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How to Remove a Shift Cable

Single-speed bicycles are acceptable for traveling on level ground, but for anything else, the biker will want multiple gears. Bikes used in mountainous terrain can have anywhere from five to 21 speeds. To change gears, the cyclist moves a lever on the handlebars that operates a cable mechanism to shift the gears. Over time, the cable may stretch or fray, necessitating its removal for repair or replacement.

Things You'll Need

Hex wrench set or Phillips screwdriver
Wire cutters (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Observe the current shift cable and make a note of its routing from the shifter lever on the handlebars to the derailleur on the rear wheel, as this may help you install a new cable more easily in the future.
- 2
  Move the shift lever to the highest gear, which reduces the pressure on the cable.
- 3
  Locate the two pinch bolts on the derailleur on the rear wheel that hold the shift cable into place. Loosen, but do not remove, the bolts with a hex wrench or a Phillips screwdriver, depending of what brand of derailleur your bike uses.
- 4
  Pull the cable out of the derailleur. Locate the head of the cable on the underside of the handlebar shifter. Pull the cable straight out of the shifter. Continue to pull the cable out until the entire length of the shift cable is clear of the bike.
- 5
  Save the cable for comparison purposes when purchasing a replacement cable.

Bicycles