renzoqazwsx

Hey guys i have an old univega that i just changed the gear cables brake cables and everything..i adjusted the H and L screws to perfection and the tension on the cable as well.... i tested it multiple times.. i have friction shifters but all gears were engaging nicely.. i took a ride today and got the destination perfect. but when i was coming back i wasn't able to engage my first gear and my 5th gear...anyone have advice so it wont keep on happening .... thank for the information in advance

cny-bikeman

Limit screws do not move readily, certainly not in one ride, so what you are left with is the cable responsible for moving the derailleur. Most likely the cable housing seated in (called "cable stretch") which would then introduce enough slack so as that the lever travel is not enough to move the derailleur to the large cog (1st). It's also likely you have too much friction in the cable/housing, which would keep the derailleur return spring from pulling the cable easily enough to reach the small cog (5th).

You need to properly size shift the housing, make sure the ends are properly finished and capped, and if using Walmart or similar cable sets, including any that are not stainless steel, make sure you lube the cable with oil as you feed it into the housing.

Then you need to readjust the cable tension so that the cable is just tight enough to allow the derailleur to readily go down to the small cog.

If those two measures do not work there are a host of other possibilities. Nobody can tell you for sure the cause of a particular symptom - it's a matter of observation, logic and testing. It's best to get some help in-person if possible - bike co-ops are the most recommended option if one is available, or a knowledgeable friend.

If those options aren't available and you want to continue maintaining your bike start going to Parktool.com/blog and Sheldonbrown.com, as well as using Google to learn not only how to adjust and repair but how things actually work together on a bike. Asking a question every time you hit a hitch is something like reading paragraphs at random in a textbook. You get pieces of information but miss the overall view that allows you to understand the whole.

Kimmo

For a co-op, check the link in my tag.

Lined housing and SS cable are so superior to cheaper stuff, I consider anything less as junk.

ka0use

Asking a question every time you hit a hitch is something like reading paragraphs at random in a textbook. You get pieces of information but miss the overall view that allows you to understand the whole.


dang, you're good!

oldbobcat

More symptoms please. Such as, is the cable seated properly in the cable stops? Is the cable loose when the chain is shifted to the smallest cog? Is the cable threaded correctly through all cable guides? Did you tighten the cable bolt on the derailleur correctly?

Hard to make a diagnosis without seeing the patient.