Rear derailer hitting spokes

Mjolnir

I have just been out on my bike for the first time after a decent off the other day where I folded the front wheel and the bike landed on the right hand side.

I had the wheel rebuilt with a new rim and so this was the first chance I have had to see if the rest of the bike was still ok.

I took it out for a spin and it all seemed ok until I went for a hill and a gear closer to the weel. It wouldn't engage the top two gears and the derailer was touching the spokes. Not jamming in them, just clicking against them. I brought it straight back to check it over but being lacking in technical expertise I thought I would ask you guys though I will probably take it down to the LBS tomorrow for them to look at.

The derailer doesn't look bent (but then what would I know). What are the chances that it just needs adjusting and is that something that I can do myself (anyone know of a good guide to that) or am I looking at a new hanger. If so how much would something like that cost?

The Bikes a Claud Butler Olympus D2 and the fiddly bits are all Shimano Deore LX if that helps. Cheers.

supersonic

Check that the mech hanger isnt bent, it probably needs replacing.

Chucker_Dude

Alternativly, look at the two small screws on the left of the deraileur. You should loosten the top one i think it is, and that will bring the deraileur out.

Although i wouldnt try this until someone else of the forum has confirmed whether im right or wrong, coz im not 100% sure :?

supersonic

It does indeed alter the limit of the derailleur - but they rarely change by themselves, and the usual reason the mech hits the spokes, especially after a crash, is that it or the hanger is bent inwards.

Mjolnir

The rear mech hanger would be the chunk of metal that holds the derailer to the bike yes?

If so then there would seem to be a slight bend in it. It really is only slight but at that sort of location it would be able to force the derailer into the wheel at a far greater angle.

Thanks. I wouldn't have been able to tell if that was meant to be like that or not. Not too expensive are they? If something like that has bent then am I likely to have caused anything else to break?

supersonic

Its a sacrificial part to save the frame, though the mech too may be slightly twisted. They can often be bent back (but not the hanger). Your dealer should be able to order one, about 12 quid.

Mjolnir

Heres a pic I just took of the back of the cassette and derailer.

This is the thing your talking about isn't it. It does look a tad bendy.


I guess i'll have to throw it in the car and have the LBS look at it or can that part be bent back by me without causing stupid amounts of damage to the rest of the bike?

supersonic

Wow, thats TOTALLY trashed that hanger is! The hanger needs to be replaced asap.

Mjolnir

I don't like to do things by halves . In future though I think i'll try to not crash if at all possible. Its been an expensive mistake so far.

Thanks for all your help. At least now I know what's wrong with it even if I need someone else to fix it.

Andy B

Mech hangers are dead easy to replace, usually held on by 2 bolts, remove the rear mech & you have access to them, undo 'em, remove hanger, fit new hanger, fit mech & ride!