| How do you fix gears on a mountain bike?

How do you fix gears on a mountain bike?

PECOS BILL asked:

I just bought two used NEXT brand 18 speed mountain bikes. They were sitting at previous owner’s house in a shed behind some hay. They are practically brand new having hardly been riden, but it is clear they have sat for awhile seeing the amount of dust and a bit of rust here and there on screws. Both bikes have the same problem: The grip shifters will not move, therefor the gears will not change. I know nothing about bicycle maintenance, but am half-way handy. So if someone could help me by just explaining in lay man’s terms, that would me most appreciated! Thanks!
After reading some answers, I realized that I didn’t clarify enough. I looked into the cables, they are fine and tension is good. The problem lies in the atual shifters. They are stiff and will not move. I removed the plastic covering and saw nothing to adjust. Any thoughts?
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Comments

2 Responses to “How do you fix gears on a mountain bike?”

  1. M R on March 23rd, 2009 5:16 am

    I’m not writing a marathon answer like above because I think you just got a good answer. I’d say it’s a 95% chance it’s your cables. Take the cables apart to clean and lube right or buy new ones.

  2. can't trust them on March 25th, 2009 12:32 am

    I would suggest replace you cables and possibly a bit of WD40 Lubricant into the levers they still don’t work when you take the cables out.

    If your cables are rusted and you can’t change gears odds are you will possibly need to replace the chain also.

    Best bet might be to take the bikes to a good local shop and ask them to quote what it will cost to get them going again, as they might highlight something that you are not aware of.