The frame alignment is the most important part, if the dropouts are bent, you or a shop can realign them with the right tools.
I would find a new (or new used) derailleur if that one is bent, as they often don’t straighten out well or the metal cracks even if you did. You could always try bending it back if you really want to keep it, and it might be passable if you have friction shifting to adjust out any weirdness. Then if it fails or just sucks, find a new part.
cowbythestream on
Bike shops have a tool to bend a steel frame back and realign the derailleur. Call one you trust for an estimate. Shouldn’t break the bank.
Hg_in_retrograde on
Steel can be tough to bend. If you can’t bend it back, get a used replacement SHORT REACH rear derailleur for the same # of freewheel/cassette gears off of ebay. Kinda looks like a new shimano altus could do it, too.
Foo-Bar-n-Grill on
As a bikewrench, a derailleur hanger alignment gauge may be your next tool. $40-$50 for off-brand which works just as well.
6 Comments
Bend it back
Buy a new bike
The frame alignment is the most important part, if the dropouts are bent, you or a shop can realign them with the right tools.
I would find a new (or new used) derailleur if that one is bent, as they often don’t straighten out well or the metal cracks even if you did. You could always try bending it back if you really want to keep it, and it might be passable if you have friction shifting to adjust out any weirdness. Then if it fails or just sucks, find a new part.
Bike shops have a tool to bend a steel frame back and realign the derailleur. Call one you trust for an estimate. Shouldn’t break the bank.
Steel can be tough to bend. If you can’t bend it back, get a used replacement SHORT REACH rear derailleur for the same # of freewheel/cassette gears off of ebay. Kinda looks like a new shimano altus could do it, too.
As a bikewrench, a derailleur hanger alignment gauge may be your next tool. $40-$50 for off-brand which works just as well.