Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 5,492
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
I will agree that these dropouts look to be "better" than simple plate steel stampings. Given the shaping I suspect they have been "formed" by serious pressure, whether one calls that "forging" is not for me to say.
I also agree with John and others who say don't replace a working thing.
It's also nice to have the full story with to best understand what is actually going on. The more data we have the sooner the fewer assumptions we will make as we try to help. Andy
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AndrewRStewart