shifting problems
10-05-03 | 04:52 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
shifting problems
Hello everyone,
I'm new here and was hoping someone could help me out. I have an older (94) GT mountain bike that's having shifting problems. Basically I was riding it and the chain went into the smallest rear ring and pressing the shifter does nothing.
I replaced the cable thinking it may just be worn and this did nothing. If I mess with the small adjustment screws on the rear derailler the bike will shift to the larger rear rings and then shift down to the smaller rear rings but not up again. Which leaves me back in the smallest rear cog. I'm a real novice at working on bikes so any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
I'm new here and was hoping someone could help me out. I have an older (94) GT mountain bike that's having shifting problems. Basically I was riding it and the chain went into the smallest rear ring and pressing the shifter does nothing.
I replaced the cable thinking it may just be worn and this did nothing. If I mess with the small adjustment screws on the rear derailler the bike will shift to the larger rear rings and then shift down to the smaller rear rings but not up again. Which leaves me back in the smallest rear cog. I'm a real novice at working on bikes so any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
10-05-03 | 05:56 PM
#2
put our Heads Together
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,155
Likes: 1
From: southeast pennsylvania
Bikes: a mountain bike with a cargo box on the back and aero bars on the front. an old well-worn dahon folding bike
your problem doesn't have anything to do with the screws that set the upper and lower limit for your derailleur.
it sounds to me like your cable came loose from the rear derailleur, unless it was a broken cable or your shift lever is broken.
i think that,
if the problem was with the old cable breaking or coming loose, then the problem NOW would have to be that you didn't install the new cable correctly. (didn't get the cable set to the right length, or didn't attach the rear derailleur to it tightly enough.)
it sounds to me like your cable came loose from the rear derailleur, unless it was a broken cable or your shift lever is broken.
i think that,
if the problem was with the old cable breaking or coming loose, then the problem NOW would have to be that you didn't install the new cable correctly. (didn't get the cable set to the right length, or didn't attach the rear derailleur to it tightly enough.)
10-05-03 | 06:59 PM
#3
The Red Lantern
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,965
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
Sometimes, older shifters get sticky and the ratchets don't spring back. Jetting some carb cleaner in there and then working the shifter will often free it up. Then lube it with some light oil.
It can also be a broken spring, if the above trick does not work, this is probably what is wrong. The fix is a new shifter.
It can also be a broken spring, if the above trick does not work, this is probably what is wrong. The fix is a new shifter.
__________________
Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. Its free, and only takes 27 seconds!
Help out the forums, abide by our community guidelines.
I am in the woods and I have gone crazy.
Are you a registered member? Why not? click here to register. Its free, and only takes 27 seconds!
Help out the forums, abide by our community guidelines.
I am in the woods and I have gone crazy.
10-05-03 | 10:35 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Cool, thanks guys. I looked at the cable, it seems to be ok. I can get it to shift if I fiddle with it. Feels like the shifter gains traction once in a while and it shifts. I think I'll replace the shifter and see what happens. Although it's a 7 speed, hopefully I can locate one. Looks like a lot of work to upgrade to a modern 8 or 9 speed rear.
10-06-03 | 12:14 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Old Hard Rock, New Cannondale R400
I had a similar dilemma. And found that there is not much selection when looking for 7 spd MTB stuff.
However, I like twist shifters and was able to find a set of SRAM MRX shifters for cheap (about $20 for the set). They work fine, are compatible with my Alivio deraillers, and there are fewer moving parts. Its a matter of preference, but I like them and they work fine (albeit a bit loudly).
- Jeff
However, I like twist shifters and was able to find a set of SRAM MRX shifters for cheap (about $20 for the set). They work fine, are compatible with my Alivio deraillers, and there are fewer moving parts. Its a matter of preference, but I like them and they work fine (albeit a bit loudly).
- Jeff
10-06-03 | 12:32 AM
#6
DEADBEEF
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,234
Likes: 10
From: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Originally Posted by NTex96
I think I'll replace the shifter and see what happens. Although it's a 7 speed, hopefully I can locate one.
Right pod:
https://www.bikeman.com/miva/merchant...MPSHMTNINDVSH1
Left pod:
https://www.bikeman.com/miva/merchant...MPSHMTNINDVSH1
If your shifters and brake levers are integrated, I also saw some Alivio integrated shifter/lever combos.
https://www.bikeman.com/miva/merchant...COMPSHMTNSETSH
__________________
1999 K2 OzM
2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM
2001 Aegis Aro Svelte"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
Last edited by khuon; 10-06-03 at 12:38 AM.
