Gears wont shift on bike, the cable gets lose and nothing happens to the chain...is there anyway to fix this?

Question

when the gear shifter is on 1 the cable is tight, and when i adjust it the cable gets vary loose and nothing happins. It was working fine, but i accidentally knocked it over when fill the tires with air and not it doens work. nothing broke off....anyone help please!

Answer 1

just go to a bike shop they will find out wats wrong they will help u trust me well good luck

Answer 2

Could be one of two things:

1) Bicycle must be moving when you shift.

2) Gear shifter must be in 7 (seventh) while you adjust the cable.

Answer 3

It sounds like one of your derailleurs is bent or jammed.  You don't say whether the "1" setting is on the chain ring (front) shifter or the cassette (rear) shifter.  I suspect it is the rear since you are experiencing cable slack when you attempt to change gears.  The rear derailleur has a spring that pushes the mechanism outward as you shift to higher gears.  Check to see that the derailleur is not jammed and that it moves freely outward.  You may need to disconnect the cable at he rear to accomplish this.

Hear are a couple of sites that will give you excellent information about cable and derailleur adjustment:

http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/wrench....

http://bicycletutor.com/

Solving this problem and learning more about your bike and how it works will add to a lifetime of cycling pleasure.

Answer 4

There is a part of the bike that keeps tension on the chain as it changes gears, located beside the rear tire.  sounds like there is something wrong with this peice..  it may have been damaged when u knocked your bike over.  see if u cant wiggle it free if its jammed, if u cant u might have to replace it. =O

GL

Answer 5

Sounds like there's a lot of friction in either your Cable outers, or on the cable guide on the Bottom Bracket shelf. Give your bike a clean over, that might help.