Shimano Claris Shifting by Itself
Discussion
Hi all, I've been trying to get to the route of this problem for a while.
I have a Specialized Allez, and it is a fantastic first road bike. I've only been getting into cycling properly in the last 12 months and am loving it. There's just one problem, and it's the gearshift. I have the standard Shimano Claris gears that the bike came with, and every now and then, usually when I go to pedal a bit harder than usual, and mostly when going uphill, it suddenly decides to change gear with no input from myself other than pedaling a little harder. The chain is clean, and currently lubricated with Muc Off's dry lube, I did use the wet lube in the winter and it was slightly better but still had the same issue. I've fiddled with the gees a bit which makes the problem go away for an hour or two, but it soon resurfaces. Any ideas?
I have a Specialized Allez, and it is a fantastic first road bike. I've only been getting into cycling properly in the last 12 months and am loving it. There's just one problem, and it's the gearshift. I have the standard Shimano Claris gears that the bike came with, and every now and then, usually when I go to pedal a bit harder than usual, and mostly when going uphill, it suddenly decides to change gear with no input from myself other than pedaling a little harder. The chain is clean, and currently lubricated with Muc Off's dry lube, I did use the wet lube in the winter and it was slightly better but still had the same issue. I've fiddled with the gees a bit which makes the problem go away for an hour or two, but it soon resurfaces. Any ideas?
Which way is it going, climbing onto a larger sprocket under load or dropping onto a smaller one? Does it then return once the load is relaxed?
Obvious first thing to eliminate is alignment; is the wheel aligned centrally in the frame and securely clamped? Sight along the chainline from the chain ring(s) and make sure there is no obvious misalignment - chain ring(s) should point straight to the centre of the sprocket cassette.
Failing that, and assuming none of the sprocket teeth have been deformed somehow, I'd be fully re-setting cable slack and indexing once good cable condition and outer seating is confirmed - look to ensure the cable outers are not being unseated or strained when the bars are turned.
Obvious first thing to eliminate is alignment; is the wheel aligned centrally in the frame and securely clamped? Sight along the chainline from the chain ring(s) and make sure there is no obvious misalignment - chain ring(s) should point straight to the centre of the sprocket cassette.
Failing that, and assuming none of the sprocket teeth have been deformed somehow, I'd be fully re-setting cable slack and indexing once good cable condition and outer seating is confirmed - look to ensure the cable outers are not being unseated or strained when the bars are turned.
DanB7290 said:
Hi all, I've been trying to get to the route of this problem for a while.
I have a Specialized Allez, and it is a fantastic first road bike. I've only been getting into cycling properly in the last 12 months and am loving it. There's just one problem, and it's the gearshift. I have the standard Shimano Claris gears that the bike came with, and every now and then, usually when I go to pedal a bit harder than usual, and mostly when going uphill, it suddenly decides to change gear with no input from myself other than pedaling a little harder. The chain is clean, and currently lubricated with Muc Off's dry lube, I did use the wet lube in the winter and it was slightly better but still had the same issue. I've fiddled with the gees a bit which makes the problem go away for an hour or two, but it soon resurfaces. Any ideas?
Is this last year's model? Black one with alu frame and carbon fork?I have a Specialized Allez, and it is a fantastic first road bike. I've only been getting into cycling properly in the last 12 months and am loving it. There's just one problem, and it's the gearshift. I have the standard Shimano Claris gears that the bike came with, and every now and then, usually when I go to pedal a bit harder than usual, and mostly when going uphill, it suddenly decides to change gear with no input from myself other than pedaling a little harder. The chain is clean, and currently lubricated with Muc Off's dry lube, I did use the wet lube in the winter and it was slightly better but still had the same issue. I've fiddled with the gees a bit which makes the problem go away for an hour or two, but it soon resurfaces. Any ideas?
If so, I have the same bike.
I had an issue with the chain dropping off and messing around. I managed to recreate it by gently turning the wheel backwards with the chain on the big front ring, and either the third of fourth from top gear on the cassette.
My issue seemed to be a fault cassette. After a lot of messing about, the bike shop I bought it from swapped the chain and cassette for shimano ones (they are some cheap brand when stock). This eliminated my problem.
Other things to watch out for are the rims made of cheese (my front one has a bit of wobble which I cant true), the headset expander thing bolt being loose (mine wasn't even done up) and a distinct lack of grease around the headset bearings causing a clicking/cracking noise.
