Gear shifting problems... How can I fix this myself?

Question

I am relatively new to cycling as I've only been riding for a little over a year. I have a 2006 Giant OCR 1 and love the bike, but I am having gear shifting problems. I'm sure this is normal, and I could easily take it in for a tune-up for $40+, but I'd really like to learn how to fix this myself.

I can generally figure things out if someone can point me in the right direction or some resources online to look to to educate myself.

Any thoughts on what the problem is and how I can fix it myself?

Thanks.

The chain front gears will jump from Highest to lowest when I am configuring the rear gears (yes it has a granny gear), and also does not consistently lock in place... it clicks/jumps when I approach hills, and I can't stand to hear the components like that!

Answer 1

It does sound like simple adjustments are needed. And I think your right about learning to do it yourself.

Here's one of the best sites for repair and general bike info: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/home.html

And one more popular one:
http://www.parktool.com/

BTW: That is a nice bike you have.

Answer 2

If the bike has been doing this since you've had it, it's possible that the front derailleur wasn't mounted properly in the first place....this happens alot. To learn how to check this, and for all other adjustments, check those two sites that MR provided.....good stuff.

It's possible that your front shifter is worn or damaged, too. If you're sure the derailleur is positioned correctly and the limit screws/cable tension are proper, then check your cables to be sure they're moving smoothly and not kinked, gritty, etc. Dirty derailleur pivots can cause sticking, too. If all this is ok, then it's most likely the shifter.

It's all pretty simple, really....you just have to learn how each part works and how it all ties together. Do some reading on those sites and take a look at your bike....you can't really screw anything up terribly, so give it a try and if you can't figure it out then just take it to a shop and have them set it up for you. If you ask them, they'll probably be happy to let you watch or even show you how to do it.

Answer 3

You probably just need to re-index your gears. This might be due to cable stretch.

On your derailiers you will have two screws marked + and -. To start with, on the LHS of your bars, your shifters are marked 1, 2, 3 or similar. This is your front derailer. Move down into first gear. If it does not easily go into the smallest cog, adjust the - screw until it does. Now shift up into 3rd. Again, if this does not happen, adjust the + screw until it does.

Now apply a similar technique to the RHS or rear derailier. Note: look out for kinks in your cable or rust that would indicate the need to replace cables. See the following site for illustations:

www.parktools.com

Luck

Answer 4

what these other guys are saying are very likely possibilities but what you should probably check out is the tension on the chain it may be too short causing it to skip a lot and drop the chain

Answer 5

sound like there is no enough tension on the front derralieur, you might have to pull the cable 1/8" and make it tight.
carlos
http://www.bikingthings.com