struggling with front derailleur

[MattDB]

Hi, I've read loads of FAQ's, forum posts and youtube vids but still can't understand where I'm going wrong with my front derailleur setup:

Just had a boxed bike delivered and was playing with the gears (Sora). Front changed from small to big ring fine but then when I tried to shift back down the derailleur didn't move at all. I assumed the cable was too tight so I loosened the cable anchor and the derailleur shifted straight back down to the small ring. Pulled the cable a bit tighter and same happened.

I tried loosening the cable off slightly and then shifting up again but this time there's no 'click' and although the derailleur moves up it doesn't stay in position.

I'm assuming that the high and low screws are ok because when the derailleur is in position the chain is running on the rings fine.

Grateful for any thoughts?

Matt

 

[Garethgas]

Maybe one of the ferrules is not seated fully?

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Could be faulty cable, cable routing or shifter. Disconnect the cable from the derailleur and then while keeping the cable end under tension try the gear shifter up and down if it let's the cable out smoothly and pulls it in smoothly and clicks into gear, you have eliminated the shifter as a possible cause. Now try moving the derailleur by hand, all the way out to the large chain ring and then let it go and see if it shifts all the way to the small chain ring. If it does, that only leaves the cable and my guess would be the problem is how the cable is clamped on the derailleur. Normally the clamp has a groove in it to show the exact position that the cable should be clamped in, and if the cable is clamped in any other problems can occur. Also worth checking that the derailleur lines up correctly with the chain and that when on the largest chain ring, it sirs just 2-3 mm above the chain ring.

 

[MattDB]

Great thanks very much - that's what I ended up trying - I think it was a clamping issue and after removing and putting back in a few times and re-tensioning the cable it's working fairly well.