Front gear goes down but going up is problem

[tapash]

I just got my new Saracen Urban ESC. It has 3 gears in front and 7 at the back.
Couple of issues I have noticed when changing gears. The front derailleurs works fine when changing in to a lower ring. But when i try to shift it up I have to press the shifter twice. First time does not change the gears and make a horrible metallic sound, feels as if the bike is gonna crash.

How can I fix it?

[cny-man]

You could just need tensioning of the shift cable, but if you purchased the bike from a shop just go back and ask them to check the front derailleur and to show you how to shift it. In-person help, particularly by the business that sold you the bike, should always be the first choice. If somehow that is not available then Google "adjust front derailleur" and go to the parktool or sheldonbrown links - need to go through the entire procedure, as the positioning of the front derailleur is critical before you adjust. The videos on this site may also help, but I have not seen them.

[tapash]

Thanks for your reply.
I bought it online. so no chance of taking it into a shop. However thanks for the tips, I will google it and try learn from videos....

[RBurrelli]

(07-29-2014, 07:35 AM)tapash Wrote:  I just got my new Saracen Urban ESC. It has 3 gears in front and 7 at the back.
Couple of issues I have noticed when changing gears. The front derailleurs works fine when changing in to a lower ring. But when i try to shift it up I have to press the shifter twice. First time does not change the gears and make a horrible metallic sound, feels as if the bike is gonna crash.

How can I fix it?

There are derailleurs out there that require "trimming" when shifting. That sounds quite similar to what you are stating with these types. Not all that uncommon.

[cny-man]

Agreed - you may just have to push the lever farther to make a complete shift. Some derailleurs allow you to move the derailleur just a little to make up for the chain moving across the rear cogs. Try pushing the lever further when you shift.

[tapash]

well, I think i am in a more complicated situation now. After watching at least 10 videos on youtube, tried to fix the derailleur. I ended up removing the gear and mess around with it. Spent like good 5 hours with the gear & shifter. but every time there is new issues. Somehow managed to put everything together again in place. but still there is issues when shifting gear up. Chain either stays on gear 1 OR gear 3. No 2 starts to rub but stays on chainring no 1. don't know what to do, i guess I will just take it to the shop.

[cny-man]

As you have discovered, saving money by purchasing online is not always successful. In my view nobody who is not experienced with bike maintenance and adjustment should not purchase online or unassembled without having a bike shop do the final setup, preferably including a free adjustment period. There are too many operational and safety issues that can arise from an improper assembly, as it involves far more than just bolting on some parts. Doing the work yourself can also void any claim you have regarding warranties.