MicroDrops

Consider the conventional rear dropout. A rather thin piece
of metal goes from in front of the wheel axle, wraps around the
axle, drops down, and then proceeds down to become the rear
derailleur hanger. If you follow a rough centerline of the material,
total distance from the chainstay to the derailleur mounting bolt
is about 85mm. On a Klein its about 45mm. By shortening the
hanger, dramatic increases in hanger strength and stiffness are
accomplished, which increases shifting accuracy. Not only that,
but the dropout itself is much stronger.

Klein teams new to the design, and especially the team
mechanics, have all complained about wheel changing with the
Micro-Drops. For example, we had a difficult time getting the
ONCE team to accept them initially. But after a season of use,
no team has ever wanted conventional dropouts. Why? Because
once you learn how to use MicroDrops, wheel installation is
actually faster and more accurate. The Re-Entry ramps really do
work to line up the axle and QR for quick engagement.
With MicroDrops it is a straight-in shot from the rear, and
there is no resulting tire interference with chainstays as in forward
entry dropouts. This means Klein bikes can have a lighter,
tighter, more rigid chainstay assembly.

We overheard one mechanic say he thought MicroDrops
were dangerous because the wheel would fall out if the QR was
not adequately tightened. As a performance feature, this rear
entry style of dropout allows the axle of the rear wheel to rest
snugly against the backbone of the drop, making it absolutely
impossible for the rear wheel to slip forward when the rider
jumps on the pedals. Even if you bounce the bike on its rear wheel
with the QR undone, the rear wheel stays in MicroDrops.
With standard dropouts, all procedures must be done simultaneously.
With Microdrops, each step is completely isolated, giving the
mechanic greater control of the process for increased speed.
To remove a rear wheel, first shift to the smallest cog. Open the
brakes and undo the wheel QR.

Pull the rear wheel out of the dropouts about 2 inches (Fig. 12),
wrap a single finger around the chain immediately in front of
the top of the cog (Fig. 13), and lift the chain off the cog.
The chain lift is more positive and reliable than having the
derailleur hold the chain. With traditional dropouts, sometimes
the chain comes off of the jockey pulleys and a snarl is created.
To install the wheel, grasp the chain with your finger, and
place it on the small cog. Open the brakes further if necessary
and guide the rear wheel through the pads. In most cases the
Re-Entry ramps of the MicroDrops will allow the chain tension
alone to pull the rear wheel into the drops and center it. Tighten
the wheel QR, close the brake QR, and you’re off.

Once you practice with the MicroDrops you will appreciate
Gary Klein’s clever approach; stronger and lighter dropouts, more
accurate shifting, a stronger and lighter frame with both
increased rigidity and better tire clearance, and faster, easier
wheel installation and removal. All in a single design detail.