I'm a lazy sod.

[palinurus]

I could take a look at the rear mech on my commuter (f*ck it, I could throw it away and stick on another- I got it for a penny, excl P&P). The thing gets stuck about halfway down the block and won't make it to the little sprockets.

Except I've found I can set the downtube lever about where I want it and aim for a pothole. Usually does it. Need a bigger pothole for a bigger change. Haven't got it into top yet- probably need a speedhump for that.

 

[Brock]

If there's no potholes can you change gear with a stampy bunny hop?

 

[Tynan]

excellent, mine can be like that, usually two up one down or vice versa

unless there's a handy bump

 

[fossyant]

Dodgy cables or a good soak with WD40 or lube on the mech

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Make sure you haven't done what I once did while zip tying the dynamo wiring to the downtube. It was only after a trip to work and back that I noticed I'd zip tied the gear cables to the frame too.