Nothing can ruin a mountain biking excursion faster than a bike that won’t shift gears.
If you’re having trouble getting your bike to change gears, you’re probably wondering what the issue could be.
Fortunately, there are a few common causes of gear shifting problems that you can look out for.
In this article, we’ll go over what causes a mountain bike to not change gears, as well as how to diagnose and fix the problem.
So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, read on to find out what could be causing your mountain bike to not shift gears.
Table of Contents
Why Is My Mountain Bike Not Changing Gears?
It could be a number of issues causing your mountain bike to not change gears.
Make sure the derailleur is properly adjusted, the chain tension is correct, and the shifter cables are connected properly.
It could also be an issue with the cassette, chainrings, or chain itself.
What Causes a Mountain Bike to Not Change Gears?
Mountain biking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it can be frustrating when your bike won’t shift gears.
There are several common causes of a mountain bike not shifting gears, including lack of lubrication on the chain, bent derailleur hangers, cable tension, dirty or worn drivetrain components, faulty components such as a shifter or derailleur, incorrect chain length, incorrect derailleur alignment, and a broken chain.
One of the most common causes of a mountain bike not shifting gears is a lack of lubrication on the chain.
A well-lubricated chain is essential for smooth gear shifting.
If the chain is not adequately lubricated, it will not be able to move freely, resulting in a lack of gear shifting.
Bent derailleur hangers can also cause a mountain bike not shifting gears.
The derailleur is responsible for shifting the gears and if it is not correctly aligned, it can cause the gears to become misaligned, resulting in a lack of gear shifting.
Cable tension can also be a cause of a mountain bike not shifting gears.
If the cable tension is too high, it can cause the gears to become misaligned, resulting in a lack of gear shifting.
Another common cause of a mountain bike not shifting gears is a clogged gear cassette.
If the cassette is filled with dirt and grime, it can cause the gears to become misaligned, resulting in a lack of gear shifting.
In addition, an incorrect gear setting can cause a mountain bike not shifting gears.
If the gear setting is not correctly adjusted, it can cause the gears to become misaligned, resulting in a lack of gear shifting.
The symptoms of a mountain bike not changing gears can include jerky shifting, gear skipping, a noisy drivetrain, and an unresponsive shifter.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to check your mountain bike for any of the common causes listed above.
Taking the time to properly diagnose and address the problem can help ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Lack of Lubrication on the Chain
Maintaining a proper lubrication for your mountain bike chain is essential for smooth shifting.
A dry or dirty chain can cause friction and the gears may not shift correctly.
To keep your mountain bike shifting smoothly, regularly lubricate and clean the chain.
When choosing a lubricant, it is important to use one specifically designed for bicycle chains.
Dry or wet lube should be used depending on the conditions.
After applying the lubricant, use a clean rag to wipe off the excess and ensure that the chain is free of dirt and debris.
It is also important to check and adjust the chain tension.
The chain should not be too tight or too loose.
Doing so will ensure that the chain is able to shift properly.
Regularly lubricating and cleaning your mountain bike chain will help keep it shifting smoothly and ensure a safe, enjoyable ride.
Take the time to clean, lubricate, and adjust the chain tension and you’ll be able to enjoy your mountain bike for many years to come.
Bent Derailleur Hangers
The derailleur hanger is a small but integral part of a mountain bike, as it allows the derailleur to move the chain between gears.
Unfortunately, this delicate metal part can become bent due to impacts, improper installation, or excessive force, leading to difficulty shifting gears, the chain jumping, and the gears slipping.
If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering what to do.
The best solution for a bent derailleur hanger is to take the bike to a professional bike shop for repair.
The bike shop will be able to check if the hanger is bent, and if so, they can either bend it back into place or, if necessary, replace it.
To check if the derailleur hanger is bent, look for any misalignment or kinks in the hanger.
It is typically located near the rear wheel and made of metal.
If the hanger is bent, it will prevent the chain from moving smoothly, and thus cause the bike to not shift properly.
Although it may be tempting to try and fix the hanger yourself, it is best to leave this task to a professional.
A bike shop will have the right tools and expertise to properly repair or replace the hanger so that it functions correctly.
Taking your bike to a shop can save you time and frustration, and make sure that your bike is in top condition.
Cable Tension
Mountain biking is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and it can be a great workout too.
But, like all activities, maintaining your mountain bike is essential to ensure it is running smoothly and safely.
One of the most common issues cyclists encounter is malfunctioning gears, which can be caused by poor cable tension.
Cable tension is an important component of a mountain bike’s shifting system.
If the tension is too low, the derailleur will not be able to move the chain to the next gear.
Alternatively, if the tension is too high, the derailleur will over-shift and cause the chain to jump off the gears.
It is important to check the cable tension regularly to ensure that the bike is shifting properly.
There are several ways to fix cable tension issues.
If the cable is loose, it can be tightened.
If the cable is stretched or frayed, it needs to be replaced.
To adjust the tension, you need to loosen the cable, adjust the barrel adjuster, and then tighten the cable again.
It is important to make sure the cable is not too tight or too loose.
To test if the tension is correct, you can try to shift the chain up and down and make sure it is smooth and consistent.
Cable tension is one of the most common reasons why mountain bikes fail to shift gears.
It is important to be aware of the signs of cable tension problems and adjust the tension regularly to ensure that your mountain bike is shifting properly.
Other Potential Causes
Are you having trouble shifting gears on your bicycle? It can be frustrating when your bike won’t shift properly, but fortunately, there are a few common causes that can be easily fixed.
From incorrect cable routing to clogged chains and worn-out parts, here are some of the most common reasons why your bike won’t shift gears and how to fix them.
Incorrect cable routing is one of the most common causes of shifting issues.
Over time, cables can become tangled and twisted, preventing the derailleur from shifting properly.
This can be easily fixed by routing the cable correctly and ensuring that it is properly secured.
Worn-out parts can also cause shifting issues.
The chain, cassette, and other components can wear down over time and require replacement.
If any of these components are worn out, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
Another common cause of shifting issues is derailleur adjustment.
The derailleur can become misaligned if not adjusted correctly, preventing the bike from shifting gears.
This can be easily fixed by adjusting the derailleur so that it is properly aligned.
A clogged or dirty chain can also cause shifting issues.
Dirt and grime can build up on the chain, causing friction and preventing it from moving smoothly.
To fix this, the chain should be cleaned regularly.
Incorrectly installed components can also cause shifting issues.
If any of the components are installed incorrectly, it could prevent the bike from shifting properly.
This can be fixed by ensuring that all components are properly installed and adjusted.
Improper cable tension or a misaligned derailleur can also cause shifting issues.
The derailleur hanger is the metal piece that the derailleur is attached to, and it can become bent or damaged, causing shifting issues.
A stretched or worn-out chain can also cause shifting issues, as can a dirty or sticky shifter.
Dirty or damaged chainrings can also cause shifting issues.
Finally, poorly maintained drivetrain components and cables can also cause shifting issues.
Properly maintained components, such as derailleurs, and clean cables can help ensure that your bike is shifting properly.
If you’re having trouble shifting gears on your bicycle, chances are one of these common causes is to blame.
With the right tools and a bit of patience, most of these issues can be easily fixed.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of knowledge and some simple maintenance tasks, you can get your mountain bike back in gear and back on the trails.
If your mountain bike isn’t shifting, check for a lack of lubrication on the chain, bent derailleur hangers, and cable tension.
If these common issues don’t seem to be the problem, there may be other potential causes.
Taking the time to understand and troubleshoot your mountain bike’s gear shifting issues can make all the difference in your ride quality and experience.