Abstract: A dropout for a bicycle receiving tube includes an integral consumable ring which is melted upon the application of heat thereto to form a weld joint between the tube and the dropout. A one-piece dropout for a front axle includes a cylindrical mounting portion, a slotted front portion, and a tapered transition portion. The dropout can be cast or machined from a single piece of barstock such that the slotted front portion is offset radially inwardly relative to a largest outer diameter of the dropout. A three-piece dropout for receiving a rear axle includes two transition elements and a slotted plate welded to the transition elements.