Front shifter stiff

[Howaboutthis]

Crank set: Shimano FC-M131 7 speed 42/32/24 Rings Length 170mm
Front derailleur: Shimano FD-M191

Felt mtb 10 years old.

Gear selection is fine, cables seem ok, derailleur looks clean and probably lubed enough, but changing to the big ring is quite stiff, hard on the thumb. Moving the derailleur by hand shows the spring is very strong.
(I had previously tightened the cable at the barrel adjuster as it was loose when on the small ring and sometimes not quite hitting middle ring on changing up.)
Is that all quite normal, anything I can do to ease it up, or just get used to it?
Thanks for any ideas.

[frisbee]

Cables often fail right up in the lever.

[Howaboutthis]

Thanks, appreciate it.

[gazza285]

BOR said:

Could be a few things.

Could be a slightly bent hanger.

Could be that the Low Screw needs adjusting to allow the mech to move far enough (but not too far) to the big cog.

Cables are a consumable and should be replaced regulary anyway.

I would disconnect the cable at the mech, and see if you can push it far enough by hand. Assuming it is OK, new cable inner/outer and check reset the limit screw.

All good stuff, but this is the front derailleur, you appear to be talking about the rear derailleur?

[BOR]

Ah sorry. Not thinking straight right now.

[Howaboutthis]

Yep, it's the front, not too bad really I suppose. Anyway, straight thinking is overrated.

[Pickled Piper]

The front derailleur often looks OK but gets filled with crud from below. Worth removing it and soaking in degreaser / soapy hot water. Then work it through the full range of motion as you relube it.

[Justin S]

Put the chain on the small ring and then manually pull the front mech out and check for how easily it moves. Cables are the usual suspect , so if they are cheaper galvanised cables , look to replace with stainless decent ones.
Also while the mech is in the small ring, undo the cable clamp and try the shifter for movement. Then when you shift back, pull the cable back to the mech and see how smooth it feels .

[nickfrog]

Yes cable is so cheap to change that's the first port of call. Mind you, I assume that front mechs are next to free too as they're fast disappearing.