 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Hi All
Recently got a Boardman CX Team Bike which has been ok for the past 2 months, but have notices an issue with it- basically the rear gear hanger does not fit true in the frame unless a wheel is mounted and the rear skewer is tightened, and it basically flexes into alignment when this is tightened.
Now, I've taken back into the shop where we checked the frame alignment (was OK), replaced the rear gear hanger with another one off a display bike (same issue shown with the display bike hanger mounted on my frame) BUT when we placed the old hanger on the display bike it did not exhibit any problems/ it was aligned straight without needing the skewer.
NOw, the reason I noticed a problem was that if the wheel is not sitting exactly straight/home in the dropout when the skewer is tightened, the hanger does not get pulled into alignment properly and the gears do not shift well, to the point they almost went into the spokes last time. Its better now, but the problem still exists and I'm concerned the same issue will arise in the future.
My question is- do I push for a warranty on the frame despite the frame being 'within tolerance' for frame alignment?
Your thoughts please!
It sounds like, despite the frame being properly aligned, the gear hanger mount point is not properly faced/shaped. Can you compare it to another frame in the shop? If the hangers fit ok on other frames, but not on yours, then the problem is with your frame, not the hanger, so I would expect a replacement frame.
Common 'issue' IME (if you can call it that), as long as it's all inline and gears index correctly when tight I wouldn't worry.
Can't understand why your wheel doesn't sit right if the dropout alignment has been checked, tried a different wheel, axle straight?
It works fine when the wheel is inserted properly and the QR tightened down, the frame has been checked and the alignment is fine. Just ride it and don't worry
Cheers for the replies. Other frame has been checked and does not have the issue. The hanger mounting point just be imperfect as the hanger itself is fine. My issue is that the gear alignment is sensitive to the wheel being inserted correctly and being tightened up enough each time for the gear adjustment to be correct. It would be fine, but I've been back to the shop twice now with the same issue of gears not aligning
If it works fine when the wheel is inserted correctly, personally I'd just make sure it is fitted correctly. I assume you need to take it out regularly for transport or something similar?
Or, if the display one didn't exhibit the same symptoms, if you can be bothered with the faff get it swapped out.
I've had the same problem with a cheap chinese frame and it was a PITA. I put up with it for years but the gears were always intermittent. If I were you I would go the warranty route.
Shop one with your hanger doesn't do it? - Warranty - simplez
I reckon this is why they say we need through axles.
A quick release wheel isn't difficult, yet still people ride around with incorrectly fitted wheels.
It's a warranty job anyway, something isn't flat, probably the dropout.
Think there was an issue with cervelo a couple of years ago with the same problem.
I've been back into the shop, I've asked for a replacement frame as I dont want the issue to persist, especially if I was to upgrade to 11sp and the setup would be even more sensitive to this!
I'll report back.
My son and myself have identical Whyte Saxon CX's they both behave in the same way, neither of us are in the habit of riding with the rear (or front) QR undone so its really not a problem.
The mech hanger relies on the clamping force of the QR to hold it in place.
Halfords have agreed to try a new frame, good on them, so hopefully all resolved in the New Year!
Hope you can fit your wheel OK on the replacement frame.
Depends how much festive booze I have in my system *hic* cos surely that is the issue! 😛
20 minutes of faffing trying to adjust the gears as the wheel isn't in properly..........