SRAM UDH And Starling Cycles

SRAM’s UDH derailleur standard. What’s it all about?

Ever since frame builders started using fragile aluminium to build their frames, we’ve needed replaceable derailleur hangers.  They act as a ‘fuse’ so that they break rather than your frame or expensive derailleur.

It should be noted that before aluminium frames, everyone was very happy with steel hangers. They were strong and could be bent back if damaged. In the early days of Starling, my hangers were steel and ‘fixed’ with no replaceable parts. They worked well. 

But the people wanted a replaceable hanger, so what could I do?

Looking at those replaceable hangers, you see that nearly every company has their own design. 

It would be very unlikely that your local shop held stock and even if they did, it may be an old model that doesn’t fit. And if you broke your hanger on holiday and hadn’t brought a spare? Well, then you were really screwed.

So SRAM had the great idea of a universal hanger that fits all frames.  And they did a great job of it.  Not only is it a universal fitment, but it has a small degree of movement (float) that reduces forces in the event of an impact, protecting your derailleur.  And the design is compact and concentric with your axle, meaning it aligns correctly and
is very unlikely to be bent out of shape. 

Finally, it uses a specific axle, which means this now will be stocked alongside the hangers in most shops.  No more panicking when you land in Morzine to discover your axle is still at home.

So, Is SRAM UDH Good?

Well, yes, SRAM UDH is good. For the consumer at least. 

But for bike companies, it has been a bit of a nightmare. 

The new UDH design needs specific dropouts for your frames.  Frame designers must design the dropouts (or use and off the shelf solution that might not be optimum).  Dropout parts need to manufactured (maybe needing expensive new tooling), new swingarms made, timing managed so old style dropouts don’t become redundant.  All in all, it’s a PITA.

But I suppose some pain now is worth it for a better and more sustainable solution for the future.

But what about SRAM UDH T-Type? 

SRAM UDH T-Type is the new integrated derailleur solution that doesn’t use a hanger designed and implemented by SRAM on their top-tier drivetrains.  Personally, I’m not so sure about this. 

The cynic in me thinks this a bit of a play by SRAM to sidestep Shimano and other drivetrain suppliers.  I think the marketing that came with the release of the new system, with people standing on the derailleurs to show how strong they were was a bit… much.  They all stood on the axle, which is bound to be strong, not the weak derailleur cage. 

The stiffer connection now makes the cage more likely to sustain damage.  And without a ‘fuse’, it is the expensive mech that you need to replace, not just the hanger.

But however cynical I am, people are demanding the new T-Type, and Starling can’t choose to ignore it.  So we are now UDH (and T-Type) compatible!

From December onwards all Starling Cycles Core Frames will be shipped with SRAM UDH.

Existing customers can also upgrade their frame to UDH by replacing their swing arm, just contact us if you want one and we can look into what it’ll take for your frame.