Abbey Bike Tools derailleur hanger alignment tool and lever setter, new Le Col kit, Specialized Power saddle and Silca aero socks

By Oscar Huckle

Published: Friday, 13 May 2022 at 12:00 am

It’s the end of another week at BikeRadar HQ and as usual, a carousel of news stories presented an appetising menu.

We opened the week with senior technical writer Simon von Bromley spotting a new Scott time-trial bike at the second stage of the Giro d’Italia over the weekend.

Josh Patterson brought news of the Roval Rapide and Alpinist CLX II wheels, with the brand performing something of a u-turn on tubeless technology.

Orbea announced its new Urrun electric hardtail mountain bike, while Oakley raided the archives to present its Re:SubZero sunglasses, bringing a refreshed frame shape to a cult classic.

We also took a look at new Italian brand Scorpi’s futuristic yet nostalgic full-suspension cross-country mountain bike prototype, the El Camös.

Outside of the new releases, technical editor Alex Evans got into the details of his tasty Marin Alpine Trail E2 build, while digital writer Stan Portus delivered a fascinating exploration into Brompton’s new Kent-based factory and the folding bike brand’s environmental strategy.

We also discussed the emerging market of bike trackers with a handy buyer’s guide.

With those highlights now covered, let’s dive into some exciting new tech.

Abbey Bike Tools Hanger Alignment Gauge

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Gone are the days of large and cumbersome derailleur alignment tools.
Stan Portus / Our Media

Abbey Bike Tools has a consistent track record of reimagining and perfecting the designs of many common workshop bicycle tools. As a result, its tools are premium options designed for the travelling mechanic, although they also represent bulletproof options for home use. The age-old adage of “buy once, cry once” comes to mind.

The Hanger Alignment Gauge (HAG) is the brand’s derailleur alignment tool and although it’s not a new product, it’s designed to be used with the next item on the list.

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The plastic cap houses a thread which fits into your derailleur hanger. The lever action is buttery smooth as you install the tool.
Stan Portus / Our Media

Abbey says the HAG is “the last hanger tool you’ll ever have to buy”. With the increase in available speeds now reaching 13 with Campagnolo Ekar or Rotor systems, if your derailleur hanger is even a little off, it’ll likely negatively affect shifting quality.

Before using the tool, check your rear wheel is properly secured into the frame. If it’s a quick-release, it’s always best to perform this check with the bike on the floor to allow it to sit perfectly in the dropouts.

You then simply remove your rear derailleur from the hanger and thread the HAG tool in its place. Next, fit the gauge indicator of the tool into place and check the hanger alignment both vertically and horizontally. To eliminate the possibility of a misreading if your wheel isn’t true, I’d recommend using the valve as your reference point.

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The gauge allows you an accurate reading of how far out of alignment your derailleur hanger may be.
Stan Portus / Our Media

So why does this tool cost an eye-watering £210 / $185? Crucially, there is virtually no slop in the tool. Cheaper options will have more play, which in turn affects accuracy in use.

Unlike older tool designs, the rotating head allows you to clear obstacles such as pannier racks, so you don’t need to remove the gauge and reattach it to take an alternate reading.

It’s also serviceable and is significantly more compact than other hanger alignment tools. So much so that other brands have now brought out their own updated hanger alignment tools that are clearly indebted to Abbey’s design.

  • £210 / $185