Bar end shifter problem - help!

[Tim O]

Just bought a new set of bar end shifters because I wanted a friction option for the rear. I've only done the front changer so far. Took the old one off and put the new one in. Inserted the smooth new cable into the shifter and it glided through the outer cable housing perfectly. Attached it to the front changer. The shifter barely moves. I can just about get it to move onto the middle ring but it refuses to get on the big ring and the lever is very stiff.

Obviously I've played around endlessly with pulling the cable into different positions. As soon as I release the cable from the front changer, the shifter moves perfectly. I just don't get it. Spent two hours repeating everything and checking the shifter is correctly in its housing. The only thing I haven't done is change the outer cable which came with the shifters (because that would mean taking the bar tape off). I can't see how changing the outer cable to the one that came with the set would make much difference as the cable glided through the original outer cable effortlessly. I am at a complete loss to understand what's wrong. Can anyone help?

Many thanks, Tim.

 

[raleighnut]

Is the friction setting on the lever too high, they are adjustable.

 

[lpretro1]

Are you sure you have routed the cable at the derailleur end right? Check the way it ran on the old set up and make sure you copy

 

[boydj]

Disconnect the cable from the mech and check that it moves smoothly and easily when the shifter is used and there is enough movement to move the mech enough to change gear.

 

[Tim O]

Thank you to all for your replies. I gave up and took it to my LBS. Bang on Ipretro1! The mechanic said, easy mistake to make, but evidently the front mech on this bike has a different routing from most of the other bikes in my shed. I hadn't bothered to examine it carefully before I snipped the end cap off the cable. Lesson learned.

 

[ozboz]

Is the friction setting on the lever too high, they are adjustable.

Sorry to hi jack this thread , but, the friction bar end lever for the front on mine is not quite right, Its 5 months old now the bike and every time I change a cog up or down on the cassette I have to trim the derailleur on the big chainring , how do I adjust the lever ?

 

[raleighnut]

There should either be a screw or a small wingnut on the side of the lever that not only holds the lever on but adjusts the stiffness too.
It may be that the limit stop needs looking at though, with a double at the front when you select the big ring it should be hard against the stop without any rubbing on the mech unless you're cross-chaining.

 

[ozboz]

Cheers ^^^^^^ , the derailleur is set up ok , and deffo do not cross chain, I get the feeling that the tension spring on the derailleur is pulling it back , Ill tighten the lever slightly this morn and see how it goes , Or as there are braze on's on the down tube thats where the cables are routed , I think there are barrel adjusters , may have a go with them , I do not think the cable has stretched , its not that old and not had that much use in real terms , its got a tripple set up on the front, its an option Surley have allowed for on this frame, I had it fitted just in case the 'ol legs get a bit knackered on very steep hills !