Do I Need to Replace my Shifter?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 143
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From: So. Cal.
Bikes: Windsor Carrera Sport, Fuji Absolute 3.0, Cannondale H400
Do I Need to Replace my Shifter?
I ride to work on a 1993 Cannondale H 400 two days a week. As of late, the rear trigger shifter when shifting to a larger gear (is that up or down), has not been 100%. What I mean is that I now have to shift it twice to get the derailleur to move. The first time, I get nothing and then it catches on the second try. Is my trigger shifter wearing out? Where would one get a replacement? These shifters have a long throw and no click like new ones do. If I replace it can I get one with clicks and a short throw or should I use a true replacement and get just what I got.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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The stock recommendation is to start with hitting the shifter with a long blast of WD-40 inside, as the grease inside tends to become gummy with age.
What to use as a replacement, should it be needed, depends on what make/model/no of speeds your derailer/cassette is. Tell us and we might be able to help.
What to use as a replacement, should it be needed, depends on what make/model/no of speeds your derailer/cassette is. Tell us and we might be able to help.
#3
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,636
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From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
#4
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,773
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From: West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
What happens when the cable is not attached to the rear derailleur? does the shifter work then?
Have you tried replacement cables (inners and outers)? Are the cable still correctly routed, has a ferrule(cable end) come out of its guide?
For replacements if needed, stock the 1993 came with Atlus A10's, these were rapidfire+ combined brake /shifter (STI), modern 7 speed shifters can be used, you would need to get an STI version, or seperate brake lever, which ever you got, wou but you would need to get non-v brake version.
Have you tried replacement cables (inners and outers)? Are the cable still correctly routed, has a ferrule(cable end) come out of its guide?
For replacements if needed, stock the 1993 came with Atlus A10's, these were rapidfire+ combined brake /shifter (STI), modern 7 speed shifters can be used, you would need to get an STI version, or seperate brake lever, which ever you got, wou but you would need to get non-v brake version.
#5
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
You do realize that this bike and shifter are 20 years old so having it wear out should not be a surprise. Try the WD-40 bath first to see if that loosens up the mechanism and gets it to work again. If not, you will need any model 7-speed Shimano shifter that fits your bars.
#7
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 709
From: Boulder County, CO
Bikes: '80 Masi Gran Criterium, '12 Trek Madone, early '60s Frejus track
Or the cable might just be too loose. But if these are 20-year-old cables, there's a slight chance they'll need to be replaced.
Here's the complete scoop on setting up and adjusting derailleurs: https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...illeur-systems
Here's the complete scoop on setting up and adjusting derailleurs: https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...illeur-systems
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