Stiffshifter - UDH Derailleur hanger Protection against breakage & bending
Stiffens the UDH Derailleur hanger and protects the derailleur against misalignment - for clean and reliable shifting on every trail

Do you know the problem?
Derailleur rattles after a fall or transport?
Even a slight push against the derailleur in the trunk or on the trail and the UDH derailleur hanger bends – and your tour is over.
UDH Derailleur hanger broken
The UDH derailleur hanger is designed with minimal material thickness. In the event of a fall or collision, this makes it particularly vulnerable to damage or breakage. If the hanger fails and no replacement is available, the ride is over.
Inaccurate shifting under load when pedaling on your e-bike?
The UDH derailleur hanger can flex under load, offering insufficient support for the high forces generated by modern e-MTBs..
Frustrating. The UDH problem
This UDH derailleur hanger is standardized – that’s good. But it is designed too weakly for modern, voluminous rear derailleurs. Even slight impacts during transport or on the trail can bend or break it.
The result:
❌ Inaccurate shifting operations
❌ Rattling in the drivetrain
❌ Tour canceled due to bent derailleur hanger
❌ Expensive replacement derailleur hangers (€30-50)
❌ Often not available when you need them
The solution: Stiffshifter
The Stiffshifter stabilizes your UDH derailleur hanger from the outside and prevents flex, breakage and bending - with every gear change, with every fall, with every transport.
Your advantages
-
Easy to install
- Loosen and pull out the thru axle
- Remove UDH screw
- Insert the Stiffshifter pin into the screw of the rear derailleur.
- Install the Stiffshifter with the UDH screw and tighten it.
- Reinsert the quick-release axle
- Installation complete
-
Maximum protection
- The Stiffshifter stabilizes the UDH derailleur hanger from the outside.
- Support is provided by the derailleur.
- A pin engages directly with the mounting bolt of the derailleur.
- This provides additional support for the derailleur hanger.
- Bending or breakage of the derailleur hanger is effectively prevented

Less UDH derailleur hanger Flexing
High forces can act on modern drivetrains during shifting, especially on e-bikes. The UDH derailleur hanger is thin and provides limited support. The Stiffshifter adds external support and stiffens the hanger for more precise shifting performance.
Field tests using a dial gauge have shown that, with the Stiffshifter support installed, the rear derailleur exhibits significantly less flex compared to a UDH hanger without additional support.
Why you need the Stiffshifter
| Szenario | Ohne Stiffshifter | Mit Stiffshifter |
|---|---|---|
| Leichter Sturz am Trail | ❌ Schaltauge verbiegt sich | ✅ Geschützt und stabilisiert |
| Transport im Kofferraum | ❌ Hohes Risiko für Verbiegung | ✅ Dauerhaft stabilisiert |
| Schalten unter Last | ⚠️ Flex, ungenaue Schaltung | ✅ Präzise, kein Flex |
| Ersatz Schaltaugen pro Jahr | 1–2× (30–100€) | 0× |
| Pannenanfälligkeit | ❌ Grosses Risiko | ✅ Entspannt fahren |
Stiffshifter – Stiffening for the UDH derailleur hanger
The Eightpins Stiffshifter is the next evolutionary step for bikes with UDH derailleur hangers. Modern rear derailleurs are longer, wider, and more exposed than ever before – and the UDH derailleur hanger is simply too weak for this. Even slight contacts with rocks on the trail can cause derailleur hangers to bend.
This is where the Stiffshifter comes in: it stiffens the connection between the frame, derailleur hanger, and rear derailleur, ensures more precise shifting, and reliably protects the entire system from deformation.
Why you need the Stiffshifter
- Protects your UDH derailleur hanger
The UDH is up to 50% thinner than many other derailleur hangers – perfect for compatibility, but prone to bending. The Stiffshifter significantly reduces this weak point. - Stabilizes modern derailleurs
Due to the large size of today's derailleurs, enormous lever forces act directly on the Derailleur hanger. The Stiffshifter absorbs these forces and distributes them better structurally. - Prevents shifting problems
Even the smallest deviations in the Derailleur hanger lead to crooked gears, chain jams, or jumping cassette jumps. The Stiffshifter ensures permanently precise alignment. - Massive stiffening through clever design
A precise pin engages directly with the Derailleur's mounting screw – the result: a significantly stiffer, more robust, and more durable connection. - Easy installation – big impact
The Stiffshifter is mounted with the UDH screw, automatically engages with the Derailleur, and can be installed in just a few minutes.
