How steep was the hill? Well an experienced rider wouldn't even notice it. I was not on the hill when this happened. I had already climbed the hill (which is only about 40 yards long) and I had easily coasted another 40-50 yards before I took that 1/2 pedal stroke. I was on the 50 tooth front ring. I shifted from the 3rd largest sprocket on the rear derailleur to the largest at the bottom of the hill. I had not shifted out of that gear when I resumed pedaling at the top of the hill after coasting for a bit. And yes, the derailleur hanger is still straight, it would be perfectly functional on another bicycle.