Ask the experts

[Dantheman]

12 sp SLX RD will shift up the cassette just fine, but will not shift down the cassette from 1st. I backed off the barrel adjuster all the way and started from scratch, put just enough to tension on it that it will shift but still a few clicks from ideal, and it still won't shift back down the cassette. Limits seem fine.

Ideas?

[HAB]

12 sp SLX RD will shift up the cassette just fine, but will not shift down the cassette from 1st. I backed off the barrel adjuster all the way and started from scratch, put just enough to tension on it that it will shift but still a few clicks from ideal, and it still won't shift back down the cassette. Limits seem fine.

Ideas?

Not enough B tension and the guide pulley is hanging up on the granny gear is my guess.

[g_man80]

If it’s not the B screw, maybe the clutch is sticky or too tight. Does it improve with the clutch off? I’ve seen that contribute to poor 1 > 2 shifting.

What about worn or dirty shift cable or housing?

[jamal]

I would lean towards a cable/housing issue.

[El Chupacabra]

I would lean towards a cable/housing issue.

This would be my guess too. Remove cable from derailleur, shift up/down and pull the cable through the housing with your fingers to see if there's excessive resistance.

[snowaddict91]

I would lean towards a cable/housing issue.

X3. I spent a ton of time troubleshooting this on my Trance X and this wound up being the issue.

[Dantheman]

I'm guessing HAB is right and the B-tension screw has backed itself out. If you gave a little tug on the cage it would shift. Not my bike and I threw it in the stand a bit late in the evening when my brain was already ready for bed. One of those "My shifting is acting a little weird, can you take look really fast?" situations, where "a little weird" = unrideable. Brain went full PC Load Letter error mode when I saw what was happening. I'll show myself to the Ask the Idiots thread now.

[Jtlange]

I'm guessing HAB is right and the B-tension screw has backed itself out. If you gave a little tug on the cage it would shift. Not my bike and I threw it in the stand a bit late in the evening when my brain was already ready for bed. One of those "My shifting is acting a little weird, can you take look really fast?" situations, where "a little weird" = unrideable. Brain went full PC Load Letter error mode when I saw what was happening. I'll show myself to the Ask the Idiots thread now.

Check the clutch lube as another has suggested as well. They need some TLC, I have found dumonde freehub grease to be the best stuff for maintenance since it seems to run a little longer than the shimano stuff.

[Dantheman]

Check the clutch lube as another has suggested as well. They need some TLC, I have found dumonde freehub grease to be the best stuff for maintenance since it seems to run a little longer than the shimano stuff.

Will do, I have a jar of the Dumonde freehub grease already.

[g_man80]

Let me know if you want to try the newer Shimano Shadow RD+ grease when you service the clutch (I’m in SLC close to I-street). I think they updated it when the 12-spd RD came out. I have a small container of it that will last me many years.

Edit: I see Jt already mentioned the shimano grease. I may have to try Dumonde if it lasts longer.

[grskier]

I had a similar issue 2 years ago that came from a kink in the housing... caused by catching on a downed tree/branch when trying to ride above my pay grade.

[singlesline]

Anyone know what size/length laces to order for five ten free rider pros?

i don’t have an intact lace to measure.

[Dantheman]

B-tension was fine. Turned the clutch off and it shifted fine. Serviced clutch and reinstalled. Still wouldn't shift out of 1st with the clutch on. Turned the clutch on and off a few times to A/B and this happened:




Is this repairable or am I buying a new derailleur? On the upside, it's shifting great!

[MegaStoke]

B-tension was fine. Turned the clutch off and it shifted fine. Serviced clutch and reinstalled. Still wouldn't shift out of 1st with the clutch on. Turned the clutch on and off a few times to A/B and this happened:




Is this repairable or am I buying a new derailleur? On the upside, it's shifting great!

I’ve had that happen, Shimano sent me a new part on warranty for free.

[g_man80]

Shit! I don’t know any about replacing that lever assembly, but maybe a local shop will help with a goodwill warranty replacement.

Edit: looks like that lever and c clip might be about $15.

Also, maybe someone can confirm, but I think the long tab of the clutch clamp should goes towards the from against the cam. The short side to the back against the adjustment screw.