Road derailleur hangers

How to choose a road derailleur hanger

A note on terminology: in this category, “derailleur hanger” usually refers to the derailleur’s Direct Mount mounting link supplied with the derailleur, not the sacrificial hanger welded or bolted to the frame. Both exist, and one cannot replace the other.

The Shimano Direct Mount link

• Since the R7000, R8000 and R9100 groupsets, Shimano rear derailleurs have been attached via a own mounting link — RD-R7150, RD-R8150, RD-R9150 — fits between the frame and the derailleur.
• It bends or breaks in a crash, can be replaced on its own, and its mounting bolt can also be ordered separately.
• One part fits several groupsets: the same link works from R7000 through to RX400.

The UDH standard

TheUniversal Derailleur Hanger is a standardised hanger adopted by most frame manufacturers. It allows a frame to take any compatible derailleur and provides the mounting point for certain recent direct-mount drivetrains, including the 13-speed Campagnolo Super Record WRL.

Large-cassette extenders

The Wolf Tooth RoadLink, in its standard or Direct Mount version, lowers the derailleur so it can accommodate a larger sprocket than its stated capacity. It is the solution for fitting a touring cassette to a short-cage road derailleur without replacing the derailleur.

Check the alignment

A hanger bent even slightly can cause the chain to skip on the outermost sprockets and eventually send the derailleur into the spokes. After any fall onto the right-hand side, check the alignment before adjusting the cable or limit screws.

To find out more: How to choose your road bike rear derailleur

See also: Road rear derailleurs · Road derailleur jockey wheels and cages · Road cassettes