The rear derailleur hanger is a sacrificial component on your bike. It's designed to bend or break in order to prevent damage to the bike frame and drivetrain. Derailleur hangers can be re-aligned after a minimal crash, but often are replaced completely when bent. When riding road or mountain bikes it's always good to carry a replacement hanger just in case you need to swap one out mid-ride.

 

Bicycle Derailleur Hangers – Small Part, Big Protection

A bicycle derailleur hanger may be small, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your drivetrain functioning smoothly. This replaceable component connects your rear derailleur to the bike frame, aligning it for accurate shifting while protecting your frame in the event of a crash or impact.

If your shifting feels off or you've recently dropped your bike, your hanger might be bent—and a bent hanger means poor shifting and possible drivetrain damage.

Why Derailleur Hangers Matter

✔ Protects Your Frame – Acts as a fail-safe, bending or breaking to absorb impacts instead of your frame.

✔ Ensures Accurate Shifting – Keeps your derailleur perfectly aligned for clean, consistent gear changes.

✔ Bike-Specific Design – Each hanger is made to match specific frame models for a precise fit.

✔ Easy to Replace – Much cheaper and quicker to swap than replacing a frame or derailleur.

When to Replace a Derailleur Hanger
How to Choose the Right Derailleur Hanger

  • Hangers are not universal; each is made for a specific frame.
  • Some attach with bolts, others with integrated dropout designs.
  • Most hangers are made from aluminum for strength and slight flexibility.

Pro Tip:

Always carry a spare derailleur hanger on longer rides or trips—especially for mountain biking or bikepacking. It’s a small part that can save your ride.

Find the Right Derailleur Hanger for Your Bike

Whether you're fixing a bent hanger or stocking up on a spare, we've got bike-specific derailleur hangers to keep your shifting precise and your frame protected. Shop now and keep your drivetrain dialed in!