Originally Posted by
cyccommute
*****Don’t go messing with limit screws!******
If the limit screws were set properly before you adjusted the cable, the limit screws are set properly now…unless you went messing with them. This is a cable problem (which is usually what shifting problems are). It sounds like you pulled the cable too tight. Release the anchor and try again. This time pull the cable up so that it is taut but not super tight. If you strum it with your finger it will vibrate a little but it shouldn’t be like a guitar string. It would be better if it were a little too loose because you can fine tune with the cable adjustment barrel easier than adjusting the cable anchor bolt.
In the OP's case it probably needs a little loosening of the L screw. He states that the shifter goes into L gear with force applied. Probably caused by the RD hitting the L limit, and cable having to stretch to enable the shifter to get to the L position.
With most shifters, there also needs to be a
little additional 'allowable movement' in the derailleur 'beyond the last click' to allow the shifter's pawl to disengage from the ratchet. If the cable is in an 'over-stretched' position the shifter won't release properly.