Spare Derailleur Hanger

[Tim845]

The rear derailleur is the most vulnerable part on a multi-geared bike. This time of year its an especially precarious item with the fallen leaves covering twigs/rocks/etc. The derailleur's hanger is a separate replaceable part that's designed to break before the derailleur under stress. Its easily replaced and is likely to repair the damage. They typically are $20 from your local dealer and easily fit into your pack.
The rider who is unprepared with 1 on a group ride should be shamed into cleaning the clubhouse!
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Pedal, b*tches!!

[bikejunkie]

Funny, the last to times I had a stick get caught in my drive train the derailleur broke, not the hanger. Guess we should all carry an extra derailleur as well. Come to think of it, I had a freehub go bad a while back. Guess I should carry one of those too. I know someone who had a shock blow out last weekend, He should have had an extra! I think I will start carrying a complete spare bicycle. My vote is we all get rid of gears completely and ride singles or, even better, fully rigid fixies with solid rubber tires. Oh, wait, what if the frame cracks? Dam, here we go again!!!!

Sorry Tim couldn't resist

[g60dude]

Good tip Tim. I actually need to get an extra for my Marin......Always carried one for my Cannondale. For me though, anytime Ive had a stick get caught in the derailleur, it toasted the derailleur and the hanger was still in perfect shape. Or you could be like what happened to Stopski last week up at Round Top. He had a stick get caught up, flipped the derailleur up. The derailleur looked fine and the hanger was shot. The problem was, the hanger also ripped a piece of his frame off.
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greg

[mike stopski]

...wouldn't have done enough for me last Wednesday, as Greg mentioned. My chain was tweaked, a jockey wheel was broken, and a poor design caused a mounting ear (for the hanger) to break off of the seat stay. Talk about the "Best Ride Ever!"

Needless to say, Tim, I do agree that it is a small and simple part worth having that could mean the difference between riding out and walking out! (Or the difference between the Best Ride Ever, and NOT the BRE!)

Anyway, awesome update: Specialized is warranteeing seat stay, shipping ASAP, and IN COLOR. Sweet!!

Word has it that Fox has updated lower bushing fix for my rear shock as well. I'll update when I see it. Should have my ride all one color and in one piece again by weekend. PSYCHE!
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Ride Hard, Finish Smilin'! And may every ride be your "Best Ride Ever!"

[g60dude]