Why can't the thumb shifter be moved?

[RuthFitz]

The reason why the thumb shifter can't be moved is due to severe rusting of the shift cable and housing. Here is an introduction about automotive parts: 1. Introduction: Automotive parts are the individual components that make up the entire vehicle and products that serve the car. 2. Identifying genuine parts: (1) Check packaging and printing: Genuine parts usually have standardized packaging with uniform specifications and clear, regular printing. (2) Check color and paint: Some original parts have specific colors; if other colors are found, they are likely counterfeit. (3) Check appearance and feel: Genuine parts have clear and regular printing or casting marks, while counterfeit products appear rough.

[CadenLynn]

I found that the bicycle shifter won't move, most likely due to cable aging and rust causing it to get stuck, especially after riding in rainy or humid conditions without maintenance. Dust accumulation inside the shifter can also make the sliding parts less smooth, or the shifting cable may be improperly adjusted—too tight or too loose. It's recommended to gently turn the wheel while operating the shifter to see if it temporarily recovers; if not, try cleaning the gaps in the shifter and adding a few drops of lubricating oil. Regularly check the cable condition every few hundred kilometers of riding, and perform lubrication maintenance to prevent issues. If you can't fix it yourself, don't force it to avoid damaging more parts. Promptly seeking professional bike shop adjustments and repairs can save a lot of hassle—safety first.

[VanTravis]

I believe the main reason for the gear shifter being stuck is insufficient maintenance, where routine cleaning and lubrication are neglected, allowing dust and moisture to corrode the components. A common mistake among cyclists is only addressing issues when they arise, but I recommend regularly wiping the shifter and applying specialized oil to the cable ends every quarter to maintain smooth operation. If the shifter is already stuck, use alcohol swabs to clean the gaps or gently wiggle the cable end to loosen it, but be careful not to break it. Preventive measures are even more crucial: dry the entire bike after riding in the rain, and developing good maintenance habits can significantly extend the lifespan of the gear shifter, avoiding embarrassing mid-ride breakdowns.

[DeLena]

I once encountered a situation where the bicycle shifter wouldn't move when I was just starting to ride, and I thought it was broken, which gave me a scare. A friend taught me that it might be stuck due to incorrect shifting angles, and gently pushing the shifter or rotating it back to reset often solves the problem. New bikes might also have improperly adjusted cables from the factory, requiring slight tension adjustments. Not being very familiar with mechanics, I simply took it to the bike shop for a professional check, which was inexpensive and quickly fixed the issue. Remember to shift on flat terrain and avoid forcing the shifter when climbing hills to reduce the chance of malfunctions.