I think my RD hanger is bent, but not sure. Will you take a look at this pic?
 

Hey everyone,

When I was installing the RD I was thinking to myself, "Hmm, doesn't look too straight." Now that the chain is on and I'm looking at everything again, it definitely doesn't look straight. As you can tell from the first pic, it is crooked on more than one axis. What's freaking me out though is that in the second pic it looks like the frame itself bends inwards right where you see the dropout meet the RD hanger.

What do you think???

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...G749/bent1.jpg
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...G749/bent2.jpg

I've ridden behind people that have the same thing going on, but they don't seem to have any shifting problems. That's sort of why I decided to make this thread. I'm trying to determine how perfectly in-line it really needs to be for optimal performance.

Looks bent to me.. but my eyes suck.

Optimally, needs to be parallel. The tension adjuster should help with the aligning.
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/wp-...0/04/gear1.jpg

Looks to me like the pulley cage is twisted.

You are just guessing without checking it with the correct tool (Rear Derailleur Hanger Alignment tool).

Looks like you need to loosen and re-tighten that derailuer. the stop tab looks like it's not all the way in.

Agreed. That looks wrong along with the bend/twist to the pulley cage.

Step 1: Go to bike shop.
Step 2: Have them straighten your derailleur hanger. (that's up and down AND side to side)
Step 3: ????
Step 4: Profit.

+1 this.

Indexed shifting systems are particularly sensitive to hanger alignment. Your LBS can easily check for and correct this.

make sure the screws are tight that hold the hanger on. according to a mechanic alot of them are bent or need to be aligned when brand new.

Snap. I didn't even notice that. I need to check it out again. Will report back. Thanks guys.

Just checked it out. There is a smaller washer in there that is part of the bolt assembly. That's where the gap is coming from and everything else looks good.

I never go to a bike shop other than to buy something...just bought a frameset from my lbs and they are great people but I believe I do better work...in fact, I know I do.
If you are into the hobby, with modest skills you can teach yourself to build and work on bikes. Any new bike I build or buy or even work on for somebody, I first check the rear hanger for plumb. This is a must as unexplained shifting issues are generally the result of a bent derailleur hanger or one misaligned from the factory which is common. Most new bikes and frames have the derailleur hanger a degree or two off out of plane with the rear wheel.
Below is a pic setting up my new bike. The Park derailleur hanger adjustment tool is a must have if you do your own work.