Why horizontal drop-outs on cheaper MTB frames?
10-10-05, 02:06 AM
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Why horizontal drop-outs on cheaper MTB frames?
I'd like to know why cheap MTBs used to come with horiozontal type dropouts while better brands used vertical ones. Its too bad really because it would be nice to find a decent old frame with horizontal dropouts to make a cheap single speed.
10-10-05, 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by ApolloCVermouth
I'd like to know why cheap MTBs used to come with horiozontal type dropouts while better brands used vertical ones. Its too bad really because it would be nice to find a decent old frame with horizontal dropouts to make a cheap single speed.
10-10-05, 09:17 PM
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Thanks, I'll keep my eyes open.
10-10-05, 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ApolloCVermouth
I'd like to know why cheap MTBs used to come with horiozontal type dropouts while better brands used vertical ones. Its too bad really because it would be nice to find a decent old frame with horizontal dropouts to make a cheap single speed.
Modern frame mass production is now so automated that this is no longer an issue.
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10-11-05, 01:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Sheldon Brown
Frames can be built with less precision with horizontal dropouts, because the chainstay length is no longer a critical matter.
Modern frame mass production is now so automated that this is no longer an issue.
Sheldon "Horizontal" Brown
Modern frame mass production is now so automated that this is no longer an issue.
Sheldon "Horizontal" Brown
Does this mean if I were too buy a new steel frame bicycle but built in old fashioned way(like custom made), I should look for horizontal drop outs and avoid vertical ones?
10-11-05, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by allgoo19
If I were too buy a new steel frame bicycle but built in old fashioned way(like custom made), I should look for horizontal drop outs and avoid vertical ones?
If you only plan to use it with derailer gears, vertical is better.
Whatever you do, don't let anybody talk you into those stupid old-fashioned rear-opening "track" fork ends.
The issue of precision is only of concern with cheapo frames, does not apply to custom frames which tend to built with great care.
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10-11-05, 03:33 PM
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What are the problems with the track ends? Is the other forward facing style much better?
Thanks
Thanks
10-11-05, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by ApolloCVermouth
What are the problems with the track ends? Is the other forward facing style much better?
In the 1930s, somebody invented the "drop out" type fork end where the opening was at the front and below the chainstay. This allows the wheel to just about "drop out" when you loosen the axle attachments.
It's a lot less messy that way because you really don't need to handle the chain at all with dropouts.
The other issue is true horizontal vs slanted down somewhat in front. If you don't use a rear brake different sprocket sizes it really doesn't make no nevermind.
However if you do ever want to use a rear brake and, say, a flip-flop hub with two or more different sprocket sizes, an absolutely level axle slot will mean that you will need to re-adjust the height of the brake shoes every time you change sprockets.
Proper horizontal dropouts avoid this issue by running the axle slot roughly perpendicular to the seat stays, so the brake reach is constant from one end of the axle slot to the other.
The traditional "track" fork end has no advantage over sloping dropouts, it's just an atavistic stylistic exercise, form rather than function.
See also: https://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_dr-z.html#dropout
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10-11-05, 11:39 PM
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如果你能讀了這個你講中文
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Originally Posted by Sheldon Brown
The traditional "track" fork end has no advantage over sloping dropouts, it's just an atavistic stylistic exercise, form rather than function.
10-12-05, 01:35 AM
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Originally Posted by ApolloCVermouth
I'd like to know why cheap MTBs used to come with horiozontal type dropouts while better brands used vertical ones. Its too bad really because it would be nice to find a decent old frame with horizontal dropouts to make a cheap single speed.
Tim
10-12-05, 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by genericbikedude
They DO allow chain tensioners...
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10-12-05, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Sheldon Brown
(from the website) Vertical dropouts require the use of derailer gearing,
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