shifting woes
 

I am new to roadbikes and I am enjoying my cannnondale immensely. But I am having trouble shifting the front gears. half the time it is smooth, some of the time it makes a clanging noise like the chain is wanting to come off, and then once every other 10 mile-ride out, the chain does come off.
I have taken it in to 4 different bike shops and they all tell me the same thing. they put it on the rack and it shifts fine. they take it out for a ride and it works fine. the last guy told me not to shift on an uphill climb, but the trails I bike are generally pretty flat. I guess it could be happening on one of the slight inclines?
I have had the derailleur adjusted and no difference.
Any ideas for a frustrated rookie?

I had a similar problem with my bike and the rear gears (Freewheel). My chain had a bad link and it would sometimes jump and fall off! Also double check the max travel settings as that has been an ocassional issues as well for me.
Quick note: this question is better off in the Mechanics post.

What is your weight? Depending on your weight, bending of the frame under stress can cause shifting problems.
Because of that there is no point for someone else riding it at the shop for testing, you should do it.

I'm right there with you!! Sorry ... I can't help you, but I feel your pain.

Is this bike brand new, or did you get it used? The reason I ask is that you could have a worn chain on a new chainring (or vice versa), which will produce bizarre shifting problems, which often times won't show up unless you're pedalling fairly hard. i.e., repair stand it'll work fine, out on the road, it won't.

How fast / hard are you pedalling when you go to shift? You do need to be pedalling at a reasonable cadence, and it can help to "lighten up" a touch when you shift. i.e., if you're straining to turn the pedals, it is way too late to expect a "clean" shift.

You can encounter some bizarre shifting issues if the frame itself isn't aligned properly, or if the various components of the drive train aren't fully tight (although loose drive-train components usually reveal themselves in a variety of creaking sounds). Determining frame alignment requires some funky tools, but any shop should have them. If your frame is bent, it's a warranty issue and Cannondale should just give you a new bike.

If you're mechanically inclined, check out http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75 for a very comprehensive guide in adjust your front derailleur.

I have the same problem. My frame is flexible enough so that climbing and shifting the front derailleur is a no-no. I have 2007 Tiagra and it needs to be under no stress to shift smoothly, and even then sometimes.

Ya it helps to slow pedal when shifting from small to big ring vice versa. You have to feather when shifting to the big ring. It's hard to explain but you have to have a feel when your shifting the front 2 rings.

what model front derailleur do you have?

dura ace.

wow, and even them you have to feather it in there. Thanks, i dont feel so bad about my tiagra anymore.

OP - your shifter has two functions - shifting gears and trimming the derailleur. The trimming function allows you to change the position of the front derailleur slightly to compensate for the position of the chain on the rear derailleur so the front cage doesn't rub on the chain. If you use a half-hearted or tentative motion when you move the shift lever, you may just be trimming it, not actually shifting. This could cause the erratic performance you describe. When you're shifting up or down on the front rings, make a full motion with your shifter, then trim it after the chain moves across. Warning - if your derailleur throws the chain off to the inside, you need to adjust the limiter screws on the mechanism.

I had the same problem when I got my new caad9. I was trimming instead of shifting. :rolleyes: