Front derailleur shifting issue-Help please

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Location
Northampton
I have a road bike with triple chainring with Shimano 105 shifters. I recently replaced cable and finding it difficult to get the correct tune/ adjustments.

It shifts upwards without an issue.
The issue is downshifting. When on the largest cog, with one click, it jumps down the smallest cog avoiding the middle one. Then I will shift upwards to the middle one and carry on.
Then it is reluctant to go down to the smallest cog when I really want it to go.
Could both issues related to the same problem?
My suspicion is that cable is too tight?

I have watched nearly 5 hours of YouTube videos but this situation is unique and I can't find a way to fix it. Any suggestions/ views?
 

Way-Out-West

Well-Known Member
Location
Pinno's attic
I have a road bike with triple chainring with Shimano 105 shifters. I recently replaced cable and finding it difficult to get the correct tune/ adjustments.

It shifts upwards without an issue.
The issue is downshifting. When on the largest cog, with one click, it jumps down the smallest cog avoiding the middle one. Then I will shift upwards to the middle one and carry on.
Then it is reluctant to go down to the smallest cog when I really want it to go.
Could both issues related to the same problem?
My suspicion is that cable is too tight?

I have watched nearly 5 hours of YouTube videos but this situation is unique and I can't find a way to fix it. Any suggestions/ views?

If the front shifter (L) has trim positions make sure the cable is installed when the shifter is set to its lowest position ie an extra down shift. Also is the cable clamped on the correct side of the bolt?
 
OP
OP
midliferider
Location
Northampton
If the front shifter (L) has trim positions make sure the cable is installed when the shifter is set to its lowest position ie an extra down shift. Also is the cable clamped on the correct side of the bolt?
Thanks. Yes the cable is clamped on the correct side of the bolt. I discovered that after wasting couple of cables. Funny that YouTube videos don't emphasise that!
I will reinstall the cable and see.
 

Big John

Legendary Member
I've never mastered front mech adjustment and I've tried all sorts over the years. I've ended up using 'in-line' adjusters in the past and they helped. I've had the same symptoms as you and it took an age to resolve and for the life of me I can't remember what the actual cause was. Try an in-line barrel adjuster if nothing else works (that's assuming you haven't already got one).
 

roubaixtuesday

self serving virtue signaller
I've ended up using 'in-line' adjusters in the past and they helped

In line adjusters are near essential for front and rear derailleurs IMO.

This issue sounds weird though, like cable routing awry, or the earlier disproved suggestion of wrong side of the bolt.

Perhaps the FD took a knock during this process and angle and/or height are wrong?
 
  • Like
Reactions: C R
OP
OP
midliferider
Location
Northampton
Well, I think I have sorted it. I started it from the beginning with a new cable. I do have a cable adjuster. It is now sorted. It looks like the issue was limit screw.
Sometimes I feel that I should have simply taken it to local bike shop. But then where is the fun!
 

oxoman

Well-Known Member
To be honest I've found a lot of younger bike mechanics can't set up triples. I love my triple roadbike, also 105. Ideal for my touring / comutte bike.
 
Top Bottom