Sora shifter jammed

[Davehateshills]

At the end of yesterdays ride I tried to drop the front gears on to the smaller chain wheel. When I did the plastic button on the side of the Sora shifter seemed to be jammed. On closer inspection it looks like it is locked in a position about half way through it's normal range of travel. I did think of putting a bit more pressure on it however it didn't feel like it could take any more pressure without breaking. The lever that is used to change up gear will still move however as the bike is already in the higher gear the range of movement is limited.

So, before I trundle off to the LBS does anyone have any idea's please?

Thanks.

 

[Broadside]

First thing I would try is to remove the gear cable completely and see if the shifter lever/button frees up, if it doesn't then you have a problem. My right hand Sora shifter just broke 2-3 weeks ago and I am in the process of getting new shifters but it is expensive business, they are pretty much the most expensive part on my bike after the frame!

 

[Davehateshills]

Thanks for the reply. I will give that a try. Fingers crossed

 

[gbb]

As dmoran suggests, disconnect the cable at the front mech, then try to swing the mech by hand. Certainly 8 speed mechs are prone to seizing at the pivot. If it appears stiff of seized, loosen (not remove) the dome headed povot bolt (the head of it is facing the back of the bike) and get some WD into that pivot and work it free.
Tighten bolt and reconnect cable. It's an annual thing for me especially in the winter.

 

[Davehateshills]

Sorted! I took the plastic cover off the front of the shifter and it all looked like it was under extreme tension so I released the pressure on the shifter by releasing the cable on the front derailleur at which point the shifter looked to work perfectly once again.

Looking at the shifter, I think it is designed/capable of operating a triple and as I run a twin I only use half of it's travel if that makes sense. It does however look like I have placed too much tension on the cable by pushing the lever a second time maybe? I will have to be a little careful in future and ensure that I don't place too much tension on the cable and 'lock it all up' again.

Thanks for your help.