Need help fixing my bike

[HybridSquirrel]

As the title says, I fucked something up going over a bump I think.

So, the bike is in the highest gear (7)
To shift down to 6, it takes two clicks of the shifter.
To shift back up to 7 it takes 2 clicks.
Since the shifter takes two clicks to get down one gear it won't shift into the lowest gear (1)
It also rattles all the way through the gear range.


So can someone help me out?


I have tightened the tension on the cable to the max, and un-tightened it as well. Still nothing. The high and low screws are adjusted just fine. everything is in line on the highest gear, but I can't check on the lowest since it won't go in there.

 

[lurkmoar]

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_...80FkTfo/s800/rabbit%20thread interest.jpg

 

[highland145]

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailler-adjustments-derailleur

 

[krylon]

 

[dougp]

Take it to a local bike shop and get a tune-up.

 

[PottedMeat]

I have tightened the tension on the cable to the max, and un-tightened it as well. Still nothing. The high and low screws are adjusted just fine. everything is in line on the highest gear, but I can't check on the lowest since it won't go in there.

sounds like the cable slipped a little in the screw fixing it to the derailleur (assuming you're using the little barrel adjusters to change the tension)

edit: it's called 'derailleur pinch bolt' that holds the cable

this is good too

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailler-adjustments-derailleur

 

[Ricemarine]

Make sure that you turned the barrel adjuster all the way in (clockwise) and then 1/4 of a quarter turn counterclockwise when you adjust the tension the derailleur cable (in case you need the extra tension).

 

[Homerboy]

Take it to a local bike shop and get a tune-up.

DING!
If you don't know what you're doing don't mess with it.
It'd be a shame if you adjusted it poorly and that chain flew off and locked you up in the middle of traffic.

 

[dougp]

DING!
If you don't know what you're doing don't mess with it.
It'd be a shame if you adjusted it poorly and that chain flew off and locked you up in the middle of traffic.

I agree. While it's nice to be able to work on your bike, last thing you want to do is cause some type of failure that will hurt you in the long run. You can always take a class to learn how to do basic bike maintenance.

 

[HybridSquirrel]

I don't have money right now to be taking it somewhere. The screws are just fine, there is just something fucked up with the tension. I did everything that guide said to do and it still won't shift properly

 

[Capt Caveman]

You should have cable adjustment barrels on both the ends of the cable leading into the shifter on the handlebar and in back going into the derailleur.

Flip your bike over and adjust each barrel while cranking the pedals to fine tune your shifting.

If that doesn't fix things, let me know and I can give further instructions but I would try this first.

 

[HybridSquirrel]

You should have cable adjustment barrels on both the ends of the cable leading into the shifter on the handlebar and in back going into the derailleur.

Flip your bike over and adjust each barrel while cranking the pedals to fine tune your shifting.

If that doesn't fix things, let me know and I can give further instructions but I would try this first.

So last night, I unscrewed the cable and re-tensioned it with my hands (like it says in that guide). The I started cranking the pedals and shifting to see which gears were screwing up. I couldn't ever fix it to go 1 click between 7 and 6, every other gear shifted just fine aside from not shifting into the lowest gear (1). When I was fixing it, I was turning the tension thing in the derailleur and turned it as tight as it would go. still nothing. with that as tight as it went, i tried to tighten the one up on the shifter on the handlebar....still wouldn't shift perfectly between 7 and 6.

edit: just called a local bike shop, they said it is generally kind of expensive to fix the problem I am having....like 80 bucks minimum. That is half the price of a new bike.....and my bike is old.

 

[Homerboy]

So last night, I unscrewed the cable and re-tensioned it with my hands (like it says in that guide). The I started cranking the pedals and shifting to see which gears were screwing up. I couldn't ever fix it to go 1 click between 7 and 6, every other gear shifted just fine aside from not shifting into the lowest gear (1). When I was fixing it, I was turning the tension thing in the derailleur and turned it as tight as it would go. still nothing. with that as tight as it went, i tried to tighten the one up on the shifter on the handlebar....still wouldn't shift perfectly between 7 and 6.

edit: just called a local bike shop, they said it is generally kind of expensive to fix the problem I am having....like 80 bucks minimum. That is half the price of a new bike.....and my bike is old.

wait. $80 for a dérailleur adjustment? Holy hell I need to open a bike shop. they quoted you wrong or you described it wrong.

 

[highland145]

wait. $80 for a dérailleur adjustment? Holy hell I need to open a bike shop. they quoted you wrong or you described it wrong.

A** rape, more likely. Some shops really suck that way.

 

[Capt Caveman]

So last night, I unscrewed the cable and re-tensioned it with my hands (like it says in that guide). The I started cranking the pedals and shifting to see which gears were screwing up. I couldn't ever fix it to go 1 click between 7 and 6, every other gear shifted just fine aside from not shifting into the lowest gear (1). When I was fixing it, I was turning the tension thing in the derailleur and turned it as tight as it would go. still nothing. with that as tight as it went, i tried to tighten the one up on the shifter on the handlebar....still wouldn't shift perfectly between 7 and 6.

edit: just called a local bike shop, they said it is generally kind of expensive to fix the problem I am having....like 80 bucks minimum. That is half the price of a new bike.....and my bike is old.

I hope that $80 is for a complete tune-up and BJ.

Have you tried adjusting the H and L screws on the derailleur? These two screws will set how far in and out the derailleur can move. I can remember which one is which for outside/inside.

