Shimano Ultegra front derailer

[GArider]

I'm tuning my bike for an upcoming hilly century and though I would replace the front derailer cable. I added a new chain about 30 miles ago and I keep my ride clean and in good shape. I threaded the new cable and attached it but found the amount of pressure to move the cage really high. I removed the derailer and cleaned/lubed it. Activating the mechanism in my hand, it feels really stiff, like the spring tension is too high.

I re-installed the derailer and the action is way too stiff. Not the shifter, cable housing, bottom bracket routing. Any ideas?

P.S. I'm leaving for my ride tomorrow and would LOVE all 20 speeds. Thanks!

[Bill]

Hi GArider,
Have you watch the video http://bikeride.com/adjust-front-derailer/ . If so double check your connection of the cable to the FD is correct. Also did you lube the inside of the cable housing when you put the new cable in it? Is the cable connected to the shifter properly as I have had this problem in the past.


Bill

[GArider]

Yes, watched the video. The issue was something that I recognized as soon as I had the bike in on the stand (at the shop). I had routed the cable on the wrong side of the clamp. This difference of 1 cms or so is enough to negate the purchase (leverage) on the shift arm. The lesson here is to REALLY notice stuff BEFORE you take it off. Dumb mistake but a happy ending.

Thanks for your quick reply.

(04-30-2010, 08:00 AM)Bill Wrote:  Hi GArider,
Have you watch the video http://bikeride.com/adjust-front-derailer/ . If so double check your connection of the cable to the FD is correct. Also did you lube the inside of the cable housing when you put the new cable in it? Is the cable connected to the shifter properly as I have had this problem in the past.


Bill

[Bill]

Hehe, I do dumb mistake ALL the time lol. Which is why I take before and after pics to remind me lol. Glad you got it fixed .