I have just purchased a Trek 1200 and have been very excited about getting into cycling for the first time. However, I tried to shift gears during my first ride out and after one good shift I heard an odd noise and could no longer shift my gears. I took it into the dealer (as I had no idea what the problem might be) and they said that this happens all the time and especially for new bikes. It took the guy all of about five seconds to fix the problem and I happily went out again... same problem. Is this normal? I have Shimano Tiagra shifters, fd, and rd. Is there a chance that I am doing something wrong (I tend to think that there is a very good chance)? Also, is this something that I could easily remedy myself? I certainly don't want to mess anything up any further, but I would also be happier to not have to take the bike to the shop again. Any help that you could provide would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
I have just purchased a Trek 1200 and have been very excited about getting into cycling for the first time. However, I tried to shift gears during my first ride out and after one good shift I heard an odd noise and could no longer shift my gears. I took it into the dealer (as I had no idea what the problem might be) and they said that this happens all the time and especially for new bikes. It took the guy all of about five seconds to fix the problem and I happily went out again... same problem. Is this normal? I have Shimano Tiagra shifters, fd, and rd. Is there a chance that I am doing something wrong (I tend to think that there is a very good chance)? Also, is this something that I could easily remedy myself? I certainly don't want to mess anything up any further, but I would also be happier to not have to take the bike to the shop again. Any help that you could provide would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
Jonathan C.
Doesn't sound normal to be,but I have no clue what the problem is as you have provided no real useful info.Like, front or rear and exactly what happened?? I also doubt it happens all the time on new bikes. He shouldh have showed you what was wrong,what he did (obviously he did not fix it) and how to use the shifters.He was probably a moron.
Doesn't sound normal to be,but I have no clue what the problem is as you have provided no real useful info.Like, front or rear and exactly what happened?? I also doubt it happens all the time on new bikes. He shouldh have showed you what was wrong,what he did (obviously he did not fix it) and how to use the shifters.He was probably a moron.
Sorry that I provided "no real useful info!" As I said previously, I know little to nothing of which I am speaking. I honestly don't know if the problem is with the front or rear derailleur. All that I know is that I can no longer shift gears. I had seen a post from someone on another site that mentioned a breaking-in period for their Shimano Tiagra and I was wondering if THIS was normal. In fairness to the guy who "fixed" the bike, he was quite busy and did not have time to speak with me. Also, the problem seemed to have been fixed, but returned after about the third time I changed gears. I still doubt that I have provided any more "real useful info..."
I have just purchased a Trek 1200 and have been very excited about getting into cycling for the first time. However, I tried to shift gears during my first ride out and after one good shift I heard an odd noise and could no longer shift my gears. I took it into the dealer (as I had no idea what the problem might be) and they said that this happens all the time and especially for new bikes. It took the guy all of about five seconds to fix the problem and I happily went out again... same problem. Is this normal? I have Shimano Tiagra shifters, fd, and rd. Is there a chance that I am doing something wrong (I tend to think that there is a very good chance)? Also, is this something that I could easily remedy myself? I certainly don't want to mess anything up any further, but I would also be happier to not have to take the bike to the shop again. Any help that you could provide would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
Jonathan C.
You cannot shift at all? Or is it just difficult? I would take it back and have them explain what they think it is and go over the shifting.... I just started riding seriously this spring and have a new 1200c. Not sure if the shifters on yours are the same, but they take some getting used to if you have the same kind (with two different shifters on each side that are opposite for front and back deraillers). I had some trouble as well after things started loosening up a bit, but after a (free) tune-up, it's working fine.
I have just purchased a Trek 1200 and have been very excited about getting into cycling for the first time. However, I tried to shift gears during my first ride out and after one good shift I heard an odd noise and could no longer shift my gears. I took it into the dealer (as I had no idea what the problem might be) and they said that this happens all the time and especially for new bikes. It took the guy all of about five seconds to fix the problem and I happily went out again... same problem. Is this normal? I have Shimano Tiagra shifters, fd, and rd. Is there a chance that I am doing something wrong (I tend to think that there is a very good chance)? Also, is this something that I could easily remedy myself? I certainly don't want to mess anything up any further, but I would also be happier to not have to take the bike to the shop again. Any help that you could provide would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!
Jonathan C.
Here is a guess. Maybe you "lock" the chain when shifting so that the you are on the "big" ring at the front, and on the the second or first gear at the rear. The chain can not cross too much. So, when on the big gear in front, you should not use the two biggest gears at the rear, probably not even the third gear, that makes the chain cross to much, and I guess you could make it sort of lock, meaning that you can not even move the pedals. When you come close to the limit of how much you can cross the chain, you usually hear it, it starts to make more noise simply.
Not sure if this is it. probably not, just a thought.
I had seen a post from someone on another site that mentioned a breaking-in period for their Shimano Tiagra and I was wondering if THIS was normal. ."
It ain't 'normal'. The only 'breaking in' is some possible cable stretch that may make shifting sketchy,but does not 'lock it up'. Take it back to the shop,find out what the frig is wrong and have it fixed right. You might need to find a more competent shop. Otherwise, you can go to the repair section at www.parktool.com and find out all there is to know about shifting systems setup, adjustment and maintenance.Good stuff to know.
Here is a guess. Maybe you "lock" the chain when shifting so that the you are on the "big" ring at the front, and on the the second or first gear at the rear. The chain can not cross too much. So, when on the big gear in front, you should not use the two biggest gears at the rear, probably not even the third gear, that makes the chain cross to much, and I guess you could make it sort of lock, meaning that you can not even move the pedals. When you come close to the limit of how much you can cross the chain, you usually hear it, it starts to make more noise simply.
Not sure if this is it. probably not, just a thought.
Even tho one shouldn't do it, a properly setup drivetrain will certainly shift the big/big and small/small with no 'lockup'.
Dude, come on. You have to know whether it's the front or rear deraileur... which one were you shifting when it went kaput?
Agreed -- front or rear would be a helpful. Here's a question... which shifter (right or left hand) no longer responds? I'm guessing it's the right hand shifter you're talking about, which operates the rear derailluer, by the way -- the little articulated arm in the back that moves the chain through your rear cogs.
I'm with boudreaux, by the way. There's nothing normal about a shifting system simply "locking up," and I'd be curious to know what the guy's explanation was. The best option probably would be to find another shop; you want mechanics that shoot straight with you, understand what they're doing, and don't smooth you over because they're in a rush.
Heck, this phenomenon might be "normal" for them on the basis of how they set drivetrains up (improperly?).
I'm with boudreaux, by the way. There's nothing normal about a shifting system simply "locking up," and I'd be curious to know what the guy's explanation was. The best option probably would be to find another shop; you want mechanics that shoot straight with you, understand what they're doing, and don't smooth you over because they're in a rush.
Heck, this phenomenon might be "normal" for them on the basis of how they set drivetrains up (improperly?).
Get the guy who sold you the bike to make sure he explians the whole subtleties of shifting cos it sound's like you're missing something when you shift. Believe it or not there are a couple of little things with shifters that make the job easier if you know what you are doing but can be very infuriating if you don't. The bloke who sold it to you should have made sure that you understood before you left the shop.
