Shifting problem

[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.

[Catrin]

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

Who would have thought about this 'trimming' thing on her own....guess that is one of the things that happens when you, basically, teach yourself how to ride and really don't know anyone who did before joining TE and hiring a personal trainer

Does this apply to all bikes, or is it related to having trigger shifters?

[OakLeaf]

Generally, most bikes with both front and rear derailleurs, because of the way the chain moves side to side.

It depends somewhat on your setup. The longer your chainstays, for example, the less the angle of the chain to the FD cage will vary. I rarely need to trim when I've got everything in just-so adjustment, but I think I'm in the minority there.