I know there is already a thread about this but I couldn't find it to save my life...so I'll start another. I've got a set of SRAM shifters received early spring and they probably have 4000-5000 miles on them. When I shift up to the lower gears (i.e. toward the hub), the shift lever starts sticking and I have to manually push it back. The first 5 gears are ok but the 6th gear through 10th create this sticking of the lever. I've replaced the housing and cable with no success as well as removing the shifter (as a last resort) and cleaning the internals. I can't tell where this binding up is happening, anyone else have the same experience or have a cure. Thanks guys!

What did SRAM say?

i've never heard of this problem.. sounds like the problem may be inside of the brifter itself and you can probably warranty that if necessary. that's def a problem that i'd call them about though

Try using some lube in the shifter guts. I'd put several drops of White Lightning chain lube in there. Chances are with 4-5K miles on them, they've seen rain, sun, more rain, more sun, etc. A little lube will probably go a long way. After all, they are moving parts.

Same problem I had with my Force shifters. Thats why I removed them.

I need to get them warrantied back through SRAM, just havent gotten around to it yet.

Luckily the shop I got them from exchanged them so unfortunately I won't find out exactly what was going on. I was talking to a couple teammates of mine and they said that SRAM shifter internals are similar to Campy in that they are easily rebuildable in about 30 minutes, however, for the price paid for the new SRAM stuff they shouldn't be having problems. Ryan, I had tried the lube idea after I had cleaned them thinking that was surely the problem. I was quite disappointed when I spent an hour removing it, cleaning it, and lubing, and reinstalling just to find the problem hadn't been solved. I do appreciate the input though. I will say that overall though I am very pleased with the SRAM stuff. For it's first year of road production, SRAM put out a good product. JayC, when you warranty your Force shifters and you get an explaination for SRAM I'd be interested in hearing what they had to say.

I've really been wanting to switch from Ultegra to Rival in the brifter/RD categories, but wonder due to reports like this if I'd be best waiting until next year when more kinks are *hopefully* ironed out a bit more?

Well.. Ive only seen 2 reports of this (Mine included) so its probably not a widespread issue. Mine could be related to something else, I just havent had a chance to look at all the components closely.

I had/ have a similar issue. After a downshift the lever does not come all the way back and on the next shift it will only go down. While riding you can just pull it back to the normal start position and it works fine. not sure if this is your issue or not.

To fix, lube the rubber piece in the back of the brake lever with a oil chain lube (not wax). The shift lever then goes back no problem, you just have to reapply periodically. It appears the issue is due to that rubber piece being a little larger, the left lever ruber piece is not as big so I don't have this problem.

Was that all the problem was? My teammate said that also but I couldn't seem to fix it that way...however, I didn't really know exactly what I was supposed to lube when he mentioned it. I had also heard that not using cable ferrules on the ends of the shifter cable could also cause a little binding. So if you guys haven't used cable ferrules on BOTH...yep, both ends of your shifter cable, you now have a fun little project. I guess if you don't use 'em the casing on the cable is pushed back exposing the inside metal of the cable which can cause a not so smooth shift.

I'm starting to have this issue now. Which black rubber piece are you referring to?

Warranty it.. I did everything I could to fix it including swapping cables.. didnt help. SRAM warrantied it quickly tho.

blah. fine.