Wheels Manufacturing fuses SRAM UDH with Shimano direct-mount hanger standard

New derailleur hanger unleashes new levels of component cross-compatibility

By Oscar Huckle

Published: Monday, 15 May 2023 at 12:00 am

Wheels Manufacturing’s two new derailleur hangers enable Shimano’s direct-mount rear derailleurs to be run on a SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger without using the included B-link.

We believe Wheels Manufacturing is the first brand to launch such a product. Bike-specific direct-mount hangers are available for Shimano rear derailleurs, but this is the first SRAM UDH to Shimano direct-mount adaptor we’re aware of.

Shimano’s direct-mount standard was introduced in 2012, with the brand’s aim to create a stiffer interface between the frame and rear derailleur to improve shifting quality.

With a compatible hanger, the rear derailleur can be bolted straight onto the frame. Otherwise, you would need to bolt the derailleur onto a B-link, which then connects to the hanger.

"Wheels
The Dropout-652 MTN is for mountain bikes.
Wheels Manufacturing
"Wheels
The Dropout-562 is for gravel bikes.
Wheels Manufacturing
"Wheels
The hanger uses the conventional three-point construction of SRAM’s UDH.
Wheels Manufacturing

The new hangers should combine the improved shifting performance of running a Shimano direct-mount derailleur with the benefits of SRAM’s UDH. The hanger is designed to pivot backwards in the event of a chain jam and it sports a hooked lip to push the chain back onto the smallest cassette cog if it slips off.

Wheels Manufacturing will offer two dropouts made of CNC-machined 6061 aluminium with a black anodised finish – the Dropout-562 Gravel and the Dropout-653 Mountain.

"Cropped
The B-Link is the small alloy plate that sits between the upper knuckle of the rear derailleur and the derailleur hanger. This is included as stock on most modern Shimano rear derailleurs.
Matthew Loveridge / Our Media

Wheels Manufacturing says the Dropout-562 Gravel is optimised for the following rear derailleurs:

  • Shimano Dura-Ace (R9100 and R9150)
  • Ultegra (R8000 and R8050)
  • 105 (R7000)
  • GRX (RX810, RX812, RX815, RX817, RX800, RX805 and RX400)

The Dropout-653 Mountain is compatible with the following rear derailleurs:

  • Shimano Saint (RD-M820)
  • Deore (RD-M610, RD-M5120, RD-M4120)
  • Deore XT (RD-M8000, RD-M8050)
  • SLX (RD-M7000, RD-M670)
  • Altus (RD-M2000)
"Wheels
The silver option pictured here isn’t a production model yet.
Wheels Manufacturing

We’re unsure why Shimano XTR M9100, M9000 and M9050 rear derailleurs are not listed, given they use the same design.

Both derailleur hangers retail for $60. UK and international pricing is to be confirmed.