I took my brand new Specialized Alibi out for a first ride today and rode on the middle chain ring for the entire ride until just before I quit, I selected the front up to the big gear and pedaled for a bit and then tried to go back to the middle gear but it's stuck on the big gear. I have the up and down trigger type gear selectors and when I use the down trigger it acts like it's not hooked to anything' just easily pivots but the front derailleur doesn't move. I don't feel anything when I put a finger on the FD cable either. Where should I look first? Thanks for any help!

"Where should I look first?" swiftycoop


The shop that sold you a bike with this problem. Seriously a brand new bike shouldn't have this issue.


Since we don't know the shifter design, brand, model we really can't do much more then give superficial advice. It's possible that the cable is adjusted too tight (well actually too short but that's another topic) and the pawl can't release from the ratchet tooth in the shifter.


But what do I know? I don't have the bike in front of me. Andy

Thanks Andy, I will take it to be repaired at the dealer....just wondered if there was something that I could do to save myself the dealer trip.
The FD is a Shimano Altus and the shifter/brake is called a EZ Fire Plus EF500. I assume that it too is from Shimano. The Down lever acts like it's not attached to anything, I guess just a faulty part from the manufacturer.

the web has many videos , look for them, yet? , since it seems lots of people wont look for bike repair books ,

though they have them at the Public free library.

You may want to save yourself from a trip to the dealer, but that could be costly. The situation you describe is unusual and playing around with it could result in a denial of warranty support. You bought a quality bike from what should be a reputable dealer. It may not be convenient to go back, but that is your best choice

You are correct of course. To the LBS tomorrow.