I have a pretty new 2023 Orange P7 29 and I can’t get the rear shifting to be smooth across the range. It shifts fine on the smallest and largest cogs, but is horrible in the middle. I have checked b tension screw and all the normal adjustments. I can usually get gears to work well so it is very annoying. It does have a cheap cassette (Sunrace CSMZ600) and low spec kmc chain. Shifter and mech is Deore. Any tips or ideas? Mech hanger seems fine.
Thanks.
Without using a mech hanger alignment tool unfortunately you are weeing in the wind
You can't check a hanger by eye
'mech hanger seems fine' - have you checked it with an alignment jig/ tool?
Is it a new set up in any way? If so, that's where I'd be looking first. Also worth considering are bent or otherwise damaged cassette teeth.
Dirty or worn cable?
Does the mech move freely throughout it's range? Pivots may be a bit sticky.
Good luck, I hate fettling rear mechs.
Does the cable go anti-clockwise as it goes into the pinch bolt? If clockwise, it’s in the wrong position leading to shifting issues. A common mistake, apparently.
Have you changed the cable recently.. if so what Rascal says.
I find 12 speed shifting can get quite variable with worn drivetrain as well. If the cassette and chain are quite old its never quite right.
good luck!
Yes, all pretty much new. Mech moving fine. Will keep trying
For a new bike, my money is on the mech hanger being knocked while in the shop / in transit. It can be a couple of mm out of line and look absolutely fine but the shifting will be all over the place.
Only option (unless you actually have a proper alignment gauge) is to go to a bike shop and get them to do it.
Worth buying a spare hanger too:
https://www.mountainbikecomponents.co.uk/product-category/derailleur-hangers/
Chain is maybe a bit short, will try to borrow a mech alignment tool
Tool available here in Brynamman if you want to borrow it.
As mentioned above, check the cable at the mech is routed as shown in the Shimano guide. Deore 12 speed is RD-M6100
recent spannering experience, both the mech hanger knocked in transit, but then the cassette lockring only being hand tight!
Got a alignment tool on the way, but thanks for offer. Cable all correct. Thanks for all the tips
Another vote for mech hanger. 12sp seems super sensitive to alignment, presumably due to the tiny gaps. Every so often mine goes awry, so mech off, tool on, small tweak, and it's back.
You won't regret buying the tool, and your mates will gasp at your musical ability to solve their shifting woes. Also vital if you have kids with bikes with gears...
Mech hanger alignment tool.
Order one tonight.
Despite working in a shop previously and knowing its value, working on my own bikes at home for decades I've managed to get by without, using Mk1.0 eyeball.
Now 12 speed is a thing?
You need a hanger alignment tool. Honestly, look how many people are agreeing too.
Update: mech hanger was slightly out and now straightened. Shifting is now better but not perfect. It is fine across most of the cassette but in one sprocket it seems to catch on the next one up as if a tooth is bent, although visual inspection reveals nothing. I’ll ride it as is and see how it goes.
Thanks for all of the advice.