Front Chainset Probs.

[arranandy]

My fairly new (8 months old) Trek FX7.3 hybrid has developed changing problems on the front chainset Until last week it was really smooth but during my 2 commutes this week it has become a right b*gger. Changing up is OK but changing down has become problematic with the chain quite often not moving between the chainrings and finding a sort of 'neutral' for a few pedal revolutions before moving to the next lowest chainring.
Any suggestions as to what could be wrong??? Stretched cable? Damaged chain? Lack of lubrication?

 

[Smokin Joe]

If it isn't dropping to the small ring it is either a stiff cable or front mech. Disconect the cable and see if the mech moves freely, if not give it a good clean and lube. If the mech is ok replace the cable.

 

[mickle]

Warranty! Don't touch it, just take it back to the shop.

 

[stevenb]

It might be a small stone/bit of grit stuck in the front mech.
Check the cable, check the bolts are tight enough and lube it first before taking it back (if you have warranty).

 

[arranandy]

All sorted now. Just needed a good clean and re-lube and the changes are not silky smooth (well almost) Must have been the salt and cr@p off the roads over the past couple of weeks that had affected it

 

[fossyant]

The salt is nasty - having been dry early in the week with liberal dashings of salt on the road, then with rain in the latter half - a nasty highly corrosive film is getting sprayed everywhere - important to lube and clean the bikes.