Front Derailleur and Chain Wear

This time of year we see a lot of cyclists complaining about a lack of response in front derailleurs. Some main culprits are:

1) The shifters and/or cable. We always look here first. Generally requires parts.
2) The derailleur itself. If there's up and down/sideways play when you grab it by hand, could be the problem. Sometimes related with other wear issues in the drive train. Replacement only.
3) The chain rings are bent/worn etc. Depends on a lot of things going on around the crank.
4) The chain is damaged or "stretched" (rarely the case; we have a tool for measuring chain wear). Don't replace chains haphazardly. Usually a waste of time, money and expectations.
5) Everything is filthy dirty. Oddly, usually not the problem.

Don't blame the chain. It's usually not it. Bring the bike by and drop it off for a careful overnight or "in by 10, out by 5 inspection." Diagnostics are generally free of charge.

Walter