Mountain Biking - replaceable hanger?

Hi all,
I'm a newbie here and I'm looking for a new bike after a 10+yr hiatus and would like some advice. Since it will have to be a do-everything bike (asphalt + offroad) I've only been considering HTs at this point. Frames/bikes I've been looking into include the Stumpjumper, Orange's Evo2, Klein Attitude. Would a replaceable hanger be a consideration when buying an Al frame/bike? I'm not really keen on having to ditch an expensive frame because I've just managed to break the hanger alone. Thanks for any comments.

It depends on what kind of riding you will do. It is nice to have the replacable deralleur hanger, but that wouldn't be my first consideration. I've worn out 6 mountain bikes through all kinds of riding, and have never needed to replace my hanger yet (knock on wood). Right now I'm building up a new bike, will probably end up with over 3 grand in it, and the frame won't have a replacable on it.

They can be repaired anyway unless you completelt destroy it.

Yes! Hangers are very often damaged in crashes and even if the bike just falls over. Any alum frame should have a replaceable hanger. If your hanger gets bent you may get lucky and bend it back, once or twice. I would not buy a alum frame that did not have a replacable hanger. I have had to replace the hanger on my C'dale three times, and on the off road tandem twice. Hanger vs. rock the rock wins.

If you do find a bike you like without a replacable hanger, ask if a bent or broken hanger is covered under warrenty. Replacing ther drop out can cost more then a new frame.

Originally posted by bentbaggerlen
Yes! Hangers are very often damaged in crashes and even if the bike just falls over. Any alum frame should have a replaceable hanger. If your hanger gets bent you may get lucky and bend it back, once or twice. I would not buy a alum frame that did not have a replacable hanger. I have had to replace the hanger on my C'dale three times, and on the off road tandem twice. Hanger vs. rock the rock wins.

If you do find a bike you like without a replacable hanger, ask if a bent or broken hanger is covered under warrenty. Replacing ther drop out can cost more then a new frame.

A good opinion but I disagree. In the first place, I seriously doubt that any manufacturer would warranty a bent hanger. I've been riding a lot of years, with a lot of people, and only one time have I seen a hanger that couldn't be straightened on the trail. They can be repaired by any good machine shop too, even if it's bent beyond repair. The first thing I did when I got this latest frame was make a very detailed outline of the hanger with measurements in case I need to get a new one welded on.

I am a welder (all certs) and build and repair frames at home. (Steel, Ti. Alum, Aero Met etc) When I bust off a hanger I take out two smal bolts and just bolt on another hanger.

That was my point, if you bust off your hanger its crash damage. Not covered by warrenty. And yes you could just repair the hanger, I have done many on bikes without replacable hangers. You can bend a hanger back once or twice... maybe three times. Each time it gets weaker. Then a trip to your local weld shop.

True. I wish they were on every bike, it just wouldn't make or break a deal on a bike I liked otherwise...

Hi all, thanks for your comments. Looks like I should speak to my LBS about replacement policy or at least machine shop capabilty first before committing my lollies. Thanks again for your help.

One should always be careful how they commit their lollies :)

Welcome, by the way.

Like Mike said, I wouldn't make it the clincher in my buying decision. Regardless, most (not all) companies have replaceable hangers on their frames anyways. I know the stumpjumper does. Not sure on the new Klein's, and definitely don't have an idea on the Orange. Do the Klein's or the Orange's not have one?

BTW, what kinda riding you planning to get into? Just all around with some xc thrown in for fun? Or are you going to get into serious riding including some racing? Or more hardcore stuff including riding off 5'0" drops and some jumping? Just curious. It may affect the advice we/I give!

L8R

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
BTW, what kinda riding you planning to get into? Just all around with some xc thrown in for fun? Or are you going to get into serious riding including some racing? Or more hardcore stuff including riding off 5'0" drops and some jumping? Just curious. It may affect the advice we/I give!

L8R

Hi a2psyklnut,

I'll be doing general riding for starters - commuting + weekend xc fun. I will be hiring from my LBS and go riding with them to check out the xc scene first though. As for big jumps and dropoffs, I'll probably have a better idea once I go out with the LBS lads and collect some gravel rash and bailout experiences :). Oh, I'm totally new to clipless, that will be challenging in itself I think.