There’s nothing more frustrating than being out on a bike ride and having your gear selector stop working. You can’t pedal smoothly, you can’t reach your desired speed, and you’re just plain uncomfortable. If you’re dealing with this issue, you’re not alone. Bike gear selector problems are a common occurrence, but they’re usually easy to fix.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and repair a bike gear selector that’s not working. I’ll cover everything from common causes of the problem to specific repair procedures. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your bike back in working order in no time.
Most Common Reasons: Bike Gear Selector Not Working
Most Common Reasons: Bike Gear Selector Not Working
1. Derailleur Hanger Bent
The derailleur hanger is a metal bracket that connects the rear derailleur to the frame. If it is bent, it can cause the derailleur to shift incorrectly or not at all. To check for a bent derailleur hanger, you can use a derailleur hanger alignment tool or a straightedge. If the derailleur hanger is bent, it can be straightened using a derailleur hanger alignment tool or a hammer and anvil.
2. Derailleur Misaligned
The derailleur can become misaligned if it is not installed correctly or if it is hit by something. To check for a misaligned derailleur, you can look at the derailleur cage. If the cage is not parallel to the chainrings, the derailleur is misaligned. To realign the derailleur, you can loosen the mounting bolts and adjust the derailleur until it is parallel to the chainrings.
3. Broken or Worn Cable
The cable that connects the shifter to the derailleur can break or wear out over time. If the cable is broken, the derailleur will not be able to shift gears. If the cable is worn out, it will not be able to provide enough tension to shift the derailleur properly. To check the cable, you can pull on it and see if it feels stiff or frayed. If the cable is broken or worn out, it will need to be replaced.
4. Dirty or Damaged Shifter
The shifter can become dirty or damaged over time. If the shifter is dirty, it can cause the derailleur to shift incorrectly. If the shifter is damaged, it may not be able to shift gears at all. To check the shifter, you can clean it with a degreaser and a toothbrush. If the shifter is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
5. Improper Adjustments
The derailleur can also be adjusted incorrectly. If the derailleur is not adjusted correctly, it will not be able to shift gears properly. To check the adjustments, you can consult your bicycle’s owner’s manual or a bicycle mechanic. If the derailleur is not adjusted correctly, it will need to be adjusted.
How to Troubleshoot: Bike Gear Selector Not Working
Symptoms of a Bike Gear Selector Not Working
There are a few different symptoms that may indicate that your bike gear selector is not working properly. These include:
The shifter does not move smoothly:
When you try to shift gears, the shifter may feel stiff or sticky, or it may make a grinding noise.
The shifter does not shift gears correctly:
When you shift gears, the chain may not move to the correct gear, or it may skip gears.
The shifter does not shift gears at all:
When you shift gears, the chain may not move at all, or it may move to the wrong gear.
Causes of a Bike Gear Selector Not Working
There are a number of different things that could cause your bike gear selector to stop working. These include:
A bent or damaged derailleur hanger:
The derailleur hanger is a metal bracket that connects the derailleur to the frame. If the derailleur hanger is bent or damaged, it can cause the derailleur to shift gears incorrectly or not at all.
A worn-out derailleur cable:
The derailleur cable is a metal cable that connects the shifter to the derailleur. If the derailleur cable is worn out, it can cause the derailleur to shift gears incorrectly or not at all.
A dirty or damaged derailleur:
The derailleur is a mechanical device that shifts the chain between gears. If the derailleur is dirty or damaged, it can cause the derailleur to shift gears incorrectly or not at all.
A misaligned derailleur:
The derailleur is a mechanical device that shifts the chain between gears. If the derailleur is not aligned correctly, it can cause the derailleur to shift gears incorrectly or not at all.
How to Fix a Bike Gear Selector Not Working
If your bike gear selector is not working, you can try to fix it yourself or you can take it to a bike shop. Here are a few things you can try to fix a bike gear selector not working:
Check the derailleur hanger:
If the derailleur hanger is bent or damaged, you will need to replace it. To check the derailleur hanger, look at it from the side. If it is bent or damaged, you will see a gap between the derailleur hanger and the frame.
Check the derailleur cable:
If the derailleur cable is worn out, you will need to replace it. To check the derailleur cable, look at it closely. If it is frayed or damaged, you will need to replace it.
Clean the derailleur:
If the derailleur is dirty, you can clean it with a degreaser and a brush. Be sure to clean the inside of the derailleur as well as the outside.
Align the derailleur:
If the derailleur is not aligned correctly, you can adjust it using the barrel adjuster. To adjust the barrel adjuster, turn it clockwise to shift the derailleur up and counterclockwise to shift the derailleur down.
If you are unable to fix the bike gear selector yourself, you can take it to a bike shop. A bike shop will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.
How to Prevent Bike Gear Selector Problems
There are a few things you can do to prevent bike gear selector problems:
Keep your bike clean and well-maintained:
This includes cleaning the bike regularly and lubricating the chain and other moving parts.
Inspect your bike regularly for damage:
Look for bent or damaged parts, and replace them as needed.
Use your bike properly:
Don’t shift gears under load, and don’t force the shifter into gears that are too high or too low.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent bike gear selector problems and keep your bike running smoothly.
You May Like to Read: Bike Gear Shifter Not Working
