Semi-vertical drop outs do seem odd but I kind of like them. I completely agree with you that they do offer the no advantages but I just like them for their quirkiness. I also would like to know about their origins. I think people tend to pay too much attention to lugs or the lack there of and not pay enough attention to drop outs. I think the choice and execution of brazing and drop out treatments tell as much about the builders expertise as the lug work and brazing. I've seen some Hetchins with what appears to have beautiful craftsmanship until I looked at the front drop outs. The builder had completely undercut the drop outs. To me this is a sloppy rookie mistake and changes my view to this particular frame. This is not a blanket condemnation of Hetchins, just this individual bike. Moral of my story- look at those drop outs.
Curt Goodrich
Minneapolis, MN
> In an effort to start a thread that not only hasn't been beaten to
> death, but hasn't even been discussed. I can't understand the reason
> for semi-vertical dropouts. They seem to be lacking the advantages of
> both horizontal and vertical dropouts. They're heavier, don't position
> the wheel as well, and not as quick as vertical. They also don't have
> the adjustability of horizontal. I've seen pictures of frames going
> back at least back into the early 60s that have horizontal dropouts
> rotated into the semi-vertical. Why did folks do this and can anybody
> think of any advantages of these style of dropout?
> thanks,
> Brandon"monkeyman"Ives
> SB, CA