Shimano gear problem

[J and G's Dad]

Hi all

Out on the bike this morning and I'm having a bit or trouble with the gears. When the chain is on the bigger of the two chain rings and I set it to go on the smaller ring all that sometimes happens is just a 'ticking' sound but no change, I've left the shifter (the bike uses Shimano SLA-050 control levers) in the 'lower' ring position and then 30 seconds later it will happen when i'm not expecting it!

I've tested the bike in the garage on a stand and when I make the change there is no problem whatsoever. Is my added weight an issue or is this a common fault?

Any help at all would be most welcome. I'm pretty certain I've missed some information that may help but after all, I am a newbie!!

Cheers

Jonathan

 

[Chris S]

I find I have to be going at a decent speed to change from any of my front cogs. Perhaps the difference in chain speed is the issue?

 

[andrew_s]

When changing, you should keep the pedals moving round, but not push on them.
If you are pushing, the tension in the chain resists the spring pressure from the front mech.

You probably also want to reduce the cable tension on the adjuster a little.

 

[Banjo]

Video tutorial in this link may be useful.My link

 

[gwhite]

If you have been using the bike in this foul weather the most likely cause is that salt and grime have caused sticking in your front gear cable and/or FD.
Lube the cable and the pivot points on the FD, then with the gear selector on the small ring position, pull the cable out from the down tube while rotating the pedals. Do this making sure the whole arc of the FD is covered.