The bike is ok for what I paid for it a year ago, but I'm disappointed that the bike shop and the manufacturer budged things on mine and left bolts loose etc.
Oh yes, my tyres are also shedding threads just above the rim area. I've been told this happens to certain tyres but it's annoying they are doing this at one year old.
If the above isn't your chain issue, check the indexing etc and make sure nothing is bent or loose.
Hi guys, I've not had much chance to get out on the bike and test it further due to working nights, but did go out the other day and it was even worse. I had a 3 mile ride back from dropping something off at my girlfriends house, in that time the chain fell off 3 times (off the big ring at the front) and would not change between the two gears on the front chain ring; I could move the shifter but it wasn't actually doing anything with the front derailleur. And the ghost shifting got even worse to the point my feet were coming off the pedals (I am wearing normal trainers though).
I've inspected the chain and it was a little gunked up after the weekend so it's all been cleaned. Also used some of Muc-Off's stuff that's a bit like WD40 on the front derailleur and it seems to have freed it up, although I don't know whether it'll actually change between the gears yet. Was hoping to head out today and test it but it's chucking it down out there. Nothing looks bent or out of shape, I can't see much of the cables but from what I can see nothing is abnormal. Today's plan is to index the gears and finish cleaning everything properly; as I'm in a small flat the only place to clean the bike is in the bath, it's probably a good job the girlfriend doesn't live with me yet as she'd go mad. When the rain stops I'll see how well I've done, and if it's still not right I'll be looking for a bike shop nearby that's open.
Also yes it is the 2019 model, with carbon fork/alloy frame. Think I did pretty well for a my first road bike. But I did go for the bright red though, even though to me it looks almost orange!
I've inspected the chain and it was a little gunked up after the weekend so it's all been cleaned. Also used some of Muc-Off's stuff that's a bit like WD40 on the front derailleur and it seems to have freed it up, although I don't know whether it'll actually change between the gears yet. Was hoping to head out today and test it but it's chucking it down out there. Nothing looks bent or out of shape, I can't see much of the cables but from what I can see nothing is abnormal. Today's plan is to index the gears and finish cleaning everything properly; as I'm in a small flat the only place to clean the bike is in the bath, it's probably a good job the girlfriend doesn't live with me yet as she'd go mad. When the rain stops I'll see how well I've done, and if it's still not right I'll be looking for a bike shop nearby that's open.
Also yes it is the 2019 model, with carbon fork/alloy frame. Think I did pretty well for a my first road bike. But I did go for the bright red though, even though to me it looks almost orange!
untakenname said:
Found the Claris range to be rather poor, it's worth upgrading the rear derailleur to either Tiagra or 105 as it's only £20 or so from CRC or Wiggle and worth every penny as the shifts are so much crisper.
I have it on two bikes and it works fine for me.Used to have a bike with 105 on and I agree that was noticeably smoother. However, Claris is perfectly usable.
DanB7290 said:
Hi guys, I've not had much chance to get out on the bike and test it further due to working nights, but did go out the other day and it was even worse. I had a 3 mile ride back from dropping something off at my girlfriends house, in that time the chain fell off 3 times (off the big ring at the front) and would not change between the two gears on the front chain ring; I could move the shifter but it wasn't actually doing anything with the front derailleur. And the ghost shifting got even worse to the point my feet were coming off the pedals (I am wearing normal trainers though).
I've inspected the chain and it was a little gunked up after the weekend so it's all been cleaned. Also used some of Muc-Off's stuff that's a bit like WD40 on the front derailleur and it seems to have freed it up, although I don't know whether it'll actually change between the gears yet. Was hoping to head out today and test it but it's chucking it down out there. Nothing looks bent or out of shape, I can't see much of the cables but from what I can see nothing is abnormal. Today's plan is to index the gears and finish cleaning everything properly; as I'm in a small flat the only place to clean the bike is in the bath, it's probably a good job the girlfriend doesn't live with me yet as she'd go mad. When the rain stops I'll see how well I've done, and if it's still not right I'll be looking for a bike shop nearby that's open.
Also yes it is the 2019 model, with carbon fork/alloy frame. Think I did pretty well for a my first road bike. But I did go for the bright red though, even though to me it looks almost orange!
