bfromcolo

I bought a mid-80s Hardrock to use as a commuter. The rear derailler shifter is very hard to shift, I have not messed with it yet, so I don't know at this point if its the shifter, cables or derailler. But some general maintenance questions about the shifter.

Is it serviceable? Can I lube it?

Is there a friction adjustment? Like does that screw on the bottom affect how hard it is to move the shift lever?

I assume it will be obvious how to swap the cable, but if there is anything I need to know?

Thanks as usual for all your help.

B

TimJ

Is it a deore indexed shifter? If so, the bottom screw just attaches it to the clamp, to adjust the friction in the lever you pop off the top cap and there's a nut on the top you can adjust. They are serviceable, just be careful and mindful of how everything went together. Replace the cables and housing before you mess with the shifter, though.

Sheldon Brown

The term "thumb shifter" has become ambiguous.

It originally referred to what is also known as a "top mount" shifter, a lever on top of the handlebars that pivots back and forth to shift.

This was replaced by a "push push" "Rapidfire" shifter, where there were two buttons underneath the bars. These levers were intended to be operated by the rider's thumbs, so sometimes people think that's what is a "thumb shifter."

After a couple of years, the Rapidfires were found to be confusing, because the upshift and downshift were both done by the same motion. They were replaced by "Rapidfire Plus" where there is one thumb button, and a trigger operated by the index finger to shift the other way. That's what's on most newer bikes that don't use twisties.

The original top-mount "thumb shifters" did offer a friction option, selected by rotating a little tab that runs to the side of the lever hub.

Neither type of below-the bar shifter has a friction option.

The early push-push units were often rather stiff, but most likely your problem will be greatly improved by replacing the cable and housing with good quality modern stuff.

See: https://sheldonbrown.com/cables

Sheldon "Slick" Brown

Edit: I just noticed from the Subject heading that this is a 6-speed. Deore 6-speed only existed as a top mount. It definitely has a friction option, but I really don't recommend using it. Indexing is really a much better way to go.

bfromcolo

Thanks for the responses. To be more precise the shifter is as described by Sheldon

"It originally referred to what is also known as a "top mount" shifter, a lever on top of the handlebars that pivots back and forth to shift."

It does have an option to switch between indexed and friction, but it is hard to operate either way, and regardless of shifting up or down the rear freewheel. I will replace the cable and housing first, but since it is hard in both directions I expect there will be some issue with the shifter itself, hopefully just a lubrication issue.

B "thumb of steel" from CO

Bill Kapaun

Is there a "D" ring or tab on top, center of the shifter body?

bfromcolo

Well I don't recall anything on top other than the selector for indexed/friction, but I am not at the bike now. I'll let you know later, especially if I am still trying to figure out what the issue is.

Thanks