Expert: Dave - 7/30/2008

Question
I have a diamondback bicycle with problems shifting.  This is a shimano 8515 rear derailer.  I can no longer shift the rear gears either up or down.  I have tried lubricating both the derailer and the cable with no change.  there doesn't seem to be any reason that the gears won't shift it is just that when I turn the handlebar shifter to a higher number (5-7) the shifter on the handlebar will not turn. And if I turn the shifter to a lower number (1-3)the shifter will turn but no gear will change.
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
Burt Weatherford

Answer
Hello Burt. There is a chance that your gears aren't shifting because of slack in the derailleur cable. Try to loosen the cable from the rear derailleur clamp, put the index of the shifter to the highest number. Pull the end of the cable about 5-10nM and then tighten the clamp onto the cable.

I hate to say it but a very good possibility that your shifter is broken and needs to be replaced. I cannot tell without handling it or seeing it. You may have to take it to your local bike shop so they can analyze your shifter. If there is anything else I can help you with to get your bike shifting let me know.
-Dave




Follow up (8/1/08 11:09pm)
Hello again Burt. I'm glad to hear that your bike has been fixed and that you are riding again. If you have any more problems with you bicycle, please do not hesitate to ask.
-Dave