SRAM R2C Shifting Issues

harrast

A couple of years ago I picked up a new set of SRAM R2C shifters and thought that my life was complete--so easy to make a guy happy.  Living in Michigan most of my training rides were indoors and generally stayed in one gear (my 11 on the back and big ring on the front) using my computrainer coaching software to program my workouts.  

On my first outdoor ride of the year, I noticed that the chain was jumping over one and two gears in the middle of the cassette when I would shift.  Usually it would jump one on the up shift and then jump two on the down shift (going from a bigger to a smaller cog). When I got the bike home I adjusted the cable at the rear derailleur (cable was replaced over the winter) and it worked fine for the first three shifts then, pop, it would jump a cog, or it wouldn't, because sometimes it didn't.  Sometimes it would go one gear at a click up to cog 7, then coming back the other way it would jump two cogs.  When it jumps two cogs coming down, the shifter actually releases enough cable to jump the cogs.  That is the shifter actually "thinks" I wanted to jump down two cogs.  I know this because it will click once when dropping from cog 5 to cog 2 and then only allow me to shift one more time to cog 1 before it locks.  So on one click, the shifter sometimes releases enough cable to jump two cogs.  Needless to say, this kind of random shifting just won't fly.  On a hilly course it it more than frustrating.

I have trolled the internet to get some insight into the problem, and this seems to be a fairly common complaint from R2C users.  It sounds to me like it is probably the ratcheting mechanism that is letting too much cable go through or pulling too much cable, but those parts are not adjustable.  Some people have been lucky (in my opinion) and have fixed theirs by basically taking it apart and putting it back together.  I do have a old pair of SRAM 900 shifters which are very similar to the Dura Ace shifters that many of us use or have used.  Nice thing is they are cheap(er), low tech and reliable.   If I can't fix the problem, I'll just put these back on and wait for a bargain on Di2 stuff (then start a project to retrofit my CD0.1 with Di2 because mama is not buying me a new bike anytime soon).  

If any of you have had this random shift problem with R2C shifters and can offer any insight (or want to unload some Di2 cheap ;-) I would appreciate the help.

robin sarner

The shimano bar end shifters have the ring to turn to change from index to continuous shifting. Csn you do this short term?

Paul Hough

Mine are over 3 years old and I haven't had that problem. But I do have them rebuilt on the front about once a year from sweating all over them. When I gunk them up too bad, the cable won't return and the lever will move up and down with zero shift. I just had the right one redone last week as part of my bike race prep service.

harrast

Thanks all. I'm going to see if my "local" bike shop (2 hours away) can supply a rebuild (parts) kit. If not, I'll pull the shifters and see if I can find a shop that will do a rebuild. As Bob mentions, these shifters do require maintenance (contrary to the documentation). Mama won't you buy me some Di2...yea, yea.

Paul Hough

I am certain that I could fully corrode and destroy Di2 shifters in 12 months. I have even corroded through a stem with several cracks and a complete snap on a mounting bracket from corrosion.

harrast

Paul, you may have a gene from the alien.

harrast

Sorry, not Bob. Paul. BTW, good luck in Kalmar, Paul. I don't want to jinx you, but am I smelling a podium finish?

Paul Hough

Steven, best full IM to date is 6th AG, so top 5 would be really nice. Depends on how the run goes. I have really slipped the past couple of years, and the ruptured plantar fascia back in Mar set me back 2 months. But I am going to give it my best shot.

Cary Blanco

SRAM does have a rebuild kit that the LBS can order/install for you, should solve your problems.

harrast

Thanks everybody for your help with my SRAM R2C issues. Here's an update: I decided to change the cable (inner and outer) before doing a rebuild because I read that R2Cs can have problems if the shifter cable is a little sticky. So, I replaced the cable and the problem was fixed. No more jumping cogs! I also noticed that the cassette itself shifts about a millimeter laterally when I shift, and this can make my shifting a little imprecise also. I didn't have time to pull the wheel and tighten the hub/cassette, but that should also improve the shifting. So, it looks like the problem was indeed a cable issue combined with a cassette that is a little lose. The R2C rebuild kit I bought at my LBS will have to sit on the shelf until I need it later.