BS>We're now having temps. in the 0 - 19 degree F. range (whatever that works
BS>out to in C?)  Got cowardly today and drove to work, but, since parking is
BS>$4 per day, I'm going to have to bite the bullet and bike Tuesday.
BS>When the temp gets into this range, I've been having an on and off again
BS>problem with my shifters-- they seem to get "mushy"-- that is, they seem 
o
BS>have trouble sensing that I am trying to shift, and when they do, instead 
of
BS>clicking (they are "Rapid Fire" style), they sort of ooze from one extreme 
to
BS>the other.
I don't have any specific solutions, but I do know that in general,
synthetic lubricants (from greases to light oils) tend to stay viscous
or liquid at much lower temps than conventional oils.  Check the
Yellow Pages under "Lubricants."  Amsoil is a good brand, or check
department stores and auto parts places.  Make a few phone calls.
You can get synthetic light oils in a spray can, just like WD40.
Keep in mind that the problem may be as much in your cable housings
as in the shifters and derailleurs.
What's annoying is that, when I finally get to someplace light
BS>(the joys of a 6a.m. starting time at work!), I frequently find that I am 
in
BS>some strange gear combination-- such as in the smallest gear in front and 
the
BS>largest in back, or vice-a-versa.  I can't imagine that this is doing my
BS>chain any good!  Any low (or, better still, no) cost solutions?
The gear combinations you mention are not good for your chain, because
it's twisted from side to side while power is being applied.  But
that's really only important over long periods of time -- it isn't
going to kill your chain to run that way for ten minutes once in a while.
Hope that helps.
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