There’s nothing more frustrating than being out on a bike ride and having your gear shifter stop working. Not only does it make it difficult to keep up with the pace of the group, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not able to shift gears properly.
If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t despair. In this troubleshooting guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and repair a bike gear shifter that’s not working. I’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.
So whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a new rider, read on to learn how to fix a bike gear shifter that’s not working.
Most Common Reasons: Bike Gear Shifter Not Working
Most Common Reasons: Bike Gear Shifter Not Working
1. Derailleur hanger alignment issue
The derailleur hanger is a metal arm that connects the derailleur to the frame. If it is bent or damaged, it can cause the derailleur to shift erratically or not at all.
2. Derailleur cable tension issue
The derailleur cable is responsible for moving the derailleur up and down. If the cable is too tight or too loose, it can cause the derailleur to shift incorrectly.
3. Derailleur adjustment issue
The derailleur needs to be adjusted properly in order to shift correctly. If the derailleur is not adjusted correctly, it can cause it to shift erratically or not at all.
4. Brake cable interference
The brake cable can sometimes interfere with the derailleur cable, causing the derailleur to shift incorrectly. If you suspect this is the case, try rerouting the brake cable so that it does not interfere with the derailleur cable.
5. Worn out parts
The derailleur, derailleur cable, and shifter can all wear out over time. If any of these parts are worn out, it can cause the derailleur to shift incorrectly.
6. Contamination
Dirt, grime, and other contaminants can build up on the derailleur and shifter, causing them to malfunction. If you suspect this is the case, try cleaning the derailleur and shifter with a degreaser and a brush.
How to Troubleshoot: Bike Gear Shifter Not Working
Symptoms of a Bike Gear Shifter Not Working
There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your bike gear shifter is not working properly. These include:
The shifter is not moving smoothly:
When you try to shift gears, the shifter may feel stiff or jerky. This could be a sign that the shifter cable is stretched out or that the shifter itself is damaged.
The shifter is not shifting gears correctly:
When you shift gears, the chain may not move to the correct gear. This could be a sign that the shifter cable is not adjusted properly or that the derailleur is damaged.
The shifter is making noise:
When you shift gears, the shifter may make a clicking or grinding noise. This could be a sign that the shifter is worn out or that there is dirt or debris in the shifter mechanism.
How to Troubleshoot a Bike Gear Shifter
To troubleshoot a bike gear shifter, you will need to first identify the specific problem. Here are a few steps to help you do this:
1. Check the shifter cable:
The shifter cable is the thin metal cable that connects the shifter to the derailleur. If the shifter cable is stretched out or damaged, it can cause the shifter to not work properly. To check the shifter cable, you can try to shift gears while gently pulling on the cable. If the shifter moves more easily when you pull on the cable, then the cable is stretched out and needs to be replaced.
2. Adjust the shifter cable:
If the shifter cable is not stretched out or damaged, then it may need to be adjusted. To adjust the shifter cable, you will need to loosen the cable clamp bolt on the shifter. Then, you can use the barrel adjuster on the shifter to adjust the cable tension. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to tighten the cable tension and counterclockwise to loosen the cable tension. Once you have adjusted the cable tension, you can tighten the cable clamp bolt.3. Inspect the derailleur:
The derailleur is the part of the bike that actually shifts the chain between gears. If the derailleur is damaged, it can cause the shifter to not work properly. To inspect the derailleur, you can look for any bent or broken parts. You can also try to shift gears while manually moving the derailleur. If the derailleur does not move smoothly or if it does not shift the chain to the correct gear, then it may need to be replaced.
How to Fix a Bike Gear Shifter
Once you have identified the problem with your bike gear shifter, you can fix it yourself or take it to a bike shop. Here are a few steps on how to fix a bike gear shifter:
1. Replace the shifter cable:
If the shifter cable is stretched out or damaged, you will need to replace it. To replace the shifter cable, you will need to remove the old cable and install the new cable. You can find instructions on how to replace a shifter cable in your bike’s owner’s manual.
2. Adjust the shifter cable:
If the shifter cable is not adjusted properly, it can cause the shifter to not work properly. To adjust the shifter cable, you will need to loosen the cable clamp bolt on the shifter. Then, you can use the barrel adjuster on the shifter to adjust the cable tension. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to tighten the cable tension and counterclockwise to loosen the cable tension. Once you have adjusted the cable tension, you can tighten the cable clamp bolt.3. Replace the derailleur:
If the derailleur is damaged, you will need to replace it. To replace the derailleur, you will need to remove the old derailleur and install the new derailleur. You can find instructions on how to replace a derailleur in your bike’s owner’s manual.
How to Prevent Bike Gear Shifter Problems
There are a few things you can do to help prevent bike gear shifter problems:
Keep your bike clean and lubricated:
Dirt and debris can build up on the shifter and cause it to malfunction. To keep your bike clean, you should wash it regularly with soap and water. You should also lubricate the shifter and derailleur regularly with a bike-specific lubricant.
Adjust your bike regularly:
As your bike wears and tears, the shifting components may need to be adjusted. To keep your bike shifting smoothly, you should have it adjusted regularly by a qualified bike mechanic.
Use your bike properly:
Riding your bike in a rough manner can damage the shifting components. To avoid damaging your bike, you should avoid riding over bumps and obstacles.
You May Like to Read: Bike Hand Brakes Not Working
