The gears on my mountain bike quit working?

Question

When I am riding and try to change gears on my bike nothing happens. Does anybody know what the problem is and how it can be fixed?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Answer 1

There is a problem in the brake wire somewhere. Replace it yourself or take it to a bike shop if you don't know how.

Answer 2

I had that once, you will have to replace the cable

Answer 3

Sounds like a cable snapped somewhere.  Take it in, adjusting gears that have been replaced entirely can be a little tricky.  

Shouldn't be expensive...

Answer 4

your cable is broke or your cable where the shifter is is not tight enough to pull the chian if you are good with your hands then fix it your self if not the take it to a  bike shop

Answer 5

Here's a quick diagnostic approach:



Does the shifter mechanism on your handlebars still click as if it is indexing properly?  If so you probably have a cable problem.  If not: a) is the problem "free motion" without indexing - probably a failed shift mechanism; b) is the problem with a shift mechanism that will not move at all.

The latter issue could be caused by several factors.  If the chain is already on the largest rear cog the next two steps will not apply. 1) Attempt to move the rear derailleur by hand.  If it will not move back toward the largest cog the derailleur may be frozen by grit in the pivot.  If it moves OK try the next test; 2)Grasp and pull the rear derailleur cable where it travels along the frame.  Again you should be able to move the derailleur if it moved during the previous procedure. If it does not move check to see that the cable is firmly fastened to the derailleur.  If not, you may have to take it to the shop to have the derailleur adjusted after the cable is re-affixed.

Some other thoughts: 1) The problem is probably not with simple dirty or un-lubricated components.  This will usually cause sluggish performance but not total failure.

Bottom line, if you are not mechanically inclined, you probably need to take the bike to a reputable shop.  Long term, I would recommend that you get a good bicycle maintenance manual and learn to wrench your bike as well as ride it.