Replacement shifter quandry

[blueovercream]

I've got a 2017 Marin Four Corners which I use for commuting and the occasional gravel ride/bikepacking trip.

It's got 3x9 Sora components. A few months ago, the right shifter packed in and I replaced it. I should have bitten the £150-odd bullet and changed both because now the left (3 spd) one has gone too. Nowhere seems to sell a left shifter. The online company I bought the right one from has now stopped shipping to the UK because Brexit. There's a few left shifters on eBay but they're all in the States and subject to much extra charge/hidden import taxes.

The cassette, chainrings and chain also need replaced soon.

So what do I do? I'm reluctant to replace the whole groupset as the cost of doing so vs. the value of the bike is just a bit much. Any suggestions welcome.

[lufbramatt]

Have you tried pulling the hoods back and spraying a load of lube into the mechanisms that the cable wraps round? The shimano grease eventually dries up and the shifters stop working properly. You might be able to save them.

[blueovercream]

It feels like the shifter has completely lost its "click" going from small to big ring, like there's a ratchet or something broken. It just moves all the way across its arc without any resistance.

Worth a try anyway, thanks

[lufbramatt]

Yes the ratchets get all gummed up and they stop clicking, defo worth a try

[Barchettaman]

Try this:

https://youtu.be/tFmqV4klzaY

[blueovercream]

It's worked! At least it's mostly doing its job again, thanks for the advice.

Will probably need replaced at some point along with chain, chainrings and cassette so I might take the opportunity to switch to 1x.

[Piginapoke]

blueovercream said:

It feels like the shifter has completely lost its "click" going from small to big ring, like there's a ratchet or something broken. It just moves all the way across its arc without any resistance.

Worth a try anyway, thanks

It's more likely the cable than the shifter. Try your LBS.

[Paul Drawmer]

lufbramatt said:

Have you tried pulling the hoods back and spraying a load of lube into the mechanisms that the cable wraps round? The shimano grease eventually dries up and the shifters stop working properly. You might be able to save them.

Yippee!
I had lots of trouble indexing the front shifter last year.And thought I had it sorted. Last weekend I took the summer bike out for the first time and it wouldn't change into the big ring at all.

Spent ages fiddling with it on my ride, and ended up thinking the ratchet was worn out.

Then I remembered the above post. Old rubber hood off, lots of WD40 and cycling of the mechanism and it works. Brilliant, thank you.
Now indexed properly and new hoods fitted (That's a weird job; lots of lube, struggling and then suddenly it was done)

[jesusbuiltmycar]

I have a pair of 3 x 9 Sora shifters that I took off my first road bike years ago in the garage - PM me if you want them,