Shifting on a steep mound

[Off Roader]

The other week I brang my Mountain Bike to a bike trail, The trail has up hills and jumps. When I was going up hill I down shifted to the lowest gear while I was pedaling hard and suddenly my rear derailleur hanger had broken. I didnt know how this happened

[sanjuro]

1. Quality of your bike.
2. Adjustment was off.

[eaterofdog]

What he said.

Do you know to LIGHTLY spin the pedals when shifting? You can't shift while you are pedal mashing or you'll bust something.

[w00dy]

chain probably shifted past the larges cog in the back and got caught between the gear and the spokes. It's usually all over from there. That would a misadjusted derailleur if you're looking for a culprit.

[skatetokil]

also, shift before the climb in the future. if it's already hard to pedal it's too late.