Help - Can't shift gears!

DD265

I think the answer is going to be "put it in for a service" but I'm using the bike to try and avoid spending money whilst my car is having body work done.

I have a 21 gear bike. Last serviced 2010 and used maybe 5 times since until today, when I rode it (most of) 2.6 miles to work and 2.6 miles home from work.

The right gears work fine, 1-7 no problem. The left gears, if I take it up to 2 (I haven't risked 3) then it clunks and clinks. It sounds like it isn't changing over properly.

I am a total bike novice - what do I need to do to identify and fix the issue?

somersethillbilly

Sounds like the front shifter needs attention http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv3-zzBEKAY

andygb

Well, two years is a long time, and anything can sieze up in that time. I would recommend that you pay a visit to your local bike shop and have it serviced.
If you want to attempt it your self, then you need could diagrams of how the gears work, and the correct tools.
The chain will need cleaning and lubricating.
The rear freewheel block will need the same treatment.
The cables may need replacing.

maninthestreet

If only bicycle repair man was here!

Dekazer

I have seen adverts in London for free bike servicing from charities. I'll try searching on Google to see if I can find an example. You may find there are things in your area where you can access technical support for nothing. All part of encouraging people to get out on their bikes

Edit: Perhaps one of the free Skyride classes will be close enough to you: http://www.goskyride.com/News/ShowArticle/New-bike-maintenance-workshops?retURL=/ It's well worth learning the basics yourself so you can get back on the road asap!

liz545

It sounds like you need to adjust the tension on the derailleur - there's some helpful info on the Bike Radar site but basically, your local bike shop should charge around £15 to index your gears, and it's worth it as it's a fiddly, annoying job.

In the long run, it's worth getting something like the Haynes bike maintenance manual, and Evans run basic maintenance workshops, which cost £15 and go through all the basics. It'll save you money in the long run as they teach you how to do the basic maintenance to keep your bike safe and roadworthy.

Dave_C_2

OP. since you should do most of your riding with the chain on the middle gear at the front, I would advise getting this fixed.

You said that the rear gears change OK, this rules out most problems with the chain. It sounds like a simple adjustment problem where the cable has stretched in the intervening two years.

Does the middle cog on the front look OK?

At each end of the (left) cable to the front gears there should be an adjuster. Screw out (anticlickwise) to tighten, which is what you need.

Tighten maybe half a turn at a time and try to change gears. Remember what you have done so you can undo it later if the need arises.

It's an awful lot easier if you can support the bike rear wheel off the ground, maybe a friend can do this. Then try and change gear then you can see what is happening. Above all watch your (and your friend's) fingers!

If you aren't sure it should be a cheap and simple adjustment at the Local Bike Shop.

Dave

DD265

Thanks for the advice everybody!

I'm really not sure what I'm doing so I'll ask my dad if he knows at the weekend or take it into our local bike shop. My commute into work involves cycling on busy roads but also on quiet ones in the dark so would be a bit worried about breaking down on those.

I like the idea of buying the Haynes manual to learn more and also the classes, will definitely look into those thank you.

liz545

Be really moneysaving - borrow the book from the library; it'll save you cash and your local library needs all the visitors it can get!

bloghog

A well aimed squirt of WD40 in the right place, (front shifter) and then another well aimed squirt on the front derailleur and a bit of wiggling could well work wonders. It has probably just got a little bit stiff during the layoff.