Bent front derailleur - advice.

[Serge]

I managed to throw my chain today as is I simultaneously changed down and crashed over a giant pothole. The chain managed to get jammed against the frame as I layed on the power resulting in bending the front derailleur.

I've spent about three hours this afternoon trying to get it straight and I'd appreciate some opinions about how straight it is.

I've taken it out for a quick bimble and it seems OK, but I know you guys and guyesses know a damn sight more than me so I'd appreciate a bit of advice.

 

[Slick]

If it works without too much trim then it's straight.

 

[roadrash]

^^^^^^wot he sed^^^^^

 

[Serge]

Cheers guys, just don't want to throw the damn chain again on the commute at 05:00.

 

[midlife]

Are they about twenty quid new? Shouldn't break the bank if you need a new one.

 

[Serge]

Are they about twenty quid new? Shouldn't break the bank if you need a new one.

I did think that, it's just about getting to work tomorrow morning.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Maybe buy a chain catcher?

Even a simple shark fin jobbie can save a lot of damage and grief:

https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-chainstay-protector-shark-fin-443876

 

[Serge]

Is it just me or is it a a bit of a design defect where the chain can get so badly jammed against the frame?

I managed to take a good chunk out of my thumb freeing it.

 

[Salty seadog]

Cheers guys, just don't want to throw the damn chain again on the commute at 05:00.

Was it the actual derailleur that bent or just got whacked out of line round the seat tube?

 

[Cycleops]

As far as I can tell from your pics it looks spot on. To double check look from directly above to see the cage is aligned with the chain wheel . If its functioning normally I should leave it.

 

[Ajax Bay]

I simultaneously changed down and crashed over a giant pothole. The chain managed to get jammed against the frame as I layed on the power

is it a a bit of a design defect where the chain can get so badly jammed against the frame?

No it's a rider defect. A rider should avoid changing down when applying 'power'. Change down earlier, or put a bit of power down, and then ease off, change down, and then power back on.
Posters have suggested upthread ways to mitigate the risk of throwing the chain off to the inside.
Edited to add: your fettled FD looks fine to me (in the pictures).

 

[Ian H]

Reading the road ahead is also a vital skill.

 

[davidphilips]

If it works as well as it looks then you should be fine for 5am, happy cycling.