horizontal dropouts...
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horizontal dropouts...
Sorry for the new thread. The original thread was censored by a net-nanny program at the library, dunno why.
Horizontal dropouts: why?
The are less stiff than vertical ones, heavier, and dont hold the wheel as securely (unless you tighten the QR or bolt firmly).
The advantages are, you can adjust the chain tension by moving the axle, so are great for a singlespeed/fixed wheel/hub gear without the hassle of a chain tensioner.
If you are riding a 3x8 gear system, and your rear mech gets chewed up or you snap or bend the hanger, you can convert your bike to a singlespeed to get you home. Shorten your chain, pick a suitable gear combination, and using the for-aft adjustment of the axle get a good chain tension. This may not sound important on a local trail or a race, but on a touring style bike it can be a life-saver.
Hub gears may sound like an odd choice on an MTB but in wet muddy conditions, esp in sticky clay, the rear mech can become clogged up and inoperable. A Shimano Nexus 7speed will carry on working. Even better (and more expensive) a Rohloff 14 speed gives you the full range of gears of an MTB.
Horizontal dropouts: why?
The are less stiff than vertical ones, heavier, and dont hold the wheel as securely (unless you tighten the QR or bolt firmly).
The advantages are, you can adjust the chain tension by moving the axle, so are great for a singlespeed/fixed wheel/hub gear without the hassle of a chain tensioner.
If you are riding a 3x8 gear system, and your rear mech gets chewed up or you snap or bend the hanger, you can convert your bike to a singlespeed to get you home. Shorten your chain, pick a suitable gear combination, and using the for-aft adjustment of the axle get a good chain tension. This may not sound important on a local trail or a race, but on a touring style bike it can be a life-saver.
Hub gears may sound like an odd choice on an MTB but in wet muddy conditions, esp in sticky clay, the rear mech can become clogged up and inoperable. A Shimano Nexus 7speed will carry on working. Even better (and more expensive) a Rohloff 14 speed gives you the full range of gears of an MTB.