Rear mech or hanger out of line?

alec.waters
alec.waters Posts: 2
in MTB workshop & tech
Hi all,

I can't work out what's out of line here, the mech or the hanger?



This is a new bike via mail order (a 2019 Cube Attention), but there's no sign of any damage on the bike or packaging that might suggest mishandling in transit that may have caused this.

How can I work out which component is causing the misalignment? The mech works fine though, shifts cleanly, no noise or clunking...

Many thanks,
alec

Comments

  • reaperactual
    reaperactual Posts: 1,185
    edited June 2020
    I think either way the first thing to do would be to check the hanger alignment then you will know for sure.

    If the mech cage is still out of alignment after this it could be straightened but wouldn't recommend it.

    Getting in touch with the bike shop you purchased from and see what they are going to do about it may be the better and safer option.
  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,715
    If the shifting isn't affected, I'd ignore it personally.
  • s_j_pwmb
    s_j_pwmb Posts: 75
    From experience I’d say don’t leave a mech-hanger bent however “perfect” the shifting appears to be, there’s a reason it should be aligned and you’ll only invite problems further along leaving the chain rattling off track.

    It’s only a five minute job to realign the hanger, but does require specialist tools to do the job properly and I’d not fancy bodging the repair (adjustable spanner or an old wheel) on a brand new bike. Unfortunately this is a peril of remote-purchase. I’d be inclined to buy a hanger alignment tool (around £45 for an x-tools/lifeline one IIRC) as they’re invaluable throughout the bikes life, or better still visit your LBS who should realign it for a minimal fee and they’ll be able to assess whether there’s any damage to the derailleur too.

  • steve_sordy
    steve_sordy Posts: 2,453
    That does not look like a bent mech hanger to me, but it's easy to check, provided you have the correct tool to do so. Do that first because it is easier and cheaper to do, and photos can lie.

    What it looks like to me is a bent mech arm! I have no idea what success people have had in straightening those. You would need to be very careful that you don't snap it or break something at the base of the arm. A bent mech arm should not happen; that is what the mech hanger is for, to be the weak link!

    Whichever it is, I would not leave it un-remedied. It will cost you £10-15 at your LBS to find out about the mech hanger. The may also be able to straighten the mech arm for you as well.
  • alec.waters
    alec.waters Posts: 2
    Thanks all. LBS were indeed able to straighten out the mech for me (wasn't the hanger), and everything's nicely in line now.
  • First.Aspect
    First.Aspect Posts: 17,212
    alec.waters said:

    Thanks all. LBS were indeed able to straighten out the mech for me (wasn't the hanger), and everything's nicely in line now.

    I'd love to know what they actually did.
  • david37
    david37 Posts: 1,313
    First.Aspect said:

    alec.waters said:

    Thanks all. LBS were indeed able to straighten out the mech for me (wasn't the hanger), and everything's nicely in line now.

    I'd love to know what they actually did.
    so would i
  • reaperactual
    reaperactual Posts: 1,185
    Don't imagine there will be any finesse or precision engineering involved. Don't want to know!😬

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