Benefit of horizontal dropouts?

[phoeneous]

Are there any? My next frame is either the Cove Stiffee or the Santa Cruz Chameleon. However the Chameleon has horizontal dropouts. Ive never owned a bike with this setup so I dont know if it is a plus or a minus. Are they better than vertical?

[llkoolkeg]

I have 'em on my Banshee and love 'em. I like how I can fine tune my wheelbase and shock leverage. As a general rule, shorter wheelbases are quicker handling(slow & tight trails) and longer wheelbases are slower handling(fast & open trails).

[sub6]

adv: can adjust wheelbase and can run SS with no chain tensioner

disadv: wheel slips under hard pedaling, funky to adjust a disc brake although there are systems coming out that work it pretty well.

[ohio]

The chameleon's horizontal drops are NOT adjustable (well maybe a 1/8") if you run it with the derailleur hanger and insert, so it doesn't have any slippage issues, but it also doesn't have an adjustable wheelbase.

It's basically a non-issue once you learn how to mount the wheel up a little differently. It makes for a nice strong dropout though, and you can convert to SS very easily if the fancy should ever strike you.


By the way, the chameleon is my all-time favorite hardtail. Haven't spent any time on the Cove though.

[phoeneous]

Ill stay away from the horiz dropouts and go for the stiffee. Wish me luck :D

[oldfart]

Steed cycles www.steedcycles.com have a bunch of Chameleon frames from 2000 and 01 in medium and large for pretty good prices. I think they're on for $499 Canadian but if you offered $350 they'd bite.