I originally thought your issue was rear derailleur but it sounds like the front too.I've inspected the chain and it was a little gunked up after the weekend so it's all been cleaned. Also used some of Muc-Off's stuff that's a bit like WD40 on the front derailleur and it seems to have freed it up, although I don't know whether it'll actually change between the gears yet. Was hoping to head out today and test it but it's chucking it down out there. Nothing looks bent or out of shape, I can't see much of the cables but from what I can see nothing is abnormal. Today's plan is to index the gears and finish cleaning everything properly; as I'm in a small flat the only place to clean the bike is in the bath, it's probably a good job the girlfriend doesn't live with me yet as she'd go mad. When the rain stops I'll see how well I've done, and if it's still not right I'll be looking for a bike shop nearby that's open.
Also yes it is the 2019 model, with carbon fork/alloy frame. Think I did pretty well for a my first road bike. But I did go for the bright red though, even though to me it looks almost orange!
I'm about to fix the front on one of my bikes as its rubbing etc. There is a good vid on Yotube from Park Tool about setting this up. Give it a watch. Just search for front derailleur setup park tool.
If the chain is falling off the front your front derailleur cage may be too far out or too far in, allowing the chain to drop. It can also fall off if there is an issue with your rear derailleur or the jockey wheels and the chain is losing tension.
Did you try turning the wheel backwards slowly in the top three/four rear cogs? That was when my chain was jumping off and it was due to a duff cassette.
Edited by funkyrobot on Tuesday 28th April 13:28
Who know's without seeing it. You haven't said if the chain is catching on the front cage.
If the front mech isn't moving with the shifter, then there's obviously an issue there. It could be the cable has snapped or the outer is generally gunged up, it could be the springs in the mech are gunged up and need cleaned/re-lubricated.
Setting the front mech isn't difficult with the limit screws.
If the front mech isn't moving with the shifter, then there's obviously an issue there. It could be the cable has snapped or the outer is generally gunged up, it could be the springs in the mech are gunged up and need cleaned/re-lubricated.
Setting the front mech isn't difficult with the limit screws.
Shifting problems are mostly not complicated to fix. Is the front derailleur positioned correctly? Is the rear derailleur on straight (bent hanger)? Are the limit screws correctly adjusted? Are the cables in good condition with no kinks/sharp radii? Is the tension in the cables set correctly?
I'm not an expert... but 99% of all my shifting problems have been rectified by making sure the above is ok. I fix loads of peoples bikes in less than 5 minutes because one of the above is clearly wrong. It's not difficult, just have a go.
I'm not an expert... but 99% of all my shifting problems have been rectified by making sure the above is ok. I fix loads of peoples bikes in less than 5 minutes because one of the above is clearly wrong. It's not difficult, just have a go.
How old is the bike? Seems odd to have problems at both ends.
As mentioned, get on YT and search out the vids by GCN and Park Tools on setting up derailleurs; they were an absolute godsend for me this past week as I'd had similar problems (although not quite as bad as yours) and having watched their vids realised I needed a new cable as mine had frayed in half inside the shifter which I never would've found as I didn't realise the knock-on effects that it could have so wouldn't have looked.
The key though is checking all the components as much as possible before attempting adjustment because if something is amiss, you'll struggle.
As mentioned, get on YT and search out the vids by GCN and Park Tools on setting up derailleurs; they were an absolute godsend for me this past week as I'd had similar problems (although not quite as bad as yours) and having watched their vids realised I needed a new cable as mine had frayed in half inside the shifter which I never would've found as I didn't realise the knock-on effects that it could have so wouldn't have looked.
The key though is checking all the components as much as possible before attempting adjustment because if something is amiss, you'll struggle.
I've been fiddling with the bike today, paying particular attention to the gears and cogs, and came to the following conclusions;
1. The ghost shifting seems to happen on the 5th largest cog no matter how much I fiddle with the adjuster. It was doing it in almost all the gears but with using the adjuster I've got all 7 other cogs to work, it's just that particular one that seems to jump around.
2. The chain coming off the large ring. Again a bit of fiddling and I've about managed to sort it, the only time it does it now is if I swap between the smaller and larger rings when the rear cassette is using the smallest cog. In practice this won't be so bad, as I doubt I'll be switching between the two chain rings while in that gear for 99% of the time, there's bound to be the odd time I have a brain fart and do it!
Any suggestions? Feels like the bike is almost back to its best! I did start adding up the cost of Tiagra or 105 components but stopped when I hit £400. At that price I'd rather put it towards a new bike, then the future Mrs DanB can take the Allez and finally start coming riding with me!
