Are you an avid cyclist who logs thousands of miles each year? If so, you're likely familiar with the frustration of a gear hanger failure disrupting your ride. But fear not, at Silverback Bikes, we're here to guide you through understanding gear hangers and how to prevent them from breaking.

Firstly, what exactly is a gear hanger and why is it crucial? Also known as a mech hanger or derailleur hanger, this component attaches your rear derailleur to the frame, acting as a sacrificial element designed to bend or break under impact to protect your frame and derailleur from damage.

At Silverback Bikes, we stock a variety of gear hangers compatible with our entire range of bikes, ensuring you'll find the right fit for your frame. 

Now, let's delve into why gear hangers break and how to prevent it, starting with a common culprit: overshifts. Made from soft metal, gear hangers are engineered to fail under extreme pressure, shielding more expensive components like your frame and derailleur from damage. While crashes are an obvious cause of failure, overshifts—where the chain is in extreme gear combinations—can also stress the hanger, leading to premature wear and potential failure.

Factors like transit damage or user errors can exacerbate the problem. Even slight bends in the hanger during shipping can throw off gear alignment, causing issues during your first ride. User errors, such as not correcting a bent hanger before riding or improper gear shifting techniques, can further strain the component, leading to failure.

To prevent hanger failure, follow these do's and don'ts:

• Do maintain your chain and drivetrain regularly, keeping them clean and well-lubricated to reduce stress on the hanger.
• Do check your chain frequently for stiffness or bent links, addressing any issues promptly.
• Do ensure proper gear setup after fitting new drivetrain parts, and always start off in the correct gear for climbing or starting.
• Don't transport your bike with the derailleur side down, as this can increase the risk of bending the hanger.
• Don't lean your bike against unstable surfaces, as a fall could damage the hanger.

At Silverback Bikes, we're dedicated to providing not only top-quality bikes but also the knowledge and support you need to keep your gear performing at its best. With our range of gear hangers and expert advice, you can ride with confidence knowing your equipment is built to last. Visit us today and let us help you enjoy a smoother, more reliable cycling experience.

PLEASE NOTE: Our hangers does not fall under the FOC warranty policy.