Q. Can your shift cable tighten in cold weather

[jonmat]

Today I ran out of slack on the shifter adjustment, the chain was jumping the first gear sprocket and coming off the cassette. It was -1°C today and would have been about 18°C when I set it up. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks

 

[RustyIron]

The lubricant within the housing might be thickening in the cold, causing excess resistance to cable movement. Cleaning it up is a chore. You could try taking it all apart and douching it out with paraffin or petrol.

I think you already know the best solution to the problem.

Eagle Transmission - SRAM

Eagle Transmission, SRAM

www.sram.com

 

[jonmat]

The lubricant within the housing might be thickening in the cold, causing excess resistance to cable movement. Cleaning it up is a chore. You could try taking it all apart and douching it out with paraffin or petrol.

I think you already know the best solution to the problem.

Eagle Transmission - SRAM

Eagle Transmission, SRAM

www.sram.com

Thanks Rusty, the cable is nearly 3 years old.

 

[hainman]

More likely there’s water ingress and it’s slightly frozen
I had issue on dropper post cable took the inner out and it was a light coating of ice all around it

 

[jonmat]

I’m going to try and lube it at both ends before I ride this afternoon, hopefully that should fix it.

 

[Big Bike Basher]

I’m going to try and lube it at both ends before I ride this afternoon, hopefully that should fix it.

Put the mech in the slackest gear tension then without using the shifter push the mech while rotating the gears into the other end of the range.
This will then release the cable tension and you can slide the outer cable around and oil it. Then reseat it correctly,turn the pedals so it changes gears back onto cable tension.
Mind your fingers tho ....

 

[jonmat]

Thanks, that's exactly what I did. Slight improvement but I think I’m going to need a new cable.

 

[steve_sordy]

The linear coefficient of thermal expansion steel is about 12 x 10-6 m/mdegC

Let’s assume that a steel cable behaves the same as a steel wire. It probably doesn’t, but it won’t be by a factor large enough to make a significant difference.

That mean that 2 meters of steel cable will shrink by less than half a millimetre over a 19 degC temperature reduction. So the length reduction will not be significant. Don’t forget that your bike frame will be contracting as well, thus reducing the impact of the cable length reduction.

 

[Stihldog]

The linear coefficient of thermal expansion steel is about 12 x 10-6 m/mdegC

Respectfully, good info! I’m no “Man-of-Steel” but I’m gonna apply this formula to my own body. Should explain any shrinkage.

I don’t have these issues with the AXS system's but the door opens for cold batteries.

 

[Mikerb]

Everything shrinks in the cold!!

 

[hainman]

Everything shrinks in the cold!!

True story bro

 

[Alexbn921]

Yes. Cable/housing have different thermal expansion rates and your shifting will wander with large swings in temperature.

 

[Montana St Alum]

Today I ran out of slack on the shifter adjustment, the chain was jumping the first gear sprocket and coming off the cassette. It was -1°C today and would have been about 18°C when I set it up. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks

Did you make adjustments to shifting and THEN ride at -1c getting bad shifts?
If so, maybe your initial set up was flawed. -1c isn't all that cold and isn't a huge change from 18c. in the context of metal expansion and contraction.
I know some people lube shifter cables, but if you are inclined to do so, something that is a dry lube, like silicone spray, where the carrier liquid evaporates out, might be better, but I wouldn't bother.

 

[irie]

Today I ran out of slack on the shifter adjustment, the chain was jumping the first gear sprocket and coming off the cassette. It was -1°C today and would have been about 18°C when I set it up. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks

Probably just chance and nothing to do with the temperature.

 

[steve_sordy]

Then there's the impact of temperature on tyre pressures. Will a change of 19 degC make a noticeable difference?

Edit: The answer is about 7% change in pressure, up or down.

 

[TimC7]

Sounds to me that the limit screw needs adjusting not the cable. Does the derailleur line up with the cog?

 

[jonmat]

Sounds to me that the limit screw needs adjusting not the cable. Does the derailleur line up with the cog?

I’ll check, thanks

 

[jonmat]

I did fix the problom by adjusting the limit screws. What I dont understand is why things have changed.. Thank you all for replying, I’ve learned new things.

 

[TimC7]

I did fix the problom by adjusting the limit screws. What I dont understand is why things have changed.. Thank you all for replying, I’ve learned new things.

Is the hanger bent or loose?

 

[jonmat]

Is the hanger bent or loose?

It’s not bent but I will check it’s tightness this morning.