Gear cable stuck in frame.... oops

oldredpinarello

So my front derailleur cable started fraying, so I decided to change it. I snipped the end cap off and started pulling the cable down from my front derailleur through my frame. The cable made it hapf way through and then stopped. Locked solid. No idea what is blocking it. I cant reach it to pull it back and have tried to no avail to pull it through using brute force.

I have tried to add a bit of lubricant but still nothing. I have also tried puching from the top side with my smallest allen key, but it just hits an obstruction and doesnt seem to be helping.

The only thing I can think of is using a really thin drill bit and drilling the cable stuck inside in the hope it frees the cable.

This is my carbon pride and joy so really dont want to resort to this.

Any ideas!?!?

smidsy

You are pulling it through from the hoods yes?

If you have lost 1 end completely inside and the other end is stuck fast (will not push back in either) I do no know what to suggest

oldredpinarello

Yes pulling from direction of hoods..... If anybody has any ideas......

keef66

Cripes! No idea what to suggest, but it kind of confirms my preference for cables on the outside of a bike where I can get at them.

styxd

Rather than trying to pull the cable from the bike, try and pull the bike from the cable. It's bigger and easier to hold, so you should be able to get more leverage.

bontie

What frame is it?
I had a similar issue with a Dogma (pre internal routing). The FD cable goes throught he frame but through a small plastic "straw". It almost sounds like you might have pulled this into and forced into the exit point?
Depending on how badly stuck it should be possible to get it out.

A few photos might help?

crankycrank

Try clamping on to the cable with some viselock pliers and twisting the cable. Try pushing the cable back first. You may risk damage to the inner guide if you try to pull but if pushing the cable back doesn't work go ahead and pull.

oldredpinarello

Tried everything.... no luck.

Its a look 566.

Taken to LBS, they seem to think the cable delaminated as I pulled it through. And they seem to think they can sort it out.... I will report back but im not hugely hopeful.

Could anybody advise alternate ways of routing cables for the front mech?

oldredpinarello

My LBS ended up having to drill a new hole. Not happy about it but seems like no other option, and im now quite a bit lighter in the pocket! Morale of story pull cables carefully and make sure that they arent delaminating.....

Thanks to Bike bros in Madla, Stavanger, Norway for a quick turnaround and great communication.

smidsy

Have you cycled in Geiranger?

Was there last year (on a cruise not cycling unfortunately) and the hairpin road to the summitt was truly breathtaking (in the coach) :-)

oldredpinarello

No I have not, but I will put it on the list for sure next time im up North. Was keen to get my nice bike ready for this weekend as im cycling the Aarbakkerittet. Which is a race from Lysebotn to Bryne which begins with a 950m climb from cold, up some switchbacks up the side of Lysefjord (and averages over 9%), followed by 135km of racing! Im a bit nervous to say the least.

If you put lysebotn into google images you will see what I mean, half the pictures are of that road..... Its infamous here and puts box hill into perspective!

oldredpinarello

Thanks all for the help and suggestions!

smidsy

There is a fantastic shop in the Ffjord harbour area selling home made chocolate too - all sorts of wonderful flavours + ice cream and hot chocolate drinks. Worth the trip alone.

Each year in June, the Geiranger – From Fjord to Summit event occurs. It comprises a half marathon run and a bicycle race, both starting from the sea level at the fjord and ending at the 1,497 metres (4,911 ft) summit of Mount Dalsnibba, near the lake Djupvatnet. Since there is still a lot of snow left in the mountains at that time of year, the race could also be called "From Summer to Winter".