The derailleur hanger is a small element with the size of a flash drive that connects the rear derailleur to the frame of the bike. The main purpose of this element is acting as a “shield” for these elements in the event of an accident.
In case of falling, a collision or incorrect gear shift the derailleur hanger in 99% of cases adsorbs the impact, and the frame and rear derailleur remain intact. So judge for yourself, which is cheaper: a small element of the shape that reminds about a well-known poultry (cock), or complete replacement of damaged parts – the bent frame or the broken rear derailleur? Thus, the derailleur hanger protects both your bike, and your time and nerves.
Removable and non-removable derailleur hangers: what’s the difference?
A removable derailleur hanger is almost an integral part of all sports and mountain bikes with carbon or aluminum frames. A lightweight bicycle means light brackets: they are usually made of fragile low-weight alloys. One may try to straighten such a derailleur hanger after an “accident” only after a minor impact, and only if it is milled, and not cast. Usually, the easiest way is to replace the damaged element with a new one — the price of a derailleur hanger is incomparable to the cost of replacing the entire frame or the rear derailleur, and choosing the proper model is not a problem today.
Modern bikes rarely have non-removable derailleur hangers, only on the frames made of titanium or steel. A non-removable bracket is a kind of frame continuation: the holder is an integral part of the frame. Such an element is strong enough to withstand a crash without breaking, it is only slightly bent – and then it can be bent back. If the derailleur hanger cracks (after repeated bending or a particularly strong impact), it has to be re-welded to the frame.
How to make a derailleur hanger last longer
Do you love riding in the forest? Always go coasting in locations with many branches under the wheels: once in the chain, they can severely damage both the bracket, and the derailleur.
How to make a derailleur hanger last longer
- Check correctness of the derailleur hanger settings, so that the spokes do not get into the chain.
- Try to prevent your bike from falling on its right side; when parking, carefully put it on its left side, or reliably secure to avoid an accidental impact.
- If your derailleur hanger has once been straightened, buy a spare one, and take it with you when going on long rides: the old one may fail to survive another accident.
- Do you arrange joint rides with someone else? Never jam on the brakes, so that your friend behind you on his/her bike does not ride into your derailleur hanger after losing concentration. When you are going to stop – use a signal, for example, raise your hand up.
Safe biking and exciting discoveries to you!