Another option would be to adjust both adjustment barrels to the middle. Shift the bike to the outside gear. Then unscrew the screw holding the cable to the derailleur til you're able to pull it in tighter. Screw/tighten cable back then use adjustment barrels again to adjust shifting.

 

[Homerboy]

A** rape, more likely. Some shops really suck that way.

it just can't be right.
I worked in a shop for 10 years. My best friends family has owned it for 60years+ now and more or less part of their shop and real family. I think they charge like $20? Maybe 15.

 

[highland145]

Did you bend the derailleur or the tab it's attached to?

 

[highland145]

it just can't be right.
I worked in a shop for 10 years. My best friends family has owned it for 60years+ now and more or less part of their shop and real family. I think they charge like $20? Maybe 15.

The one in my town is decent. The one across the river tacks on an extra ~30% above retail on their bikes because people don't know better.

Also, reputation means a lot to some, like your friend.

 

[alkemyst]

Make sure the training wheel on the right side isn't touching the deraileur.

HTH!

 

[HybridSquirrel]

I hope that $80 is for a complete tune-up and BJ.

Have you tried adjusting the H and L screws on the derailleur? These two screws will set how far in and out the derailleur can move. I can remember which one is which for outside/inside.

Another option would be to adjust both adjustment barrels to the middle. Shift the bike to the outside gear. Then unscrew the screw holding the cable to the derailleur til you're able to pull it in tighter. Screw/tighten cable back then use adjustment barrels again to adjust shifting.

Yes, I fiddled around with the screws, the problem is when I shift it into 1 (lowest) it won't actually go any lower than 2, because it takes 2 clicks to get from 7-6. When it is in 2, there is still clearance from the screw to the piece of the derailleur it hits (meaning there is room for it to actually shift down) when you shift into 1....it just won't shift.


That shop is one of those high-class bike stripper places, but it is the only place near me. Unless Dicks does it?

it just can't be right.
I worked in a shop for 10 years. My best friends family has owned it for 60years+ now and more or less part of their shop and real family. I think they charge like $20? Maybe 15.

http://mojowheels.com/MojoPage.aspx?pid=b0f273d5-f5db-48bd-a2e6-a86fc6018eea

 

[Capt Caveman]

Yes, I fiddled around with the screws, the problem is when I shift it into 1 (lowest) it won't actually go any lower than 2, because it takes 2 clicks to get from 7-6. When it is in 2, there is still clearance from the screw to the piece of the derailleur it hits when you shift into 1....it just won't shift.


That shop is one of those high-class bike stripper places, but it is the only place near me. Unless Dicks does it?

It take a little time and practice but you should be able to do it yourself. I recommend retighten the cable and try adjusting one more time.

If you lived near me, I'd do it for free, ridiculous that they would even quote you that price for an adjustment.

 

[HybridSquirrel]

It take a little time and practice but you should be able to do it yourself. I recommend retighten the cable and try adjusting one more time.

If you lived near me, I'd do it for free, ridiculous that they would even quote you that price for an adjustment.

Yeah, I remember why I don't go there now actually. I went to get a hand pump I could throw in my backpack.....$65. Same brand at Dicks...$20.


I will fiddle with it more tonight, I just drove today but didn't want too because it is so nice outside. I will probably re-tension the cable, I just didn't think that was an issue since it shifts fine through all the other gears, its just that shift from 7-6 screwing up everything.

 

[Homerboy]

Actually, as I read through this thread in greater detail, and the OP pointing out that he has an older (apparently cheaper) bike, I'm guessing it may not be just a dérailleur adjustment.

Very often with older/cheaper equipment (and even with nice stuff) the chain will begin to stretch, the cogs on the cluster will begin to wear etc. If you ride in X gear a lot, obviously X gear will wear out faster. If its only skipping thing one gear, you may need a new cluster, or a new chain or both.

It sounds like you know what you are doing on the cable tension adjustments, so I'm starting to lean towards new parts (maybe this is what the bikeshop thought too and quoted $80 for)

 

[Homerboy]

The one in my town is decent. The one across the river tacks on an extra ~30% above retail on their bikes because people don't know better.

Also, reputation means a lot to some, like your friend.

Well there are mom and pop shops and there are boutiques for everything. One can charge more because they sell an "aura".

Did you bend the derailleur or the tab it's attached to?

FYI that tab is called a "derailleur hanger"

 

[HybridSquirrel]

Actually, as I read through this thread in greater detail, and the OP pointing out that he has an older (apparently cheaper) bike, I'm guessing it may not be just a dérailleur adjustment.

Very often with older/cheaper equipment (and even with nice stuff) the chain will begin to stretch, the cogs on the cluster will begin to wear etc. If you ride in X gear a lot, obviously X gear will wear out faster. If its only skipping thing one gear, you may need a new cluster, or a new chain or both.

It sounds like you know what you are doing on the cable tension adjustments, so I'm starting to lean towards new parts (maybe this is what the bikeshop thought too and quoted $80 for)

Well it wasn't a cheap walmart special, it is one of these I got at the REI garage sale a few years back
http://compare.ebay.com/like/170590...f242a7c&itemid=170590292666&ff4=263602_309572


It is old though, 5-6 years. But if I had to pay $80 for a fix on a 6 year old bike, I would just get a new bike at sports authority for 199 or something.