new kona dropouts
 

anyone seen the new kona adjustable vertical dropouts? a vertical dropout that slides on a horizontal track.

:)

ok ok heres a pitcher:

http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k..._Side_1300.jpg

at least now the post isnt completely worthless.

[edit: and they are using it on other non singlespeed bikes too like cross and touring bikes: http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k..._Side_1300.jpg ]

Perhaps I'm missing it. What's the point of this for the geared people? Easier to manufacture (only one type of dropout needed)? They would be pretty cool for fixed/ss, though.

they've had those dropouts for a while now actually... they are great for using disc brakes on single speeds because the disc mounts are on the sliding part so disc brake alignment/placement is always right, no matter where the wheel is in the dropouts. some manufacturers use eccentric bottom brackets to adjust the chain tension for disc brakes on single speeds as well, but those things are heavy. kona's solution is much better, in my opinion.

A lot of damage happens around the derailleur and dropout area. For this reason a lot of MTB's have replaceable derailleur hanger. If you're going to do that, you might as well make the entire dropout adjustable and have the hanger machined as a piece with it. It gives you a more versatile frame that makes it useable for both der'd and singlespeed applications and makes disc adjustmnet a no brainer.

So really the question becomes why wouldn't you do it that way?

gios has been doing that for a while on at least one of their road frames. it's a pretty sweet setup. it's nice to be able to adjust your wheelbase.

wow cool!

[and i thought nothing would ever beat the paul track ends on coolness]

fsnl
sparky

It's also now easy to run a quick release on the rear! :)

yes that is the main coolness thing about it for me. :)

nothing, I repeat, NOTHING beats paul fork ends on coolness.

tim