EZ Fire Shifter Not So Easy -- NOT Downshifting
08-12-20, 09:36 PM
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EZ Fire Shifter Not So Easy -- NOT Downshifting
These are on a recently purchased 02 Tandem that probably has less than 100 miles on it. The shifters functioned properly when I test rode, and when I took it out by myself for the first time after cleaning the bike.
Today, first ride ever on a tandem for the stoker and the shifter won't downshift from the first (largest cog). Fortunately we were in the largest front cog, but , not an amazing first experience.
I I opened up the shifter and it was super clean, like new, and I sprayed WD 40 all over it ...still no go...
Can anybody please help? Thanks in advance
Today, first ride ever on a tandem for the stoker and the shifter won't downshift from the first (largest cog). Fortunately we were in the largest front cog, but , not an amazing first experience.
I I opened up the shifter and it was super clean, like new, and I sprayed WD 40 all over it ...still no go...
Can anybody please help? Thanks in advance
08-12-20, 10:13 PM
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I would check cable resistance. Long story short, you pull the shift one way and a spring pulls it back. If there is any resistance in the cable, the spring doesn't have enough power to overcome it and pull it back. Usually a cable clean and lube combined with a clean and lube of the derailleur does the trick. Good luck
I should add: most people think of WD40 as nothing more than cleaning solvent and not a lubricant.
I should add: most people think of WD40 as nothing more than cleaning solvent and not a lubricant.
08-12-20, 10:37 PM
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Thanks. I literally PB BLASTED the insides and angled the shifters to a more level position and let them sit for awhile. In the meantime, I had a cocktail and told myself that my frustration tolerance was being tested while thanking our Almighty Lord for the patience that I've developed in my years.
I came back to the bike and the shifters were clicking silly!
I came back to the bike and the shifters were clicking silly!
08-13-20, 06:16 AM
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Now follow up the cleaning with a light lubricant. PB Blaster has some lubricant properties but a dedicated lube like Tri-Flow will work better long-term.
08-13-20, 05:15 PM
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Thx. I woke the next morning and took her for a ride. She shifted through all the gears just like when brand new!
Put the covers back on and thought I was done. Came back hours later and same issue!
Took her outside and blasted the crap out of the shifters with everything I had, PB, Liquid Wrench, WD 40....Let her sit for 15min, then blasted it all away with brake cleaner. An hour later I lubed them with Super Slick Stuff - ran out of Tri Flow (awaiting shipment).
They're working now, and we're planning a ride later.... We'll see what happens next...
I'm really tempted to replace them with plain ol' friction shifters...
Put the covers back on and thought I was done. Came back hours later and same issue!
Took her outside and blasted the crap out of the shifters with everything I had, PB, Liquid Wrench, WD 40....Let her sit for 15min, then blasted it all away with brake cleaner. An hour later I lubed them with Super Slick Stuff - ran out of Tri Flow (awaiting shipment).
They're working now, and we're planning a ride later.... We'll see what happens next...
I'm really tempted to replace them with plain ol' friction shifters...
