Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Problem with front der shifter (?)

Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Problem with front der shifter (?)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-18-07 | 07:07 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Problem with front der shifter (?)

Hello,
I have a problem with my wife's bike; 2007 Trek 1000 w/Sora brifters, approx. 300 miles on the bike. When attempting to shift from the granny to the middle ring, the shifter has "jammed" on many occasions, as in it won't move at all. It's stuck. A gentle tug on the derailleur cable produces a "click" in the shifter, as if it's ratcheting, and then it will function again, but it invariably happens again. I've fiddled with the cable tension but it hasn't eliminated the problem. My wife is still new to the scene and gets very frustrated/panicky when it happens and I'd like to ease her mind. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks -- Eric
airick is offline  
Reply
Old 07-18-07 | 07:36 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,900
Likes: 0
Make sure the shift cable is properly seated in the brifter. Cable tension could appear correct but may not really be the case. If above is Ok, suggest you take it to the LBS and have them look at it, should still be under warranty. Couple of other ideas: is the cable properly attached to the front der? Over the tab not under it. Re-do the cable tension per the Parks Tool web site instructions. New bike from a good mfg and LBS is not always set up properly.

Have never been a fan of Sora triple due to the lack of trim function(which has nothing to do with your post).
oilman_15106 is offline  
Reply
Old 07-18-07 | 08:51 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,438
Likes: 9
From: Oklahoma

Bikes: Trek 5500, Colnago C-50

Good advice above. Also encourage your wife to be assertive when shifting from the smallest chainring to the middle chainring. A good hard shove works best. The same is also true for a shift from the middle ring to the big ring.

Al
Al1943 is offline  
Reply
Old 07-18-07 | 09:04 AM
  #4  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Thanks oilman and Al. I'll give it a try tonight.

Eric
airick is offline  
Reply
Old 07-18-07 | 11:14 AM
  #5  
DMF's Avatar
DMF
Elitist Troglodyte
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,926
Likes: 2
From: Dallas

Bikes: 03 Raleigh Professional (steel)

It could be operator error. If one lever is partially moved it will lock out the other lever, making the shifter appear to be jammed. Follow Al's advice re: assertiveness. And tell your wife to operate the other lever if one appears jammed.
__________________
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?

- Will Rogers
DMF is offline  
Reply
Old 07-18-07 | 01:44 PM
  #6  
Retro Grouch's Avatar
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri

Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.

Originally Posted by airick
I have a problem with my wife's bike; 2007 Trek 1000 w/Sora brifters, approx. 300 miles on the bike.
That's pretty much all that I need to know.

Why don't you take it back where you bought it and let them figure it out?
Retro Grouch is offline  
Reply
Old 07-19-07 | 05:49 PM
  #7  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
That's pretty much all that I need to know.

Why don't you take it back where you bought it and let them figure it out?

Thanks for the keen insight. Good stuff !
airick is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.