1. The ghost shifting seems to happen on the 5th largest cog no matter how much I fiddle with the adjuster. It was doing it in almost all the gears but with using the adjuster I've got all 7 other cogs to work, it's just that particular one that seems to jump around.
2. The chain coming off the large ring. Again a bit of fiddling and I've about managed to sort it, the only time it does it now is if I swap between the smaller and larger rings when the rear cassette is using the smallest cog. In practice this won't be so bad, as I doubt I'll be switching between the two chain rings while in that gear for 99% of the time, there's bound to be the odd time I have a brain fart and do it!
Any suggestions? Feels like the bike is almost back to its best! I did start adding up the cost of Tiagra or 105 components but stopped when I hit £400. At that price I'd rather put it towards a new bike, then the future Mrs DanB can take the Allez and finally start coming riding with me!
It's not generally good to run smallest to smallest or biggest to biggest as the crossing angle of the chain-line is at its most compromised, so unsurprising problems are occurring if you do (might just be revealing other problems).
Without wanting to cause offence or be insulting, is the gear train properly clean or a gungy cruddy mess (however oily)? Crud and congealed grime is death to dérailleurs.
If the mech is properly aligned and adjusted, the chain should not climb off any mid-cassette sprocket it is selecting. That it is suggests either mechanical damage (a bent or missing tooth perhaps), or wear of the sprocket and/or chain. Or a build up of hard packed grime and debris (perhaps including wrapped and compacted grass stalks) within the voids between sprockets that then lifts the chain off sprocket teeth.
Or it suggests the mech is not properly tensioning the chain, perhaps through being gummed up.
Or a combination of these...
Without wanting to cause offence or be insulting, is the gear train properly clean or a gungy cruddy mess (however oily)? Crud and congealed grime is death to dérailleurs.
If the mech is properly aligned and adjusted, the chain should not climb off any mid-cassette sprocket it is selecting. That it is suggests either mechanical damage (a bent or missing tooth perhaps), or wear of the sprocket and/or chain. Or a build up of hard packed grime and debris (perhaps including wrapped and compacted grass stalks) within the voids between sprockets that then lifts the chain off sprocket teeth.
Or it suggests the mech is not properly tensioning the chain, perhaps through being gummed up.
Or a combination of these...
DanB7290 said:
I've been fiddling with the bike today, paying particular attention to the gears and cogs, and came to the following conclusions;
1. The ghost shifting seems to happen on the 5th largest cog no matter how much I fiddle with the adjuster. It was doing it in almost all the gears but with using the adjuster I've got all 7 other cogs to work, it's just that particular one that seems to jump around.
2. The chain coming off the large ring. Again a bit of fiddling and I've about managed to sort it, the only time it does it now is if I swap between the smaller and larger rings when the rear cassette is using the smallest cog. In practice this won't be so bad, as I doubt I'll be switching between the two chain rings while in that gear for 99% of the time, there's bound to be the odd time I have a brain fart and do it!
Any suggestions? Feels like the bike is almost back to its best! I did start adding up the cost of Tiagra or 105 components but stopped when I hit £400. At that price I'd rather put it towards a new bike, then the future Mrs DanB can take the Allez and finally start coming riding with me!
See my first post on here. I have the same bike as you. I had an issue with the fourth cog down if I recall. Kept throwing the chain off. Was easy to replicate by turning back wheel backwards slowly and chain would fall off.1. The ghost shifting seems to happen on the 5th largest cog no matter how much I fiddle with the adjuster. It was doing it in almost all the gears but with using the adjuster I've got all 7 other cogs to work, it's just that particular one that seems to jump around.
2. The chain coming off the large ring. Again a bit of fiddling and I've about managed to sort it, the only time it does it now is if I swap between the smaller and larger rings when the rear cassette is using the smallest cog. In practice this won't be so bad, as I doubt I'll be switching between the two chain rings while in that gear for 99% of the time, there's bound to be the odd time I have a brain fart and do it!
Any suggestions? Feels like the bike is almost back to its best! I did start adding up the cost of Tiagra or 105 components but stopped when I hit £400. At that price I'd rather put it towards a new bike, then the future Mrs DanB can take the Allez and finally start coming riding with me!
Managed to get the bike shop to swap it for a different one (after some repeated complaints). Its been fine since.
I wonder if there is a faulty batch of cassettes fitted to these bikes.
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