Park Tool DAG-2.2 Derailleur Alignment Gauge [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

Let's face it. When working on the shifting and derailleur on the bike, it can be the most frustrating part.. The best place to check for miss-shifts is the derailleur hanger, with the Park Tool DAG tool, you can check the alignment very easily. Our friend, David, has been using the tool. See what they think! 

Overview

I wont bother explaining how to use this tool, Park Tool does a great job with their YouTube channel and manuals. However, if you enjoy wrenching on your bike, the DAG 2.2 is a must have. As with most Park Tool products, it is reasonably priced and its quality is very good. This tool helps the user align their derailleur after a minor tweak on the trail. It is extremely effective, and makes you realize how important an aligned derailleur is.

I also found out that some brand new derailleur hangers are not 100% aligned! I used this tool to straighten my spare before a trip to Moab...everything had to be in perfect working order.

Since this is only the price of approximately 2 derailleur hangers, it is a must-have for an at home bike mechanic. I highly recommend your purchase from Worldwide Cyclery for their competitive pricing and customer service.

Side note: once you align your derailleur hanger, check your user manual for the B-screw dimension on your derailleur. An aligned derailleur and a properly adjusted B-screw make shifting excellent!

Cautionary notes: if you derailleur is badly bent, this tool may not fix the issue. Derailleurs are meant to be sacrificial and bending it too many times, or too extremely can compromise the integrity of the metal. This is meant to do small-medium alignments and should be used gently. Also, this is not a trail-side tool so always keep a spare derailleur hanger on-hand in the event of a tweaked hanger mid-ride. You can always align the old one when you get home!

Final Thoughts

I don't think I have ever been disappointed with a Park Tool product, and this is no exception. Make sure to watch the video before using and enjoy saving some money on derailleur hangers and wrenching on your bike!