How did I live w/o this tool for so long?
I've been a garage hack mechanic for many years. And I even got some shop type tools such as a headset press and cup removers recently ...
https://iskablogs.blogspot.com/2005/11/how-did-i-live-wo-this-tool-for-so-long.html
I've been a garage hack mechanic for many years. And I even got some shop type tools such as a headset press and cup removers recently (and I am amazed how often I have actually used them too). But one tool that I just got I cannot fathom how in the world I got by w/o it.
The Park DAG-1 derailleur alignment gauge.
My FS XC bike has been having shifting problems and it just looked like a bent hanger. I tried the crescent wrench technique and it didn't do much so I finally got wise and bought this. OMG that hangers was off by so much. Tweaked it and shifting is spot on. Just for kicks I figured I'd check my hardtail. It wasn't shifting badly or anything but it too was off by a significant amount. I tweaked it with the tool and shifting was noticeably better.
I can't imagine how much time I've wasted chasing around shifting problems that were most likely caused by a hanger that was misaligned.
IMHO this tool should be on the top of your list after allen wrenches and a chain tool, especially for a mountain biker who ride technical terrain where rocks/roots can tweak your hanger in a heartbeat.
The Park DAG-1 derailleur alignment gauge.
My FS XC bike has been having shifting problems and it just looked like a bent hanger. I tried the crescent wrench technique and it didn't do much so I finally got wise and bought this. OMG that hangers was off by so much. Tweaked it and shifting is spot on. Just for kicks I figured I'd check my hardtail. It wasn't shifting badly or anything but it too was off by a significant amount. I tweaked it with the tool and shifting was noticeably better.
I can't imagine how much time I've wasted chasing around shifting problems that were most likely caused by a hanger that was misaligned.
IMHO this tool should be on the top of your list after allen wrenches and a chain tool, especially for a mountain biker who ride technical terrain where rocks/roots can tweak your hanger in a heartbeat.
