Originally Posted by
Rs18
Hi, I have picked up a new bike today and had a bit of a disaster! I have looked online and tried to usual hitting, tipping etc but this seems like a particularly unique case...and please don't ask how it happened because I have zero idea!
Anyway I took the top cap off, loosened the bolt unknowing the consequence was that it would fall to the bottom of the tube. I have somehow managed to get the metal part of the expander, however the expanding parts are stuck and even more confusingly the bolt is stuck under them. You can't access the head of the bolt because it is partly covered by the expanding parts.
I've tried using a long Allen key to get in to it but no luck and have also tried slapping, tipping, hitting etc.
Does this have any impact on using the bike or is it purely a bolt to attach the top cap with and more a cosmetic issue? I have taken photos but it won't let me upload them as I don't have enough posts!
Thanks for any help!
in your place I would fashion a small hook out of a wire coat hanger, or even use a spoke, and reach down to hook under the rim of the expander and pull it out. Or, if it’s not rattling around, you could get another expander from the LBS and just leave the old one there for now - it’s doing no harm