Rear Derailleur Suicide Into Spokes.

[fribbles]

http://tinyurl.com/qdrsr3z


http://tinyurl.com/mnroxc2

My bicycle had been shifting erratically on its own.  I downshifted and immediately after downshifting a loud CLUNK jammed my tire.  This is what the damage looks like---is this something that's a relatively easy fix or should I take it to a bike shop?  I've swapped out iPad and iPhone screens and I know my way around a mitre saw, so as a female I like to do things myself, but with that bend of the frame off the nut holding the tire, if brute force is necessary to finagle my bike back into shape, I'm thinking it would be tricky for me to fix [upper body strength not being my forte].  I have virtually little to no expertise or experience in fixing bikes---I can put my chain on when it comes off but that's about it.  Suggestions?  Words of advice?

Thank you in advance.

[DaveM]

Ugggh.
I would take it in to a shop to see about getting the frame dealt with. Nothing technically complex. But you do want someone with the right tools and experience seeing if the drop out can be bent back safely and getting the alignment right. I would guess it can be saved, but it's a pretty bad bend so there's a chance the frame is dead.

If the frame can be brought back to where you can bolt on the wheel, but the derailleur hanger is destroyed, you can get derailleurs that have a built on hook/hanger that will work fine on this bike.

If the mechanic just glances at it and says it can't be done, maybe get a 2nd opinion. But if someone actually tries to bring it back but says there's cracking or some other safety issue - new bike time...

[fribbles]

Thank you so much!! I was worried it was fubar...nuts.

[nfmisso]

We can give you a much better idea if you clean the area between the rear axle and the derailleur.  It looks like the hanger maybe cracked, but can't tell for certain.  

What kind of bike is it?  Do you know the frame material?  If it is cro-mo, and it is not cracked, it is highly likely to be repairable.  

If you are in the area, I would happy to show you how to use a hanger alignment tool (I have one), and how to properly adjust your rear derailleur, if it is repairable, and help you source a replacement if it is not.

[fribbles]

Thank you for the offer!!  I live in Montana, so I'm not in the area...moderately certain the bike is a Fuji...no idea on frame material...pretty sure the rear derailleur is toast, in any event.  [wrinkles up nose]  I'm currently browsing through YouTube hoping someone had something similar happen.

As for cleaning it up, the bike is at home, I have a costume party murder mystery play to go to tonight, and working 24 hours between Saturday and Sunday at a second job so it may be a while before I can get that---currently have borrowed my surveyor's bike so it's not imperative, luckily.

[nfmisso]

My sister went to school at Missoula, and has a friend near Deer Lodge.  She and her hubby now live in Idaho, where he is a park ranger.  

http://bikeride.com/derailleur-hanger-alignment/
Straighten the derailleur hanger requires the right tool; the Park one can typically be had for around $65-.
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/park-dag-2-derailleur-hanger-alignment-gauge
The Shimano one is quite a bit more:
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/shimano-tl-rd11-derailleur-hanger-alignment-tool

To remove the RD, you need a 5mm hex key, which goes into the bolt closest to the rear axle.
http://bikeride.com/install-rear-derailleur/

This will work fine as a replacement RD, if you can fix the hanger:
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/shimano-tourney-tx55-6-7-spd-rear-derailleur-direct-attach
If you end having to cut off the hanger, this one will work:
http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/shimano-tourney-rd-tx55-rear-derailleur-6-7-speed-w-hanger

It is very important that you get the limit screws adjusted properly before attaching the cable.