked on one, then realize that the learning curve can be expensive. So you might spend much more to gain experience that the bikes shop will charge to fix it.
I'd just expect cable tension is the problem if it did gradually over time. If you've laid it over several times and/or banged up the DR, then the hanger might be slightly bent. Most I just replace over trying to bend it back. It's a cheap part usually.
The worst thing is to just start adjusting stuff if you don't know what it's going to do. If you've never worked on one, then realize that the learning curve can be expensive. So you might spend much more to gain experience that the bikes shop will charge to fix it.
#4
If shifting from a larger to a smaller cog is the problem, cable friction is usually the cause. If shifting from a smaller cog to a larger one is the problem, a simple increase in cable tension can usually fix things
#5
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From: Roswell, GA
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
If your shifting has changed suddenly, or if it has been a while since you have looked, check the shift wires inside the brifter for fraying. MUCH better to catch it before it breaks off.
#6
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: NC
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD 10 5 105, Peugeot PX-10
Excellent points, everyone!
cables are original, from 2014. I probably ride about 30 miles a week?
It seems to be both directions - small sprocket to large, large to small. And yes, it's been gradual.
The consensus seems to be start with cable inspection and stay away from adjusting derailleur.
"Brifter" = break integrated shifter?
Thanks!
cables are original, from 2014. I probably ride about 30 miles a week?
It seems to be both directions - small sprocket to large, large to small. And yes, it's been gradual.
The consensus seems to be start with cable inspection and stay away from adjusting derailleur.
"Brifter" = break integrated shifter?
Thanks!
#7
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
With the limited information available I'd guess (90+ % sure) you need new shift cable housing. Specifically that little piece that loops behind the derailleur. A little too long for that little loop is better than a little too short.
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#10
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Joined: Sep 2016
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From: RVA
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Synapse 6 Tiagra + 2016 Cannondale CAAD 12 Dura Ace
OMG 2014 cables???
Even with low usage, that's pretty old. No matter what you should change the cables and housings. You'll notice a huge difference!
Even with low usage, that's pretty old. No matter what you should change the cables and housings. You'll notice a huge difference!
#11
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From: SF Bay Area, East bay
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
Cables can fray in the shifter after a while. Don't let it get to that point.





