Won't shift on first try

[HillSlugger]

For the rear cable, it doesn't run under the tape with my shifters, so there was no problem there. I didn't change the housing this time anyway. It's in good shape. The cable was shredding up inside the shifter and not at a ferrule or something. I'll save that for when I do a complete cable replacement.

In general, it depends on the tape you have (and how gross it is). My tape has a gel backing that helps it stick to itself enough to wrap easily, but it's not adhesive. Adhesive-backed tapes are easy to rip when you take it off and harder to rewrap even if they don't rip. Then there's the dirt factor.

I ask because I realize now that I should have replaced the cables on my used tri bike when I bought it but since I just replaced the bar tape I'm reluctant to want to do anything.

[OakLeaf]

I was thinking I ought to replace my rear derailleur cable, 2750 miles. From what you're saying I'm really pushing its life. Going to a show tonight - I'll stop by a bike shop while I'm in town. Thanks!

[aicabsolut]

I was thinking more about it, and I realized I've never gone a full year on derailleur cables. 2 years in a row, I made it one race season. Of course, I got a new bike this year that I did most of my racing on, so the other bike that got used the most from Oct-early March is still on it's fall '08 cables.

Farther back, I think I've always needed to replace derailleur cables 2x a year at least. The first time, the housing split. After that, I started having shifting problems, always in the rear. With non-Dura Ace cables, I would always replace the front at the same time. I'm going to experiment to see if the Dura Ace front cable will last maybe the length of 2 rear cables.

It's weird, but I think I change my cables more often than my chain!

[Kelly728]

ah now I've really done it, but I'm sure an easy fix for the LBS. After cleaning (and trying to be a mechanic) I have it stuck in the small chain ring. Oops. I think I'll be dropping my bike off on sunday.

[cattygrrl]

Shimano 105 shifters (especially fronts) have had a run of problems. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that your LBS guy called Shimano and had them send a replacement front shifter (my guy taught me to change the 9-speed ones without removing the handlebar tape, but I haven't tried it on the 10-speed stuff). Our shop dude said that the last two times he called Shimano about a 105 shifter, they didn't even wait for him to finish describing the problem before they issued a return number.

[Kelly728]

Finally made it out to the LBS, 45 minute drive for a 5 minute repair!
A bit of cable adjustments and it seems to be shifting just fine but we'll see what happens the next time I can take it out on the road. (Maybe my injury will be a 5 minute repair too..)