Front derailleur shifting problem

Triathlon Forum
1

I seem to have trouble with my front derailleur shifting from the big ring back down to the little ring. The cable is slack so I don’t think there is an issue with it getting caught up in the housing. It looks like the spring doesn’t have enough power to bring the derailleur back down. I can push it and it goes fine, I’m just not thrilled about having to stick my finger that close to my wheel and chain rings each time I want to shift. Any advice?

Thanks,
Adam

2

It could be a couple of things, but if your alignment hasn’t changed, I would start with a thorough cleaning of the derailleur, followed by lubing all the pivot points with tri-flow or a teflon lube. Work it back and forth by hand a few times to really get the lube in there (helps if the chain is removed). Then see how it functions.

3

RIght to the cable…I have seen F.Der with 20 years a lube and dirt on them - spring will move the thing. Now, the cables on the other hand.

First thing to do is take a 5mm and take off the cable and watch the Der. go in - find the bad spot on the cable from there.

4

And I’ve had the exact opposite experience on 2 bikes within the past year. Cable moved like a dream, but gatorade, grease, mud and water had all conspired to really mess with the spring action.

But yes, the cable is a definite possibility too.

5

Not sure of the age of your FD, but mine was about 5 years old this summer, and I’m a heavy sweater with lots of salt, so mine was getting some rust in there. Went ahead and bought new one and it works like charm. Had to do the same with brake calipers and they now ride like new too.

cable could be issue as well.

6

Really? I have never seen that ever. What Der? I presume DA…or do you go out of your way to get sugars on it?

7

Both Dura Ace, yes. It took me a while to figure out what the issue even was, because it’s pretty far down most people’s checklist after FD alignment, cable, and possibly chainring quality/wear. That said, Finish Line’s website had a link to a video of someone doing the degrease/lube job, so I know I’m not alone in the world with this problem. http://www.finishlineusa.com/tech/#6

8

Possible problems:

  1. Cable sticktion (new cable/ housing needed)/ der pivot sticktion (lube pivots)

  2. Limit screw not properly adjusted

  3. Derailleur is too high/too low and or twisted ie. no properly aligned with the chainrings

  4. Cable tension (probably not the case)