 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Hi there, could you tell me if this rear stay looks a little bent? I've replaced the hanger following a wreckage of a "chain-suck-related-mangling-of-derailleur" but despite some fairly careful cleaning and tuning it still doesn't stay indexed across the range of gears which suggests it is out of alignment i.e. I can get it indexed fine for the bottom 4 cogs, middle or top 4 cogs, but not usable throughout. To me it looks as though where the mech hanger attaches the 'lobe' was bent slightly inwards.
[img] 
[/img]
Thanks, Keith
PS excuse the naff photo. Taken without flash, then lightened to reveal lots of lovely noise. I decided it was still good enough 🙂
Doesn't look bent - or even bent enough to be a problem.
Dirty cable perhaps?
looks bet at the frame to me, suprising as I've killed loads of those cheese hangers but never managed to bend a frame, is that steel?
I have a photo of Julian Clary to post on here... can anyone tell me how?
Hanger looks bent slightly inward to me.
Another vote for bent. Should pull back with the right treatment though.
Looks slightly bent to me. Looks liek the swingarm/seat/chainstay has been twisted slightly. Most bit bike shops should gave a tool to check alignment.
Take off the mech and rear wheel, and put a straight edge against the inside of the mech hanger and swingarm. Should show if it's bent. However, also consider:
* Drive train wear
* Damage to rear mech
* Different wear on drivetrain parts (ie new chain on old cassette)
* Damage or material in the limit screws
* Dirty cable (as above - nice call, Dr!)
* Wheel not installed correctly
HTH
I would also agree that the frame part of the hanger arrangement is very slightly bent in toward the wheel. If it's alloy just be careful bending it back. To be fair it isn't out by a lot so shouldn't need much work to straighten. It's just that aluminium alloys are vary happy about being bent, it could make it vulnerable for future crashes.
Does anyone still do those drop out/mech protectors that attach with the skewer? They were popular about 4 years ago? If it was my frame I'd try to get one of those for piece of mind.
Here you go - http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/acor-axle-fitting-derailleur-guard-id39580.html
A 2 minute job:
[img] 
[/img]
Oooooh - I like your Stealth Wrench. Is it invisible to radar?