I'm not sure if these photos are good enough to diagnose if something is bent.
Basically, around mile 25 of a gravel ride recently my chain began to jump between two gears. Any two gears, though some more than others, usually around the bigger gears. Even when the chain stays on a gear, I can hear clicking as if it's going to jump. I don't remember hitting anything, but maybe I snagged a root or rock or something.
I had everything dialed in since I bought the bike earlier this year, you could barely hear when I changed gears.
Does the derailleur look bent?
Could rough terrain at 25mph cause the cable/housing/something to slip? If it's that, I bet I can re-index, but wanted to first ask if it's maybe the shape that's messed up.
by throwaway-deer-85143
6 Comments
If it’s just the indexing, just turn the barrel adjuster until it stops skipping. I start by going into either the top or bottom gear so you know which way is the right way to turn it.
Go to a local bike shop. For the love of god.
Hanger is probably rat fuckedddd…
could just be chain or cable stretch. i agree w the other comment, adjust with barrel adjuster while on a stand and go from there
Most likely the only part that could get accidentally bent is the derailleur hangar. That is the shiny silver metal piece that holds the derailleur together. If that’s bent, straighten it with pliers (temporary fix). Or you can buy a replacement of that part at a shop.
Another trouble shooting step if the hangar isn’t bent is to play with the indexing and high/low limit screws.
If this seems daunting, that’s okay! Learning new things starts with challenging yourself. Remember: Everything on a bike should be pretty easy to manipulate. If you feel excess force is needed, it likely isn’t and you should probably take it to a shop for a proper evaluation.
YouTube searches that should help you are:
Bent derailleur hangar fix diy
Or
How to adjust a bike derailleur
A bent derailleur or hanger without knowing it took a hit is unlikely. As is a cable that is failing strand by strand.
When a bicycle stops shifting smoothly, start with the simplest solution. Cable tension. You say its happening the most on bigger cogs? Try a couple three clicks counterclockwise.