My gears plays up when dropping down gears from 3 down to 2

[daveylad1892]

I only recently started cycling but seem to have an issue with my roadbike. When trying to go from 3 to 2 (left hand), the thumb lever often refuses to be pushed down. I'll keep trying until at some point it will work - no idea how or why. Am I doing something wrong? or do I need to take take a specialist?

Also, a lot of the time there seems to be like a clicking sound coming from the chain area which sometimes goes quiet after a gear change. ANy ideas? or is this normal in Cyclist world...

Sorry for any unprofessional terminologies (feel free to correct me) and thanks for any advice!

 

[andytheflyer]

Hi,

It's normal, but not right, and is easily fixed - it's a simple user adjustment. Presume this is a triple chainwheel then - the big cogs (sprockets) on the front? Looks like the cable tension may be wrong - if this is a new bike then cable tension does slacken after a while as the new cables stretch. The noise you hear is the chain trying to change cog (sprocket) but failing because the cable tension is wrong.

Someone better at cable tension diagnostics over the 'net will be along shortly - I need to get my hands on it o do a full diagnosis. If it's tension, then it is fixable in a minute.

 

[gwhite]

The probable cause may depend on whether this has always been the case or if this problem is a new one.

If this is new then the possible cause will be winter gunge preventing the Front Der from moving over its complete range of travel. Cleaning and lubing the FD at all of its moving joints will usually cure this. Place the FD on its lowest position (smallest chainring) and then grasping and pulling the cable away from the frame causing the FD to move over its range will help.
If this problem has always been present then the cause is usually that the "H" screw which limits the amount of travel of the FD cage in the outwards direction is probably needing to be unscrewed a little. Youtube has many videos showing the procedure.

 

[daveylad1892]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the input. As I imagined the solution is not something I will attempt so will get my bike guy to have a look and will provide him your feedback for assistance.

Again, thanks!
Dave

 

[CopperCyclist]

Also, to get the change to work slow down your pedaling while the bike tries to change - I. E. Put less force through the pedals, the least force you can, and the shifter will find it easier for a temporary solution

 

[daveylad1892]

Also, to get the change to work slow down your pedaling while the bike tries to change - I. E. Put less force through the pedals, the least force you can, and the shifter will find it easier for a temporary solution

Thanks, there have been times it seems when I have tried changing the gear whilst pedaling fast, slow, still, uphill, downhill and it doesn't budge . Then somehow low and behold it will change, don't know how or when it will happen. I try to avoid going into gear 3 so I don't get stuck in the first place. Need to get this sorted!
Many thanks for your reply and will bear in mind,
Dave​