RichD said:I have a mountain style bike (used mostly for
street riding), 5 speed sprocket on the rear wheel.
The rear shifting mechanism has drifted off.
Like, the lever is in the '2' position, when the
chain in 4th gear.
The cable has stretched, or whatever, I'm not
sure. Can this be tightened? I examined it,
but don't see any adjustment screws. Does
the cable need to be replaced? If so, can it
be done with a standard home tool set? I
don't have any bike specialty tools.
If I take it to a bike shop for repair, how
much can I expect to pay?
Follow the gear wire to its end at the changer. It's clamped with a nut,
bolt or allen fastener. Shift to high gear, slack the fastener, oil the
thread then pull the wire through with your fingers (just take up the
slack - don't lean on it). Tighten the fastener and test ride.
It may be helpful to work some oil into the casing while the wire is
disconnected. Pull the wire out a few cm; not necessary to completely
disassemble unless you see significant corrosion inside.
If a slack gear wire is the extent of it, you're at the minimum rate for
a shop; between zero and small dollar amounts.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971
