MTB shifting problems

MuvverRussia · 19 Jul 2009 at 21:47

Hi,

Got a deore front mech here with a deore shifter. Recently it's been shifting poorly so I replaced the cable and lubed the cable outers today. Shifts a lot better now when on a workstand.

However the shifting is fairly poor when riding the bike and under load with a shift taking a while to eventually happen (whereas on the workstand the shift is pretty much instant). Anyone got any idea what might be causing this?

Jonny ///M · 19 Jul 2009 at 22:30

Did it work good before? If you aligned, indexed and set the limit screws properly I don't see why it wouldn't shift nice. How old are the front rings?

MuvverRussia · 19 Jul 2009 at 22:37

It wasn't shifting well before, hence the new inner cable. Front rings are 2.5 years old.

Someone's suggested it might be play in the pivots of the mech as it's shifting fine in the stand but real bad when riding so I might try a new mech.

MoratJG · 19 Jul 2009 at 23:59

Check for a worn chain as well. Any shop should have a simple tool that will gauge chain wear in seconds.

Jonny ///M · 20 Jul 2009 at 00:22

You get the pivot issue on cheap ***** bikes but I imagine the deore will be ok quality. Chain is a good shout,mines was way past worn out on the chain checker and you could bent it sideways by a stupid amount which won't help on front rings.

aztechnology · 20 Jul 2009 at 14:22

I'd be surprised if the Front mech is an issue. If it's adjusted properly, there's not much to the actual mech. One of my deore mechs has been on for about over 8 years and is still going strong. Any problems with it refusing to shift down have always been tuned out with new chain / cables, and setting tension limits up.

My guess is the chain needs replacing.