Ideal for
- Trail & enduro riders
- Bikes with UDH standard
- Situations with frequent contact with rocks
- Riders who expect maximum shifting precision
Technical highlights
- Compatible with all UDH derailleur hangers
- Pin stiffening for rear derailleur mounting
- High-strength CNC-machined aluminum
- Weight: 17.3 grams
- Designed and manufactured in Austria
Conclusion
The Stiffshifter is a small but incredibly effective upgrade for any bike with an UDH derailleur hanger. More stability, more precise shifting, and better protection—all in a single, smartly designed component.
Upgrade your bike. Make your Derailleur hanger strong.
FAQ
Why is my UDH Derailleur hanger breaking constantly?
UDH derailleur hangers are made of soft aluminum and are designed to break in the event of a fall to protect the frame.
Problem: Modern rear derailleurs are so long and exposed that even light contacts are sufficient.
The Stiffshifter solves this: He supports the Derailleur additionally and distributes the forces better. This Derailleur hanger only breaks with really hard impacts - no longer with every pebble on the trail.
What to do if my UDH Derailleur hanger is bent?
Short term: UDH Derailleur hanger replace (30-50€, often not available).
Long term: Install the Stiffshifter and solve the problem permanently. The stiffshifter prevents your UDH Derailleur hanger bends at all – with every fall, every transport, every switching process.
Advantage: Once installed = permanent protection. No more buying replacement derailleur hangers, no more canceling tours.
Where is the Stiffshifter made?
Made in Austria! The Stiffshifter is developed and produced in Enns, Upper Austria - with the highest quality standards and local production.
For which drivers is the Stiffshifter ideal?
Ideal for:
🏔️ Enduro and trail riders – maximum protection in the event of falls
🚴 Bike packer & touring rider – safe transport, no breakdowns along the way
🏁 Racer – more precise shifting under load
🚗 Heavy transporter – Protection in the trunk or on the bike rack
💪 Heavy Riders – more stability under high loads
Short: For everyone who wants to be UDH derailleur hanger protect and more precise Shifting wants.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes! There is a stiff shifter 30 day money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied, you can send it back - no ifs or buts. Additionally: 2 year manufacturer's warranty for material and workmanship defects.
Can I also assemble the stiff shifter myself?
Yes, absolutely! Assembly is simple and requires only standard tools (Allen key). If you can change your thru axle yourself, you can also install the stiff shifter.
How do I install the Stiffshifter?
Installation only takes time 2 minutes:
1. Loosen the quick release axle and pull it out
2. Remove UDH screw
3. Insert the stiffshifter pin into the rear derailleur bolt
4. Replace UDH screw and tighten
5. Reinsert the quick release axle
6. **Done!**
Is the stiff shifter better than a stiffer one? Derailleur hanger (e.g. Silca UDH)?
The stiff shifter and stiffer derailleur hangers complement each other perfectly. A stiffer one Derailleur hanger reduces flex in the material, the stiff shifter offers additional mechanical support in the event of falls and transport - regardless of the derailleur hanger material.
How heavy is the stiff shifter?
The stiff shifter only weighs approx. 17.3 grams – barely noticeable, but with a big effect.
The stiff shifter also prevents flex Shifting?
Yes! This is done by the support on the fastening bolt Derailleur stabilized and can Shifting move less to the side under load. The result: more precise switching processes, especially uphill or under high loads.
Why does mine bend? UDH derailleur hanger so easy?
UDH derailleur hangers are made of aluminum and standardized for maximum compatibility. However, modern rear derailleurs are significantly longer and heavier than before - that UDH derailleur hanger offers too little support. It can bend or break during transport, falls or heavy shifting. The Stiffshifter supports this Derailleur additionally on the fastening bolt and thus prevents bending.
Does the Stiffshifter also protect during transport?
Yes! The Stiffshifter stabilizes your Derailleur permanent - not only when driving, but also when transporting it in the car, plane or on the bike rack. Once assembled, it's yours Derailleur hanger permanently protected.
Which rear derailleurs is the Stiffshifter compatible with?
✅ SRAM Eagle / Eagle AXS 12-speed
✅ Shimano XT/XTR 12-speed
✅ Shimano Di2 XT/XTR 12-speed
Is the Stiffshifter compatible with all derailleur hangers?
No! The stiff shifter is only compatible with UDH derailleur hangers.




























