RideNaked

I did search for this topic before posting this, please bear with me!!!


Hey all, I just got this K2 used and the guy that had it said he rode it like 2 times (on pavement) and the second time SOMEHOW bent the rear derailer. I didn't ask too many questions because other than that the bike seems to be in like new condition. tits still on the tires, not a single scratch, no dirt anywhere....... And I paid $50 for it!

My question is what is the best coarse of action for me? as far as I can tell I need the L shaped aluminum bracket and a new derailer. I can do the work myself (I think) On amazon the derailer is like $25 but I don't know where to start looking for the other bracket. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

axxman

looks like the deraileur got pushed in maybe when the guy put it in to storage. or maybe the bike was on its side and something was put on top. or maybe something ran into the bike.

Deraileur hangers can be tough, goto the site wheels manufacturing, they have a deraileur finder. you can order from them direct or find it by searching on amazon.

look on the bent hanger see if there is any model number, if not, you may try a good bike shop, they may be able to figure out which hanger it is, there are hundreds of different models. hangers are anywhere from 20 to 40 bucks, they are suppost to bend so that your frame doesn't I would check the rear spokes as well.

new deraileurs and not that expensive just make sure you get one that will cover your gear range.

as for the deraileur, it looks like the lower cage is bent, new deraileurs are not that expensive. you could probably find one similar with a little searching on ebay, or just buy a new one. I would say 30 to 50.

axxman

ouch on the close up photo of the rear wheel looks like paint came off from the frame bending a bit. better check to make sure everything is strait otherwise you will never get it to shift correctly.

RideNaked

Thank you sir! would you recommend trying to upgrade the deraileur or go with K2's stock Shimano Altus?

RideNaked

I just went out and gave it a thorough look, it is definitely not bent/tweaked. Must have just been the way the picture took, no missing paint or bent spokes either.

maddog34

a Deore, or XT will be a better derailleur... and i've used an Alivio der. on my Diamondback for years, with no issues!

as to the hanger... there are many types available, and if you want, search "K2 derailleur hanger" on Ebay... then match yours up to on of the styles shown... EXACTLY match it, sans bends, of course!... there are about TWO styles used on K2's, from what i've seen, but some of the other varieties are REAL SIMILAR, so choose wisely, or take the bike to a local shop if you aren't sure, ok?

RideNaked

Thanks man, that is a great idea!

SkyDog75

Yep, you're right. You need a new derailleur hanger and a new derailleur. It's a pretty easy fix if there's no other damage.

The derailleur hanger is specific to the frame. K2 would be able to help you find one. They even have ID info for derailleur hangers on their web site. HERE is their derailleur hanger finder for 2003 models, for example.

There are also aftermarket companies like Wheels Mfg. who sell their own replacement hangers. HERE is Wheels Mfg's assortment of hangers. I don't see yours when I narrow down the brand to K2, but #67 looks like a match. Wheels Mfg. should be able to confirm if you contact them. (The pictures you took ought to help.)

As for how that damage happened in the first place, the typical cause is shifting into the spokes. If the derailleur's low limit screw isn't set right, or if the hanger gets bent inward, then the derailleur cage might be able to contact the spokes when you shift into the lowest gear (biggest cog). If that happens when the bike's moving, the derailleur gets yanked up and around by the wheel.

The whole point of a replaceable derailleur hanger is so that the hanger will get mangled in this type of accident instead of the frame's dropout. A derailleur hanger is a lot cheaper and easier to replace.

dsbrantjr

When you find the right replacement hanger, but two. And you might consider having the new hanger's and frame's alignment checked/corrected by a shop with the correct tool. Slight bends (to the frame or hanger) are not apparent to the eye, and if it is not straight you will have shifting problems until it is corrected.

deex

Is that is a 8 speed bike of need to make sure the derailleur is compatible. XT is only 10 and 11 speed.

maddog34

Wrong, DEEX

SkyDog75

I don't know if @deex was wrong so much as he was unclear. If he was talking specifically about current XT derailleurs, he was right because Shimano changed cable pull ratios when they went to the 'Dyna-Sys' ratio for 10 & 11 speed. @RideNaked will need a 9-speed (or less) derailleur so it'll work with his shifters' pull ratio. A 9-speed XT would work, but a Deore M591 derailleur wouldn't be a bad choice, either. They're available and inexpensive.

cobba

You can still get the RD-M772 & RD-M771 which are 9 speed XT.

https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/spe...r%20Derailleur

Some others RD's worth looking at: Deore RD-M592 & RD-M591, Alivio RD-M4000, Acera RD-M3000.

deex

Thanks for the clarification. I was referring to the new and previous generation. In all reality if he is upgrading the derailleur it may be a good choice to upgrade the cassette as well. If not he can just get the same Altus and call it a day.

canklecat

Check Jenson USA. Lowest price I've seen on Altus derailers, $16. And only $20 for the Acera.

SkyDog75

If he changes the number of cogs on the cassette, he'll also need new $hifters.

Without changing the cassette and/or shifters, he can stick with Altus and call it a day like you said. Or he can use any of the derailleurs cobba mentioned above, which are all plug-n-play replacements.

RideNaked

WOW! Woke up to a world of knowledge! Thanks for all the advice guys, I really appreciate it! With all that said I think I'm gonna keep it simple for now, as I am a novice mtn biker anyway. I will buy two of the hangers as mentioned above, and order a replacement Altus deraileur on Amazon.

All that said, if the frame is still straight, and basically a new bike for $50 plus $25 deraileur plus the hanger. Did I do alright?

RideNaked

Here are some close ups.

deex

That is a good price for that bike. Fix it, ride it, enjoy it.