Intermittent shifting issue with front derailleur
08-11-13, 07:33 PM
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Intermittent shifting issue with front derailleur
I had an issue suddenly present itself on my ride home from work last night. Out of nowhere, I couldn't get the front derailleur to shift from the middle chainring to the big one (something I do pretty regularly, as I like to start in the middle chainring and 4th cog, then up to the big chainring and 4th cog as my typical flat road gear). I'd hold the shifter in place, and it would just get the chain to where it would rub on the inside of the big chainring, but not catch.
When I got home, I checked it out, and the problem seemed to have disappeared, so I chalked it up to sleep-deprivation throwing my coordination.
No problem as I left for work this morning, but then as I got near the end of my ride, I started having this issue again. When I made my coffee stop a few blocks from work, I made a quick tweak to the barrel adjuster, and didn't have any problem for the rest of the ride.
Same deal on my way home...started the ride with no issues, and then maybe 20 minutes into the ride, it suddenly refused to shift to the big chainring.
This is on a 2012 Bianchi Volpe with stock Shimano Tiagra shifters and derailleurs.
When I got home, I checked it out, and the problem seemed to have disappeared, so I chalked it up to sleep-deprivation throwing my coordination.
No problem as I left for work this morning, but then as I got near the end of my ride, I started having this issue again. When I made my coffee stop a few blocks from work, I made a quick tweak to the barrel adjuster, and didn't have any problem for the rest of the ride.
Same deal on my way home...started the ride with no issues, and then maybe 20 minutes into the ride, it suddenly refused to shift to the big chainring.
This is on a 2012 Bianchi Volpe with stock Shimano Tiagra shifters and derailleurs.
08-11-13, 07:47 PM
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I would advise you to immediately check to make sure that the shift wire is not fraying inside the brifter. If you catch it before it breaks it is an easy fix; getting the broken end out can be a nightmare. It could also be slipping somewhere else but you REALLY don't want the head to break off inside.
08-11-13, 07:50 PM
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I would advise you to immediately check to make sure that the shift wire is not fraying inside the brifter. If you catch it before it breaks it is an easy fix; getting the broken end out can be a nightmare. It could also be slipping somewhere else but you REALLY don't want the head to break off inside.
08-11-13, 07:55 PM
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Seems weird, considering I bought the bike new 2 months ago. I'll take a look, though!
08-11-13, 07:59 PM
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It is quite worth a look since the penalty for missing it is severe and it is a small investment in time. It could be defective in manufacture or installed clumsily and damaged but you really should rule it out.
08-11-13, 08:05 PM
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Just took a look, that end of the cable looks fine.
Forgot to mention...I noticed, I think last night, that it seemed like I felt my leg brushing the derailleur cage, a lot more than usual. Noticed it today, too. Isn't that the opposite of what I should be noticing if the big ring isn't engaging, though?
Forgot to mention...I noticed, I think last night, that it seemed like I felt my leg brushing the derailleur cage, a lot more than usual. Noticed it today, too. Isn't that the opposite of what I should be noticing if the big ring isn't engaging, though?
08-11-13, 08:33 PM
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The shop that you purchased the bike from might have an after sales service offer. Most LBSs have a free service/tune up that comes with the bike. maybe you should have them check things out. The problem could be as simple as a cable tension adjustment or a ft der that has moved out of position. Andy.
08-12-13, 06:18 AM
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My standard advice for front derailleur poblemss - first check height and rotation. It is easy for a front derailleur to inadvertently be mounted too high (even at the factory, to slip down if not secured properly, or to rotate if bumped hard. Improper rotation and height definitely will affect shifting. Parktool.com/blog has the "by the book" repair techniques, including front derailleur positioning and adjustment.
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