Abstract: A bicycle shock absorption system is provided. The shock absorption system includes a frame having an axially extended bracket portion for coaxially supporting the bicycle's chain wheel; at least one elongate chain stay extending between the bicycle's rear hub sprocket and the frame's bracket portion; and, a revolving shaft for pivotally coupling the chain stay to the bracket portion. The revolving shaft is coupled in coaxially rotatable manner to the bracket portion, and includes a pair of axially offset locating ring portions disposed respectively adjacent the axially opposed bracket ends of the bracket portion. The locating rings serve to stop a relative axial displacement of the adjacent bracket end. The revolving shaft is secured to one end of the chain stay.

Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel dropout assembly comprising a wheel dropout body member having a wheel axle receiving slot, a surface for securement of the rear end of a bicycle chainstay, and a seatstay projection a pivot pin projecting laterally from the wheel side of said seatstay projection, the seatstay tube having a lower edge, and means permanently securing said seatstay tube on the projection with said lower edge in engagement with said pivot pin in a predetermined angular orientation for a given bicycle size. In a second embodiment the seatstay projection is spherically shaped and the lower edge of the seat tube has a pivot pin notch with the pivot pin seated in the notch.

Abstract: A swing arm assembly (10) for use in converting a motorcycle into a tricycle is described which includes a rear axle assembly (12) and a swing arm (14) having a first end (16) and a second end (18). The first end (16) is adapted for pivotal attachment to a motorcycle chassis. The swing arm (14) is detachably secured to the rear axle assembly (12). A pair of axle engaging members (22) are secured in spaced relation to the rear axle assembly (12). A pair of telescopically extendable/retractable members (24) are provided having a first end (26) and a second end (28). The first end (26) of each telescopic member (24) is telescopically received in one of the axle engaging members (22). The second end (28) of each telescopic member (24) is attached to the second end (18) of the swing arm (14) after a continuous belt for a belt drive is slid loosely into position. The telescopic members (24) are telescopically extendable once the continuous belt is in position to place the belt in proper operating tension.

Abstract: A bicycle frameset having a front frame portion and a rear triangle swing arm portion, a head tube mounted don the forward end and a seat tube mounted on the trailing end. The rear triangle swing arm incorporates a rigid channel member having a pair of reinforced legs joined by an integral base piece. The lower end of the channel has a shaped edge which is shaped complementary to the shape of the external surface of the bottom bracket. The swing arm bearing and pivot connection to the front frame portion utilizes a clevis-like member bridging the upper ends of the legs of the rigid channel member.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a cycle wheel on a cycle frame includes a cycle wheel hub assembly including a wheel support axle and a hub member rotatably mounted on the wheel support axle. The axle includes movable axle end segments which are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In their extended positions the axle ends are secured to wheel supports connected to the cycle legs.

Abstract: A bicycle frame which includes a strategically-located frame member which is basically a rigid member but which elastically deflects in limited amounts in one direction as it is subjected to increasing compressive forces applied along said direction especially during rough riding conditions but remains rigid and does not deflect when forces normally encountered in the handling and use of a bicycle are applied in other directions to such member. The frame member thus cushions the ride and improves traction while not adding weight or complexity to the frame. In the disclosed embodiment, the frame member is advantageously part of the seatstay and is thus between the seat tube and the rear drop-out. The seatstay incorporating the frame member elastically deflects or deforms under the imposition of sufficient oppositely directed forces of rider weight and ground reaction to absorb part of the force and to maintain traction between the wheel and the ground.

Abstract: An assembly for adjustably supporting a rear wheel of a bicycle at a desired orientation relative to a bicycle frame. The inventive device includes a bicycle frame having a rear vertical member. A rear axle support member is pivotally mounted to a lower portion of the rear vertical member and projects outwardly therefrom to support a rear axle of a rear wheel. An adjustment assembly extends between the rear axle support member and an upper portion of the rear vertical member to adjustably support the rear axle support member at a fixed angle relative to the rear vertical member of the bicycle frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a cycle wheel at either the front or rear of a bicycle. Socket members having notches for receiving wheel supports are connected to the front and back forks of the bicycle. The apparatus includes a lock for locking the socket members against movement with the notches both oriented in a desired direction so that cycle wheel removal and installation is facilitated.

