Twisted Rear Mech

Gussio
Gussio Posts: 2,452
edited October 2007 in Workshop
Took a minor tumble on my road bike yesterday (front wheel skidded on decomposing leaf matter at a junction). Nothing worse than bruises on my elbow and hip, and some ripped bar tape. The rear mech took a thump and the hanger twisted out of line. I only dared to bend it back partially, not wanting to snap the hanger (or the frame) mid-route. Use of a long spanner / wrench would probably do the job, but I have heard about a special tool which can be used to bend rear mechs back into position, while ensuring that alignment is true. Not sure what one of these would look like and I can't find anything on the Web. Would like to remedy myself, but might have to resort to visiting the LBS. Any suggestions?

Comments

  • Pagem
    Pagem Posts: 244
    it should cost peanuts to get this sorted at your lbs and take minutes to fix.
    Only the meek get pinched. The bold survive.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    This is what one looks like:
    http://www.framebuilding.com/cyclus%20tools.htm
    It screws into the gear mech boss and you can then ensure it algns up in all directions with the rear wheels rim. Unless doing lots, for the sake of about a fiver your LBS should be able to sort you - it only takes a few minutes.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Gussio
    Gussio Posts: 2,452
    That looks like a substantial tool. LBS it is. Maybe they can also provide some arnica for my bruises.

    Thanks for the replies.
  • custom-freak
    custom-freak Posts: 85
    hello is this a steel or a alu frame? if it is steel then take it to your lbs and get them to straighten it, if it is alu it should have a replaceable hanger, these cost under a tenner usually and are relatively easy to get, will be perfect straight away and you can usually fit it at home with an allen key.

    Cf
  • bobtravers
    bobtravers Posts: 115
    custom-freak wrote:
    if it is alu it should have a replaceable hanger, these cost under a tenner usually and are relatively easy to get, will be perfect straight away and you can usually fit it at home with an allen key.

    Oh, and by the way, buy 2 of those, so you can keep one if you have same kind of problem in the future... They might be rare in couple of years cause they are different form model to model... (For my Specialized, there is at least 4 different models for 2004-2007 Allez)
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    a tip for a quick home fix. a lot on threaded rear hub axels are 10 X 1 thread (shimano are) and that also happens to be the rear mech thread.

    remove mech screw in a spare wheel and bend the mech hanger back. the wheel allows for alignment in all planes and gives plenty of leverage.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • bombdogs
    bombdogs Posts: 107
    Same thing happen to me last sunday. Thought I had twist the rear mech hanger (the two cog thingys), but turned out to be the bracket the mech was attached to and then that in turn attached to the frame. Used some allen keys to unscrew everything and then using a few quick taps of a hammer knocked the little bracket back into shape. Fitted it all back together and hey presto it was sorted. Still took it back to my lbs just to get it looked at and it only cost £8 labour to get fixed. No new mech needed. Bargin

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