Rear derailleur protection

[Psycolist]

As a recent convert to off road riding, I am interested to know other peoples opinion on either the cages that protrude out over the derailleur, or the 'hanger banger' type that strengthen and support the mount. I have used the 'hanger banger' type support on my hybrid for 3-4 years, but recently lost it after failing to retighten after a bit of maintanance.
Are they widely used, do they actually help, is it worth replacing, should I go for the cage type or not bother at all ?

 

[Deleted member 23692]

To be honest they are hardly used at all these days. Most decent bikes now come with a separate mech hanger that is designed to bend/snap in the event on a collision rather than damage the frame or mech.

I've never clobbered my rear mech, but I do use an XT shadow mech which doesn't stick out too far beyond the frame.

 

[Psycolist]

Thanx, I also use the XT mech --- and have the seperate hanger. I have seen some reports of the cage type causing damage to the frame, so was a bit dubious about that type, but couldnt find out much about the use of the other sort. Thinking that this other 'hanger banger' type may be one of those accesories that sounds like a good idea but dosnt actually do much. As alot of my off roading is being done in woodland, my real reason for using one was the thought of a close enconter with a tree at speed, cutting it tight on a bend or something ??? Sounds like I might be being overley cautuious !

 

[Deleted member 23692]

I don't even think the hanger banger is a good idea. I really can't see why you'd want to stop the mech hanger doing it's sacrificial job by supporting it with a lump of ali. If you did take a knock, all that force is going to go through the frame or mech ... both of which will cost more to replace than a bit of ali.

If you have to spend some cash, I'd suggest you get a spare hanger or two (BETD are very good), keep them on you and just enjoy the riding

 

[Psycolist]

Cheers. Thats wot its about i guess. ENJOYMENT. Ta