I discovered my rear derailleur hanger (the frame bit) is bent slightly toward centre of the bike. This caused my chain to come off into the spokes when changing gear to go uphill. A very steep hill, btw.
Obviously, I need to get it bent back, but how risky a proposition is this? My frame is a Gardin, made of reynolds something or other. I'd like to get this done this week before my Easter tour. Thanks for any suggestions.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
The best course is to take it to a bike shop and have them align your derailer hanger. Short of that, you can try bending it back into place. Whatever you do, do not grab the derailer cage and pull. Insert an allen wrench into spot where the derailer bolts on to the hanger and use that for leverage to reposition the hanger. It won't be perfect, but you should be able to get it pretty close with this technique.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Lolly Pop,
Here's the tool you need to straighten your RD hanger the right way.
I know you're a UK poster, so I have no idea where to find it over the pond. It's worth about $60 US here, at the most. The tool is very easy to use and bent hangers are maybe the second most common repair at a bike shop, after flat tires, so it's worth owning.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Carefully pry it back straight using a hex key as stated by mycoatl. It doesn't have to be perfectly aligned. You will have to re-adjust the rear derailleur stops to compensate for the slight misalignment.
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks guys! I will give it a try.
Is there much risk of it breaking off?
(锕侊箒)~~~~---------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by Lolly Pop
Is there much risk of it breaking off?
Yes, but go in small increments and you'll be fine. Go 800 lb gorilla on it and you'll be replacing it (锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
lol, then I think the bike is safe. thanks!
(锕侊箒)~~~~----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi guys, just wanted to report that I did what you suggested, used an allen key to bend the derailleur hanger back into position. I then readjusted the limiter screws to restore the full range of motion (I had backed them off in the roadside repair to keep the derailleur out of the spokes). Got all my gears back and I am a happy girl! Then I cleaned the chain with my new reservoir thingie, which I think is now my new favourite thing, and I am good to go!
Originally Posted by Lolly Pop
Is there much risk of it breaking off?
Yes, but go in small increments and you'll be fine. Go 800 lb gorilla on it and you'll be replacing it