Abstract: A composite bicycle frame containing a hollow slanted-Y-shaped front frame portion, a hollow upper support paw and a hollow lower support paw. The hollow slanted-Y-shaped front frame portion comprises: (1) a generally common junction; (2) a main tube connected between the front fork assembly of the bicycle and a middle portion of the common junction in a slanted manner; (3) an upper branch tube connected between the seat assembly of the bicycle and an upper portion of the common junction in a slanted manner; and (4) a lower branch tube connected between the pedal support assembly of the bicycle and a lower portion of the common junction in a slanted manner. The hollow upper support paw is connected between the seat assembly and the rear wheel shaft assembly of the bicycle, and the hollow lower support paw connected between the pedal support assembly and the rear wheel shaft assembly.

Abstract: A seat stay assembly for a bicycle frame includes a pair of stays which converge toward one another along a first length of the assembly proximal to the rear wheel axle support. Along an intermediate length the stays flair outwardly from one another and contour around to join one another at a distal end proximate the seat post. The contouring of the stays forms a pocket within which the rear tire can pass with substantial clearance from the stays. By this configuration, brake bosses mounted to stays at the points where they change direction are more rigidly supported than in conventional straight stay designs.

Abstract: A newly designed bicycle frame of the type having two wheels, a seat tube to support a seat post and seat, and a rear wheel lug assembly. This frame, called a "uniframe" has a rectangular frame member with front and rear ends. The front end of the rectangle is connected to the seat tube. The sides of the rectangle are supported by a pair of stays to the front and a pair of stays to the rear. The lower ends of the stays connect to the wheel lugs, two on each side.

Abstract: There is disclosed a uniquely shaped bicycle chainstay structure produced using modern metal working methods, without the use of welding. The uniqueness of the structure allows a significant shortening of the chainstay length while increasing the tire and chain-ring clearances. An accomplishment not possible using prior art methods.

Abstract: A suspension system for the drive wheel or wheels of a human powered vehicle provides a direct and rigid connection between the mounting of a driving pulley and the mounting of a driven pulley for rotating the drive wheel or wheels. A single and simple pivot junction allows the swing necessary for suspension of a rigid rear triangle carrying both of these mountings. A pressurized gas bag or a spring system is used to provide a biasing force between the rear triangle and a front triangle. This allows the maximum efficient use of human effort and avoids compromising the ideal operator position on the vehicle, as well as providing adjustable shock absorbing capabilities.

Abstract: The shock absorber device comprises a flexible absorber placed within the tube (1) which supports the sleeve holding the saddle. The rear fork is pivoted corresponding to its front extremities to the lower part of the front tubular structure (9) of the frame. The two arms of the fork, corresponding to their intermediate part, are pivoted to a pin fixed to the extremity of the shaft of the shock absorber. Two slits are formed in the tube (1) so that the pin may slide through the slits.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a durable, lightweight, bicycle dropout-fitting design for use on high strength fiber reinforced composite frames and forks of competition bicycles. The invention provides improved fatigue and impact resistance compared to prior art designs. The invention is configured to make maximum use of modern cold metal forming methods to produce the connecting part and adhesive bonding and/or co-curing methods to join the part to the primary structure. The superior structural performance of the invention is provided by a unique geometry that efficiently utilizes the material properties of the part to maximize the rigidity and strength of the joint.

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.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a two wheel cycle such as a bicycle or motorcycle having a main frame which includes a rearwardly or downwardly inclined down tube. A vertically pivotable rear frame assembly includes a pair of swing arms which extend rearwardly from pivotal connections on the main frame. Rear wheel fitments are carried by the swing arms. A pair of elongated tubelike or rodlike chain stays extend forwardly from the rear fitments at a fixed angle relative to the swing arms. A tubular shock absorber assembly is supported on the down tube and has a spring urging a coupler portion thereof in a forward and upward direction. A double-pivoted link is pivotally connected between the forward ends of the chain stays and a bell crank assembly which is pivotally connected to the underside of the frame, and in turn, connects the double-pivoted link to the coupler portion of the shock absorber assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a suspension system for a bicycle. The suspension system utilizes novel shock absorbers which contain elastomeric elements which are restricted against radial expansion by retention washers. A rear wheel suspension system has a chain stay and a seat stay joined at one end and free at the opposite end. The free end of the chain stay is pivotably attached to the mainframe at a location close to, and preferably above, the largest diameter sprocket of the crank assembly. The linear shock absorbers of the invention are positioned such that they displace along an axis aligned tangentially with a circle having its center at the pivot.

