jPrichard10 

I know, twist shifters suck, but they're all my wife will allow on her bikes.




I need to replace a frayed shifter cable, but I can't seem to get it out of the shifter. I popped off the plug and can see the head of the cable, but it's not coming out at the right angle and I can't find any way to pry or pull it out. Am I doing something wrong? I can't find any more instructions on line.

I tried to post a video but it didn't work, so sorry the photo is all I can show. The pink plastic makes it seemingly impossible to pull the head of the cable out.

dedhed

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maddog34

see the first pick in the image? it will get it out. the head of the cable is lead... push the tip of the pick in, then twist and pry.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/40430302909...3ABFBMht3E--Ji

jPrichard10 

Seen that video, doesn't help one bit. I have tried with a pick to get it out for an hour, this video makes it seem effortless. There's different tolerances in this model or something, because it is not that easy.

jPrichard10 

This is good advice, I didn't really consider embedding something into the cable head. Trying to get under it would be impossible, and I'm afraid I've marred the plastic around it pretty bad.

soyabean

You need to get creative and use a tiny pick set, eventually it'll give.

You can also very carefully pop the entire grip off (after removing it from the handle) to get access to all the guts but I don't recommend it for first time DIY.

dedhed

you also want to be pushing on the cable as you pick at the head

maddog34

since (IIRC)the cable is broken off INSIDE the shifter, you may need to First get the head of the cable pulled toward the Exit hole, Then get behind it with a second pick...to extract it...the little frayed ends tend to flare outward and HOLD the head in there...

I'm not familiar with the microshift twisters, but the Gear Shift and Shimano brands allow the Twist tube/cable spool to be removed by placing the Shifter in a '1 1/2" position, midway between 1st and 2nd "gear"positions, then snapping/pulling it out of the housing (QUICKLY!!)...... i don't recommend that course, but at this point, what the heck, eh?
there might be a "MicroShift Specific" Youtube tutorial on the separation procedure........ search: "microshift twist shifter service" on the 'tube site....?
Sometimes the retaining tab that you're snapping loose from the housing SNAPS OFF...

if that works. getting the locator spring thingy back in the Correct orientation, then snapping the tube/spool back in BEFORE installing the new cable is the standard procedure....i also remove the adjuster from the cable route before sliding the new cables in... making one less thing to obstruct the cable insertion process..

good luck...

freeranger

Nothing to add except that it's only $20 to get a new set (L&R) brand new shifters. Could get a new set while fixing the old one, and have a spare on hand.

Kontact 

Cable heads aren't lead. They are steel and hard.

You might try making a loop of dental floss of fine wire and passing it over the head of the cable, and then down under the base. Then pull the floss at different angles.

oldbobcat

We had an experienced mechanic who'd just say, "Your shifter's busted. $12 for a new one. Cable included." But really, pick and push is what most of us have always done. And don't worry about marring the plastic around the hole. It's just for access.