shimano sora wont shift through gears. Advice needed.

[Matuka]

Hi all

Total newbie here so apologies for the very basic explanation. I was given an old road bike from a friend who is emigrating. It has shimano sora front shifters and tiagra derailleurs. It has 8 gears at the back but ive found when riding that it will only shift through a max of 5 gears before stopping. I have been playing around and I find that if I loosen the cable while putting tension on it click the thumb shifter I can only get three clicks before it stops. Same the other way. I was just wondering if this is something that I can fix without having to take it to a bike shop. Money is quite tight so Id like to do it myself if possible.

Thanks for any advice!

[dirtypot]

Sounds like your limit screws are in too far.

 

Have a look here:

[Headshot]

^^^ I agree. 

[lechatnoir]

What I'd do is this: shift to the smallest cog, then undo the cable at the rear mech and see where it shifts to under its own tension. If it goes All the way down to the smallest cog, the derailleur is fine. Then it's either the shifter or the cable. I could describe that here, but look on Youtube for videos on how to do it. Note: when you tighten the cable again, your shifter will then be on the lowest gear 

 

YT won't show you how to fix a shifter, but it will show how to replace a cable.

[lechatnoir]

Sounds like your limit screws are in too far.

 

Have a look here:

 

was thinking that too, but 3 cogs seems a lot for limit screws.

[dirtypot]

was thinking that too, but 3 cogs seems a lot for limit screws.

 

Depends how long the screw is... 

 

But I agree. release the cable from the derailleur and get it to be happy on the smallest gear with the limit screws, then work from there.

[bikebloke]

quote - "Hi all

Total newbie here "

 

stop fiddling before you break something

 

take bike to LBS and ask them to index your gears for you

 

they may even do it for free if you smile and play the newbie

[pe3nguin]

 

take bike to LBS and ask them to index your gears for you

 

 

 

Thats a fantastic way to learn the mechanics of a toy >.>

[Matuka]

stop fiddling before you break something

 

 

Hahahaha! I know thats exactly what I should do but its so tempting to fiddle. Thanks for all the advice. That video is interesting. I will probably end up taking it in eventually. Theres a place in fourways that does servicing. 

[Martin PJ]

Click the STI down so that the cog at the back is on the smallest gear. The pull the cable with your hands and try to click down the STI some more. This may be where your other three gears are hiding.

 

This has happened to me before.

Then loosen the cable on the rear derailleur and pull it tight. Tighten the bolt again.

[eddy]

 I will probably end up taking it in eventually. Theres a place in fourways that does servicing. 

 

 

As long as the place is not Cajees.

 

They will break it more than you can......

[David Marshall]

I am always reluctant to give advice on setting gears because although the procedure is straight forward it takes a bit of overall insight into the whole set up.  If your bike was shifting well and then doesn't the problem is unlikely to be solved by adjusting limit screws or cable tension.  Far more likely to be cables/housing or bent derailleur hangar.

 

Hey Matuka, if you want to do it yourself in Fourways area come to my workshop.  I will tell you what to do and kick your butt until it is sorted. PM if interested.

[shaper]

Hahahaha! I know thats exactly what I should do but its so tempting to fiddle. Thanks for all the advice. That video is interesting. I will probably end up taking it in eventually. Theres a place in fourways that does servicing. 

As long as this place is not Cajees!!.. avoid !!

 

In all likelihood as the bike is old you will need to replace the cable, give it a good clean and then reset the RD as shown in the video 

[dirtypot]

Hey Matuka, if you want to do it yourself in Fourways area come to my workshop.  I will tell you what to do and kick your butt until it is sorted. PM if interested.

 

This is the best option by far.  You get to learn how to do it yourself under professional supervision.

Do it!

[Matuka]

Thanks for all the replies this forum is super helpful! I have managed to fix the problem with minimal fiddling  ! Thanks very much for the offer David M. Very kind.

Cheers!

[Pure Savage]

Probably the best first three posts by any hubber, ever