A derailleur hanger is a small metal piece that connects the rear derailleur to the bike frame. It is specifically designed to be the weakest part of the entire bicycle drivetrain. This is a safety feature intended to protect your expensive frame and derailleur from damage.
If you crash or the bike falls over, the hanger will bend or snap first. This prevents the metal frame from getting twisted or broken, which would be a costly repair. Hangers are usually made of soft aluminum so they can absorb the impact of a hit. Most modern bikes use a unique hanger, so it is smart to carry a spare one. Replacing a bent hanger is a simple and inexpensive task for any bike shop.
For example, a mountain biker clips a rock with their derailleur and bends the derailleur hanger. Instead of buying a whole new bike, they simply swap the cheap metal part to fix the gears. It is a tiny but vital part of your bike’s protection.
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