Auto shifting gears... please help.

[porschepunk]

Hello all... new guy in the bicycle world (and these forums). I just bought a ol school Nishiki Rally and everything seems to be working so far so good. However, I seem to have an issue changing gears. I can be in first and shift to second no problem... however moving to the other gears, If I don't hold down the lever, it will change gears, then about 50 yards later will automatically move back into second gear.

My initial thought was it was the tension or something (of course I am probably wrong though) as when I hold down the lever when I bike the gear will stay put. As soon as I let go though... back to second automatically.

~Jesse

[DaveM]

It would help to know what kind of shifters you have. But guessing that you have frame shifters, it may just be the screw that holds the shifter to the frame needs to be tightened a little. That screw should be set so you can move the shifter, but so it stays in place. If I'm off base, please give more info about type of bike, shifter, etc.

[porschepunk]

(01-19-2010, 02:25 PM)DaveM Wrote:  It would help to know what kind of shifters you have. But guessing that you have frame shifters, it may just be the screw that holds the shifter to the frame needs to be tightened a little. That screw should be set so you can move the shifter, but so it stays in place. If I'm off base, please give more info about type of bike, shifter, etc.

If you are referring to these type of shifters http://www.campyonly.com/images/mystuff/2006/levers/shifters.jpg , then yes, I have frame shifters. as far as any further details, its a 10 speed.... I am going to be honest... I am a newbster, so any detail to any further information you need and I will be more than happy to get it for you. I can post pics when I get home.

Thanks again for all your help!

~Jesse

[cyclerUK]

These look like "friction" shifters.
Either side there is a "toggle". Turn them clockwise to stiffen the friction and see if that cures your problem.
Don't overdo it or they will be to hard to move.

[porschepunk]

Just wanted to say thank you everyone for their help. Was a simple "tighten the screws, stupid."

[jr14]

(02-05-2010, 07:26 PM)porschepunk Wrote:  Just wanted to say thank you everyone for their help. Was a simple "tighten the screws, stupid."

It almost ALWAYS is. Don't let it get you down! Happens to ALL of us. Can't tell you how many times I've looked at a bike for 10 minutes trying to figure out just what in the hell went wrong, and then I realize I didn't tighten a screw, or loosen a barrel adjuster.

[Thanks!]

I've been trying to figure this out for ages!

I had a repair done to my bike and couldn't for the life of me figure out why it was worse afterward! All I had to do was turn the ring on the gear changer slightly to the right and it fixed it!

If only I had known this all along I would have been able to enjoy the nice weather on my bike rather than sulk about how it is falling apart.

Oh well at least my baby is running smoothly again!

Thanks for asking this question and getting a response!

[trevgbb]

note that this type of shifter should not be lubed as this destroys the friction!!