Shifting problem

[Catrin]

Um.

What's the second cable?

The one I was talking about was the one in the pictures on this page.

It's possible your high limit screw is too close, keeping your FD from moving as far from the frame as it needs to when you're in the big ring, if tightening the cable isn't having any effect on that end. I wouldn't have expected the LBS to get that wrong, but it's possible. The page I linked to also has instructions for setting the limiter screws. It's also possible that you're at the limit of your barrel adjuster and you're just turning the loose end inside the housing, in which case the cable will need to be re-positioned in the clamp (again - which would be strange).

Anyway, I think you made progress? and learned something about your bike? and it isn't worse so you can still ride to the LBS? if so, good.

That looks like the correct adjuster (as long as it's the cable that goes to the FD), but I still don't know which other cable you're talking about?

I could not seem to get a good shot of both - but there are two barrel adjusters on both sides of the down tube. I assume the other one goes to the RD? It isn't the brakes - that runs under the TT, so the second one MUST go to the RD.

I turned it upside down and that is indeed the case, one cable (and adjuster) per derailleur. I adjusted the wrong one Let's try this again

[Catrin]

I can't move the barrel adjuster for the FD and while it isn't rubbing in the big or small rings, it certainly still is in the middle. I will have my LBS check it out, but surely I should be able to use at least gears 6-8 in the back when I am in the middle. Until the most recent adjustment they had it set so I could actually use all 9 in the middle if I wanted to do so...

You know, this arthritis thing is a pain - though not literally unless my hands get in the wrong position (like with road bars) - it is my grip strength that is most affected and the intense strength training I've done this year has made no changes in that dept.

Would love to ride tonight to see if it is better - but at 95 degrees I suspect the only bike I will be riding tonight is the spinning bike at my club after my training appointment.

[OakLeaf]

Bummer. Well, hopefully the LBS can show you what was off.

Hijack: Have you been working specifically on grip strength? Most common group fitness classes and weight machines give very little attention to the hands and forearms. I know it's tough with arthritis, but you seem to have been working hard and expecting results that aren't coming. Ask your trainer for some hand exercises if you're not doing them already.

[Catrin]

Bummer. Well, hopefully the LBS can show you what was off.

Hijack: Have you been working specifically on grip strength? Most common group fitness classes and weight machines give very little attention to the hands and forearms. I know it's tough with arthritis, but you seem to have been working hard and expecting results that aren't coming. Ask your trainer for some hand exercises if you're not doing them already.

The only group class I do is spinning, generally I don't care for group classes. I am planning on asking him about that today. Frankly I haven't been all that concerned with it as I thought that all of the work I've been doing would have also helped that - but now I am seeing evidence that isn't the case. There have been great improvements in both upper and lower body, but my grip is the same as it was a year ago when I started.

My LBS has pretty good wrenches and they are very helpful. They also don't charge for simple adjustments which is nice. It isn't like they don't make a lot of money from me in other ways

[Catrin]

I apparently fixed it last night without realizing it It is too hot to ride tonight so decided to clean my chain when I came in, and while working I TRIED to get the chain to rub - but it refused to do so

I am still having them look at it when I pick up my saddle, but I seem to have done more than I knew - Thanks!

[Catrin]

Took my bike to the LBS to get his new saddle - and asked them to adjust my shifters. Apparently the RD was not hanging right, he said part of my problem was the chain was actually hitting the RD occasionally.

In his opinion - and I am sure he is right - because I don't trim properly when needed in shifting that it got things out of adjustment - but the off-center RD wasn't helping. I did not really understand this and he took some time to explain trimming with the trigger shifters when needed (any time I hear the chain).

If all bikes are like this, then I start to understand why my Trek shifted so badly the last time I rode her - this is the first in-depth discussion I've had on this and why it matters.

I like my LBS very much - they don't treat me like an idiot and do very good work.

[OakLeaf]

Glad you got it sorted - and that you've got such a great LBS.