Dodgy Gear

[Skipper]

Why do my gears keep playing up? Every time I adjust them, they only seem to last a week or two, then I have to re-tension them it seems. 8 to 7 is normally OK, 7 to 6 doesn't work so well any more (i.e. I need to double click the trigger), 6 to 5 not too bad, 5 to 4 bloody awful, even when I get the rest right, 4 to 3 and below that also need a double click. Every time I adjust I clean and lube the 'new' cable (replaced just a few weeks back), and get everything just right, but it doesn't last long! . And this morning, every gear felt REALLY rough, so I've got to play with them AGAIN! Is it the cold weather? Whatever throws the gears out is extremely annoying.

 

[Mile195]

Time to change your cables. Sounds like they've stretched.

Check the jockey wheels too. I bet they're probably quite worn too. I'm assuming you've already checked your chain and cassette and they're in good nick still?

 

[Mile195]

Ooops - sorry. Just saw you've changed your cable.

check the other bits though. And make sure the cable is routed correctly as that can make a difference.

 

[ColinJ]

Did you change the cable outers as well as inners?

 

[Skipper]

No, but I clean them through as best I can with WD40 each time. I have changed them in the past, but since I couldn't squeeze the little end cap on, the outers are just left with the plain ends, i.e. just as Iv'e carefully cut them through. To me they still sit properly in the frame, but is it possible they are pulling through a tad? How important are the end bits, or do they just tidy things up?

 

[dodgy]

How many miles approx have the jockey wheels been through? Your symptoms sounds consistent with worn jockey wheels.

 

[Skipper]

I guess about 8 to 9,000 miles?

 

[dodgy]

I guess about 8 to 9,000 miles?

Sounds about the time I replace mine, you will lose the vagueness that is introduced with sloppy jockeys

 

[Mile195]

I guess about 8 to 9,000 miles?

I'd agree with dodgy. I changed mine for some BBB ceramic ones after about 7k as I was having similar issues (although not quite as bad as it sounds like you are). Changed the cable (inner and outer) at the same time, but not the cassette as I hadn't long changed it. It rode like a new bike after that.

 

[Skipper]

Thanks, I will check the bike tonight to see if they are worn. I have a spare identical set, if I need.