Derailleur hanger Peugeot BTT Crosslite

Derailleur hanger for Peugeot BTT Crosslite: a key component for performance and durability

The Peugeot BTT Crosslite is an iconic mountain bike from the 1990s, known for its durability, agile geometry, and performance on technical trails. Among the essential components that ensure this MTB’s reliability, the derailleur hanger plays a crucial role. Discreet yet vital, it directly impacts shifting precision and frame protection. Let’s take a closer look at this often-overlooked but indispensable part.

What is a derailleur hanger ?

The derailleur hanger is a small piece of aluminum or steel, either bolted onto or integrated into the MTB frame, located at the rear dropout, where the derailleur is mounted. It serves to hold the rear derailleur in the correct position and alignment with the cassette. In the event of an impact, it is designed to bend or break, protecting the derailleur—and more importantly—the rigid aluminum or steel frame, which is much more costly to replace.

Features of the Peugeot BTT Crosslite derailleur hanger

The Peugeot BTT Crosslite, a semi-rigid bike aimed at sporty riding, is equipped with a removable derailleur hanger specific to its frame geometry. Key features include:

• Compatibility: tailored for Peugeot BTT frame designs, especially those with a 135 mm quick-release rear axle.

• Material: CNC-machined aluminum for a balance of stiffness and controlled deformation under stress.

• Mounting: bolted to the right rear dropout with two countersunk screws.

• Precise alignment: designed to maintain perfect alignment between the derailleur and cassette, ensuring smooth and accurate shifting.

• Frame protection: in a crash, it absorbs the impact and minimizes damage to the rear triangle of the bike.

Why replace a derailleur hanger?

Over time, a derailleur hanger can bend or crack, especially after a crash or an awkward bump. Misalignment causes chain skipping, poor shifting, and can lead to premature drivetrain wear. For a bike like the Peugeot BTT, whose classic aluminum MTB frame with a straight head tube remains popular among vintage bike enthusiasts and restorers, having a proper replacement hanger is crucial to preserving original ride quality.

Where to find a compatible derailleur hanger for the Peugeot BTT Crosslite

Today, several manufacturers offer replacement derailleur hangers compatible with vintage frames, including Peugeot models. Specialized workshops and vintage parts resellers often stock original or small-batch reproduction hangers that match the BTT Crosslite’s design.

In summary

The derailleur hanger on the Peugeot BTT Crosslite may be a small part, but it’s critical to the bike’s performance and drivetrain safety. An integral part of this semi-rigid cross-country frame, it deserves close attention from any rider passionate about restoring or riding vintage mountain bikes. Before hitting the trails, make sure it’s in good shape—and consider carrying a spare !