Impulse buy, a bit of help needed

[Ajax Bay]

Drop of 3-in1 oil (or similar) on every pivot of the rear mech, and work it (by hand).
If it doesn't ease, then replacing the short length of outer leading to the rear mech may make a difference (with very little expense). Use cable cutters and cut squarely when flexed in a 180 bend, and an awl/screwdriver to make sure the hole's open, both ends.

 

[Stantheman]

Great tips thanks. I have cable cutters and some new outer somewhere.

 

[Twilkes]

Cut squarely when flexed in a 180 bend,

Never heard of this, will try it next time.

 

[C R]

Never heard of this, will try it next time.

I had never thought about it, but it does make sense, as the reinforcing strands are longitudinal in a gear cable.

 

[Stantheman]

Just changed the rear outer, and success. All seems good. I shortened the outer by about an inch as the angle seemed too sharp. All gears working well. Real test comes tomorrow when the super fussy son gets to ride it. Thanks for all the help, much appreciated.