How to Maintain Ultegra Shifters

Shimano's cycling division produces equipment for a range of applications, including racing, mountain and road bicycles. Among the component groups in the road offerings is the Ultegra line. These components use the Shimano Integrated System of shifter and brake levers. The SIS levers incorporate both brake and shifter into one lever. Like all parts of the bicycle, the SIS levers require some basic maintenance to keep them in proper working order. Go through a basic upkeep checklist after each ride to keep the SIS working smoothly.

Things You'll Need

  • Cable grease
  • Bicycle lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Squeeze the levers as if you are braking to expose the cable in the top of the Ultegra SIS lever. Add one or two drops of the lubricant onto the cable. Do this to each lever.

    • 2

      Place a small amount of grease between your thumb and forefinger and smear it over the exposed cable at the rear derailleur and on the top of the front derailleur cable. This keeps the SIS cables shifting smoothly through the cable housing.

    • 3

      Turn the plastic barrels at the cable attachment at the levers. Rotate the pedals of the bicycle and make sure the chain shifts smoothly over the chain rings and cogs in the rear sprockets. Turn the barrel 1/4-turn clockwise to tighten and improve the shifting if it is sloppy. If the chain does not shift as desired, turn the barrel 1/4-turn counterclockwise to loosen the chain and produce better shifting.

    • 4

      Check the cables for rust or wear. Look for metal strands sticking out of the SIS levers or the cable housings. Clip stray strands and add a small amount of grease to provide smooth shifting.