Help me diagnose my RD problem (with bonus LBS "Little Woman" rant!)

[luvmyguys]

Problems with SRAM Force, never an issue with Shimano 105, on two different bikes.

Shrug.

What kind of problems did you have?

[Wahine]

I have definitely had way more problems with cable drag leading to shifting issues on SRAM than on Shimano. Especially on my cross bike where I tend to get mud and grit into the cable housings. Regular maintenance helps. This video demonstrates the technique on a mtn bike, but it works the same on a road bike.

Try that, it may make a huge difference. And I'd say, making this procedure part of regular maintenance, especially after wet rides, will help save your SRAM system from failure. I've managed to break two shifters due to leaving cable drag too long.

[DebW]

Yes, try new cables and housing. Gunk gets in there and then the spring isn't strong enough to shift crisply to a smaller cog. Or you get a crimp in the cable, or the housing starts to fray. Another possibility is a bent RD or derailleur hanger if the bike has fallen on it's right side.

[luvmyguys]

I have definitely had way more problems with cable drag leading to shifting issues on SRAM than on Shimano. Especially on my cross bike where I tend to get mud and grit into the cable housings. Regular maintenance helps. This video demonstrates the technique on a mtn bike, but it works the same on a road bike.

Try that, it may make a huge difference. And I'd say, making this procedure part of regular maintenance, especially after wet rides, will help save your SRAM system from failure. I've managed to break two shifters due to leaving cable drag too long.

Thank you Wahine! I'll definitely try this. I also found this video which may be useful as well. Opinions anyone? That last step with the grease makes me a little nervous in terms of attracting dirt.

I'm trying to figure out how to get the cable loose like he did in the video - it didn't look obvious to me on the bike.

[Wahine]

I'm trying to figure out how to get the cable loose like he did in the video - it didn't look obvious to me on the bike.

The first part of this video demonstrates the technique really well.

[pinsonp2]

Thanks. Great video!!!!

P2

[Becky]

I like the SRAM Rival on my road bike. That said, routing the shifter cables along the handlebar and under the tape the way SRAM and newer Shimano have it does cause more drag. I can really feel it when I ride DH's road bike with Ultegra 6700 with internal shift routing, compared to my Ultegra 6600 with external routing. So no, it's not just you. I would double-check the derailleur hanger like Deb recommended. I also had an odd situation where the RD itself got "stuck" in the wrong position on the hanger. Shifting to the smallest cog, loosening the the RD anchor bolt, and re-tightening it after the RD re-seated itself seemed to fix the issue. Bizarre, I know....

[ridebikeme]

First of all, I'm sorry that you weren't treated well at your shop. Perhaps you should let the owner know??

AS for the problem, I would definitely replace the cables/housing. What I will tell you though is that the read derailleur housing leaving the frame and feeding into the derailleur wears more quickly than any other piece, so replace that OFTEN! NOt only does it affect shifting, it also wears out that rear derailleur quicker as well.