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The indexing shifter (lever for down, click for up type) doesn't seem to have enough range to cover the entire 7 gears. Limiting screws are all the way out. If I adjust the cable I can get 4 lower gears or 4 higher gears or anywhere in between, but only 4 gears.

The shifter display will only go down to 4th. It's like there just isn't enough range in the shifter to cover all 7. The dérailleur can move the full range.

The bike was bought almost new with very minimal use and as far as I know the gear set is original.

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  • 2
    Please post a photo of your shifter.
    – krzyski
    Jan 2, 2018 at 9:53
  • To isolate if its the shifter or the stretch of the cable : Try this - hang the bike so the rear wheel is clear of the ground. Pedal slowly with your left hand, and with your right operate the shifter. It should fail. Now with your right hand, pull the exposed silvery inner gear cable which is probably beside the downtube while handpedalling. Does it change gears better? Mind your fingers in all the chompy bits though!
    – Criggie ♦
    Jan 2, 2018 at 10:36
  • 1
    Does the shifter click six times? Or fewer/more than six?
    – Criggie ♦
    Jan 2, 2018 at 10:38
  • 2
    Clean and lube might get it going.
    – paparazzo
    Jan 2, 2018 at 13:41

2 Answers 2

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The problem is for sure in your shifter. Make sure both levers can move freely at any gear (i.e. are not hitting against brake lever mount or other accessories).

Also make sure that your shifter's inner mechanism looks fine, parts move freely. If not - consider lubrication.

Disconnect cable from the derailleur, take shifter off the handlebar, shift to the lowest gear and try shift 7 times up. If you can't so the only option is to replace it to proper 7 gear shifter.

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  • Ok is seems that working the shifter I discovered that once I get down to 4th if I press on the tip of the lever it engages another set of teeth and can now shift to the lower 3 gears Does this sound right? 4 outer dog gears and 3 inner?
    – Kev Aclone
    Jan 2, 2018 at 10:47
  • 2
    @KevAclone to be honest I'm not sure if I'm able to imagine right what you're describing. Please post a photo of your shifter. It sounds unlikely. In regular shifters there are no outer and inner gears, I guess.
    – krzyski
    Jan 2, 2018 at 14:42
  • 1
    @KevAclone that would be highly unusual. Please post a photo of your shifter.
    – Criggie ♦
    Jan 2, 2018 at 20:10
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    @krzyski I made a mistake. those outer teeth are the ratcheting teeth for the upper lever. The lower lever pushes on the end of those for the first 3 gears and when I release the lever the small dog gear is spring loaded and flips in to engage those inner teeth for the next 3 gears. I gave it a good spray with WD40 and the little dog gear now moves freely and flips in to engage those inner teeth . So the system is selecting all 7 gears now. Thanks for the response anyway
    – Kev Aclone
    Jan 4, 2018 at 14:02
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    @KevAclone nice to hear that you managed to solve a problem.
    – krzyski
    Jan 5, 2018 at 12:11
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I had exactly the same problem, only gears 5-7 worked, wouldn't shift 4 -1. Took cover off and sprayed wd40 while shifting and it suddenly started working. No need to replace anything.

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