rybowen

So I want to upgrade my early Ergo levers to 9speed. Any tips on getting the old gear out and the new one in? As I understand it, I don't have to disassemble the upper part of the lever, right?

Rev.Chuck

Remove the lever from the bar, you can leave the clamp on the bar(You do not need to untape either) Remove the plastic cover from the bar side of the lever. Remove the brake lever, just tap the pin out with a punch. Using two allen wrenches remove the front pivot bolt, you have to unscrew the rear bolt while holding the front bolt. Pull the front bolt out and remove the gear, then pop the new one in, making sure it faces the same direction(if you get it in backwards the bike will shift one gear short, ask me how I know ) Put the front pivot bolt back in and reassemble. If you have a freind hold the rear bolt firmly in place and the thumb button as well you might be able to pop it out and in. I would go ahead and take it all the way apart and replace the hair pin springs on the back side of the shifter. It is a big help if you can (gently) clamp the body in a vice.

Rev.Chuck

P.S. You have fifteen minutes

Scooby Snax

Rev, one question, did you type that in just one breath?

rybowen

Thanks!

That sounds pretty straightforward. I'll report back in a few days when I'm done.

austex

Also, visit www.campyonly.com for a helpful conversion article.

And Rev., which "vice" would you recommend? I usually use a vise ;-)

Rev.Chuck

Beer

I type it out how I think my way through the repair.

rybowen

Warning: LEFT HAND THREADED!!!

Just stripped the hex out of the upper part. Damn. Now I have to find a used one to cannibalize.

tvphobic

Is it the front or rear bolt that's left-hand-threaded?

Rev.Chuck

Where did you have a left hand thread? I just did this (again) thursday, replacing the springs and a cracked carrier and have yet to have a left hand thread (That I can think of)

rybowen

The main pivot bolt for the Rear lever. I couldn't understand why it was so darn hard to unscrew, so I tried giving it a bit of a tighten first, which is a strategy I've had good luck with in the past. Bam - it came undone.

These are REALLY early ERgo levers - 1992 C-record.

rybowen

https://www.velonews.com/tech/rev/levers2.html

Quote:
On an 8-speed lever, the nut and bolt both accept 4mm hex keys, and the bolt may have a brass washer or two on it, so watch for them.
Important note: The bolt on a right-hand 8-speed lever is left-hand threaded, so it unscrews in a clockwise direction!


So I'm not tripping. Whew.

Rev.Chuck

Ok, I was wondering about myself. I have never worked on one that old.
That is a trick i use also, if it does not want to turn give it a nudge in the other direction.

rybowen

One more thing while we're on the topic: What are the symptoms of a weak return spring and/or G springs?

Rev.Chuck

The shifting is less precise and you will notice the click go away. If you do take them apart check the spring carrier for cracks. If it breaks it will feel the same way.

rybowen

I think the return spring on mine is a bit weak. It takes more movement than I would expect (more than the rear lever) to move down a gear. I'll see how it shifts with the 9 cog and if it seems suspect I'll order the springs.