Bending a hanger?

Ben6899

Easy question and it might come down to opinion...

Would you consider it 'normal' or possible that you might have to tweak the alignment of a brand new mech hanger on a brand new full carbon frame? In order to get perfect shifting.

Thanks

Ben

LiamW

I've tweaked a few hangers in my time yes, never had any problems with doing so at all.

whoof

I have also straighten mech hangers, but not on a new frame. If it is new and needs straightening take it back and get a new one.

blinddrew

Ben6899 wrote:

Would you consider it 'normal' or possible that you might have to tweak the alignment of a brand new mech hanger on a brand new full carbon frame? In order to get perfect shifting.

Normal, no. Possible, yes. Accidents happen in transit, sometimes just in transit around the bike shop...

nicklouse

normanl, often. possible yes.

But it is all relative. most frames should come with hangers incuded but not fitted.

if it is way out i would be sending it back as the frame could have had a fair clout.

but without seeing it or the pakaging etc it is hard to say.

if the hanger was seperate and this is the first fit and nothing looks too far out then fine.

Ben6899

The hanger was separate and this is the first fit. It's not too far out at all, but enough to effect shifting a little.

I can categorically state that the hanger hasn't taken a hit.

I was just thinking, we take a frame out of a mold and a hanger out of a press and put them together. If the hanger *looks* straight, then that might not be enough. What are the tolerances on the dropout as it comes out of the mold? Maybe the hanger needs bending a little to make it suitable? Maybe that's what some see as part of the hanger's remit?

I have no opinion on this other than, I think bending my hanger a little will improve shifting.

nicklouse

first fit i would say that over 50% of the bikes I have built needed the hangers set correctly.

but I guess you dont have such a tool.

Ben6899

Thanks Nick, I appreciate your input.

I don't have the tool, but I have two great LBSs nearby.

nicklouse

Ben6899 wrote:

Thanks Nick, I appreciate your input.

I don't have the tool, but I have two great LBSs nearby.

get it all built up and pop down with some cookies and i am sure they will sort it.

arthur_scrimshaw

I bought a decent hanger tool for £25 as I'm trying to build up set of tools to become self sufficient. I've used it a few times, my CX was out but it was hard to see. It make me very nervous using it on my carbon frame (with the wheel attached QR done up very firmly!)

Ben6899

Thanks Arthur.

It's reassuring to hear that it's not uncommon for this to be required on a brand-new frame / hanger.

nicklouse

top tip for people without the tool. use an old hubed rear wheel and screw that into where the mech attaches. (same thread) and you can then use the rim to see how it is aligned and also to tweek it. but care should be taken.

Velonutter

On my two old steel Colnago's I've successfully used my alignment tool, both rear hangers were miles out.

My mate crashed this week and bent the hanger on his Derosa, sure enough it needed the rear mech sorting on that as well.

When you rotate the tool it looks like the hanger is miles out when in fact it is exaggerated because of the length.

Another Mate crashed and couldn't get the top two sprockets and I had to straighten that out as well and that really was bad.

Take your time and don't hurry it, no heat if it is aluminium either. Nicks tip sounds like a good improvisation.

arthur_scrimshaw

Velonutter wrote:

On my two old steel Colnago's I've successfully used my alignment tool, both rear hangers were miles out.

My mate crashed this week and bent the hanger on his Derosa, sure enough it needed the rear mech sorting on that as well.

When you rotate the tool it looks like the hanger is miles out when in fact it is exaggerated because of the length.

Another Mate crashed and couldn't get the top two sprockets and I had to straighten that out as well and that really was bad.

Take your time and don't hurry it, no heat if it is aluminium either. Nicks tip sounds like a good improvisation.

What's the recommendation regarding hanger straightening on carbon frames? I've done this very cautiously but even with the qr done up tightly it makes me very very nervous?

Velonutter

Like any time I have had to straighten the hanger, just be gently with a carbon frame, no reason to give it brute force.

mpdouglas

The QR should ALWAYS be done up tightly when you're using the alignment tool.

1. Just look at how much the mech moves when you close up the QR - if it's not pulled up tight when you set the alignment, the alignment will be wrong

2. if the QR is closed tight, you're in danger of damaging the frame as you are applying force to an unsupported chain stay/seat stay which may break before the alloy of the hanger yields