Front Shifter Woes

[GreenDog]

I've got Shimano LX Mega 9 shifters on my bike, an 8 year old Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC which I've recently started using again to do the odd commute to work. However the front shifter will only click into 2 positions, meaning that I couldn't get onto the big ring. I played about with the cable tension etc but no joy so I've ended up tightening it enough so that when the shifter thinks I'm on the small ring on on the middle and when it thinks i'm on the middle I'm actually on the big one.

Anybody had this before or got any idea what the cause of this might be ?

[itsnotarace]

Cable is not tight enough. Centre the limit screws, put the chain onto the smallest cog, wind in the barrel adjuster on the bars if you can, undo the cable and take up as much slack as you can. Then re-tighten and adjust the limit screws as required.

[GreenDog]

I've tried tightening the cable etc but no joy. I'll have to give it another go this weekend and that doesn't work it's off to the LBS for my trusty steed.

[BOR]

You could try checking the cable for corrosion. If it has a layer of rust, or is frayed on the sections exposed when you are in the middle ring, it could be stopping the cable being pulled through into top.

In fact, just pick up a new cable for a couple of quid and fit it to eliminate that as a source.

[GreenDog]

Good idea, I've got a few spares in the garage anyway.

[itsnotarace]

It's probably stretched beyond adjustment, not really surprised after 8 years tbh

[Rolls]

yip - cable IMO too!