STI Shifter problem

LastGasp

Hi all,
Just put together my new Audax bike last night. Front Shifter (Ultegra 6703 Triple) wont shift. Derailleur is on small chainring. When I try to shift the big lever moves a small amount, but does not click, or make any movement at the derailleur. The small lever moves through it's fullrange, but also does not click.
I have put the cable in and out a few times, but no difference.
Limit Screws are ok, derailleur shifts fine when I put tension on the cable at the down tube.
Supposed to be doing a 200 on it this weekend. Any thoughts before I bring it to the LBS ?
Cheers, LastGasp.

07Lapierre

Install the cable, but don't connect it to the FD. The lever should work properly (i.e. make a "click" after each movement). If it works, the problem is with the FD. If not, the problems with the shifter.

bcmf

As said above. Unhook the cable from FD but leave it still connected in the lever. pull the cable tight in your hand and move the shifter. If it clicks your FD is the prob.


edit: after re reading your post it sounds like you simply dont have enough tension on the cable IF your FD can be moved by hand through its full range.
FD tension is nowhere near as finicky as RD

bmacg

It could also be because the cable is not routed correctly. I've had this problem a few times when rebuilding bikes. The cable must be connected to the FD in a particular way. Look closely at the route it takes for the final few mm. Sometimes it can be as simple as which side of the clamp it feeds in from.

LastGasp

Thanks all. Shifter is the problem. It's the same when cable is disconnected. It's as if the ratchet mechanism inside isn't functioning. I'm wondering if the Shifter thinks it's in the "outside" position, in other words that I connected the cable initally without clicking the shifter to the inside position first. It won't move either way now ! I'm pretty sure I had enough tension on the cable, was giving it a good pull with pliers while tightening the bolt. Also fairly sure the cable routing is correct - it's in the groove, and seems to be as per the diagram.
Thanks, LG

bcmf

I know with Campy if you mess with the shifter without cable in the lever you can go 'beyond' the end of the rathchet therefore not engaging the shift motion.
Trying to cast my mind back to my Shimano days.
There is a tiny screw on top of the lever> Unscrew it and lift out the dust cover.DONT LOSE THE SCREW. You should be able to see the ratchet. Ifits not moving small screwdriver and push gently the ratchet back.

LastGasp

Thanks bcmf. I had a look at that but it's the new style Shifter with both brake and gear cables coming out under the bar tape so I'd say the mechanism has changed. Anyway I went round to Wheelworx, said to the mechanic "would you have a look at this shifter - it wont...." next thing you know the feckin' thing is clicking away no problem ! Derailleur moving OK now, hopefully just a bit of fine tuning tonight to sort it out.
Cheers, LG