A derailleur hanger (also called a derailleur hanger) is a small but crucial component of your bike. It connects your rear derailleur to the derailleur cage and frame of your road bike, gravel bike, or mountain bike. Despite its modest size, this component plays a significant role in the proper functioning of your shifting system and in protecting your frame in the event of a fall or impact.
What is a derailleur hanger?
The derailleur hanger is a replaceable metal or aluminum component attached to the rear dropout of the bicycle frame. The rear derailleur bolts to it. It ensures that the derailleur is correctly positioned relative to your cassette, allowing the chain to shift smoothly between gears.
A hanger is deliberately designed as the weakest link: in a crash or significant impact, the hanger bends or breaks instead of the frame or derailleur. This often prevents more serious damage to expensive components.
When should you replace a derailleur hanger?
Replacing a derailleur hanger is necessary if:
- Your pendant is broken or bent after a fall or collision
- You notice that the chain shifts poorly or inaccurately
- The derailleur is no longer directly under the cassette
- Your new derailleur cannot be installed properly aligned
Note: Even a slight bend in the hanger can lead to inaccurate shifting or chain skipping. Replacing it promptly prevents wear on the chain and sprockets and improves your riding experience.
How to choose the right derailleur hanger?
Each bicycle brand and even each model can have a different derailleur hanger. Therefore, it's important to choose the correct type that fits your frame.
When choosing, pay attention to the following points:
- Make and model of your bike (e.g., Trek, Specialized , Giant, Cube, etc.)
- Year of production (models often differ by year)
- The shape and mounting (1 or 2 screw holes, integration with thru axle, etc.)
If necessary, use a comparison tool or contact your dealer for an exact match. Some universal hangers are available, but a brand- or model-specific hanger is usually the safest choice.
Types of derailleur hangers
There are roughly two types of derailleur hangers:
- Conventional derailleur hangers: Separate component that bolts onto the frame
- UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger): A universal standard developed by SRAM, increasingly used on modern frames
The UDH hanger is quickly becoming popular thanks to its wide compatibility with various derailleur brands and a simple design that is less likely to bend or break.
Buy derailleur hangers at Cycle Center 5311
At CC53-11, you'll find a well-stocked selection of derailleur hangers and derailleur dropouts for virtually every bicycle make and model. Whether you need a hanger for your carbon road bike, a robust MTB, or an aluminum gravel bike, we have the right model in stock.
- Original derailleur hangers from brands like SRAM , Apex and more
- Fast shipping & competitive prices
- Help finding the right pendant via our customer service
Pro tip: always bring a spare hanger
A derailleur hanger usually breaks when you least expect it—when riding in the mountains, on vacation, or during a race. That's why it's wise to always carry a spare derailleur hanger. It's light, small, and prevents your ride from ending with an unrideable bike.
Conclusion
The derailleur hanger is a small but essential part of your bike. It ensures correct rear derailleur alignment and protects the frame in the event of a fall or impact. Always choose the right model for your bike and replace a bent hanger promptly for smooth shifting and maximum safety.
Looking for a derailleur hanger? You'll always find the right one at Cycle Center Zaltbommel!
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