gears stuck

[zoey]

Hi all,

The gears on my Nomad lock up for some reason. I had it in my first gear front and back, and was cruising along and suddenly my front gear wouldn't shift down. I rode a bit, then it somehow "unstuck" itself.



Any ideas?

[sanjuro]

First gear? It is more descriptive and more accurate to mention which chainring (big, middle, or small) and which cog (biggest, 2nd biggest,... , smallest) you were using.

[binary visions]

We need a few more specifics than that... Did the shifter function (that is, could you actuate the downshift trigger or twist)?

Was there any issue pedalling?

And, most importantly, can you duplicate the problem?

[zoey]

I was in my granny gear, so smallest gear front and back. The left shifter would not move, but I could shift on the right. I could pedal, no problem.

I was crusing down the trail very slowly, and was riding my brakes because I was trying to stay with this other girl, then when I went to climb uphill I noticed I couldn't shift.

I left it in that gear, pedalled down the trail, went downhill, and by the time I got downhill I could shift again.

[binary visions]

Hmm... So, you were in your small chainring, and your largest (as far as physical size goes) cassette cog? Or your smallest cassette cog? And you were trying to shift into your middle chainring?

Weird, all I can think is maybe something was wedged in the mechanism and you jarred it loose while you were riding.

[zoey]

This is a totally crazy thought, but do you all think it might be a "feature"? Is there any reason why you would want the gears to be locked/stuck?

[sanjuro]

This is a totally crazy thought, but do you all think it might be a "feature"? Is there any reason why you would want the gears to be locked/stuck?
This would not be a feature. There is no system (Shimano/SRAM/Campy) that prevents you from shifting.

However, front derailleur adjustment can be tricky, and if it is out of adjustment, you might not be able to shift under power (when pedalling hard).

Also if you are using the small chainring and small cog:

http://www.parktool.com/images_inc/repair_help/CLG03.gif

it may be very difficult to shift because of the chainline. The chain is so far over to begin with, the front derailleur cannot "push" it to the middle chainring.

[zoey]

Hm. Okay. Sounds reasonable. Thanks for the help. :)