Abstract: A removal preventing mechanism for preventing unexpected removal of a bicycle hub assembly comprises a latch member pivotally mounted to each fork end having a hub mounting cutout which receives a hub shaft. The latch member is pivotable between a locking position for preventing removal movement of the hub shaft from the hub mounting cutout of the fork end and an unlocking position for allowing movement of the hub shaft from and into the hub mounting cutout. The latch member is normally urged to the locking position by a spring.

Abstract: A bicycle frame with improved rigidity and strength is disclosed. The frame has a truss portion and upper and lower stays for connecting a rear wheel to the truss portion of the frame. One or both of the stays comprise a U-shaped tubular member having a curved portion and two leg portions, the leg portions positioned to straddle the rear wheel, and a second tubular member extending between the truss portion of the frame and the curved portion of the U-shaped tubular member. The second tubular member is shaped at one end so as to terminate in gussets that at least partially surround the curved portion of the U-shaped member. In preferred embodiments, the second tubular member is flattened at the end connecting to the U-shaped tubular member to have an elliptical cross-section with an inside minor axis dimension substantially equal to the outside diameter of the U-shaped tubular member, and the gussets terminate at about the centerline of the U-shaped tubular member.

Abstract: A quick-release wheel and cam lever retainer device to prevent accidental separation of wheel from bicycle fork consisting of a quick-release cam lever having an opening in the upper end adjacent to an opening in the lower end of a bicycle fork for cooperatively receiving a means for retaining the cam lever to the fork.

Abstract: Fork ends attachable to opposite sides of a bicycle frame end each include at least an engagement groove to which an end of a rod member for supporting a wheel is engaged. Each fork end is detachably fastened by bolts to the frame of the bicycle within a recess provided therefor. Interposition elements of thicknesses selected to accommodate wheels of different width are provided between each fork and the frame end to which it is attached. In another aspect of this invention, there is provided a bicycle frame with such fork ends attached thereto.

Abstract: An improved vertical dropout assembly for attachment to a bicycle frame is disclosed which comprises an easily replaceable vertical dropout member and an interchangeable derailleur hanger system. The dropout member is configured to allow the adjustment of the rear wheel within the frame of the bicycle and to provide improved clearance between the frame and chain. The derailleur hanger system is operable to position any make of derailleur at its optimum location with respect to the rear wheel and is adapted to be easily replaced in the event of an accident.

Abstract: A self-locking safety retaining mount for use with bicycles utilizing quick-release hubs for front wheel mounting. The mount comprises a left and right configured pair of devices, each of which provides positive closure of the open-ended axle receiving slot in the dropout at the end of each leg of the front forks of a bicycle by rotating a positive barrier load-bearing surface latch across the end of the axle receiving slot. The latch is retained in the closed position by the forces exerted by an accidentally loosened or undertightened hub on the load-bearing surface formed by the closed latch in cooperation with a pivot.

Abstract: A replaceable bicycle derailleur hanger comprises a plate-like dropout member and a plate-like hanger member. A coupling portion of the hanger member is bifurcated to form legs defining a slot, and a dropout portion of a dropout member is received in the slot with a close fit. One or more removable fasteners join the two members at their overlapping juncture.

Abstract: The rotary axle of the support arm device is adapted to be maintained in position rigidly and in adjustable manner at the free end of the arm and the free end of the arm comprise plane and generally axial bearing surfaces adapted to contact corresponding bearing surfaces directed generally transversally and provided on two rings of a removable bracket piece in order to allow a rigid blocking of this bracket piece on the free end of the arm after adjusting the position and the device is applied when an easy adjusting of the chain tension is required, especially for a rear wheel of a motorcycle.

Abstract: The present cover assembly is for providing a "custom look" and a safe enclosure for either end of the rear wheel axle on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The cover assembly has (1) a recessed cover which fits over and around the parts of the axle that project laterally beyond the adjacent side of the wheel and (2) a mounting bracket to which the cover is attached by screws. The mounting bracket fits on the usual axle adjuster bolt on the motorcycle so that it can be clamped against the usual rear axle/frame horn.

Abstract: A bicycle with an eccentric rear wheel including a inner rim with two plates set in parallel with each other across a diameter of the inner rim and an outer rim. A sleeve with a seat formed on it is provided around a hub of the eccentric wheel and serves to receive a shaft head extending from one end of a threaded shaft. The threaded shaft has a pinion on an end thereof opposite to said shaft head. Toothed blocks are slidably mounted on each seat stay to be engageable with the toothed pinion so as to cause the wheel to rotate more or less eccentrically about the hub.

Abstract: An all-terrain wheelchair includes a frame which has a steering platform attached to the forward most portion. The steering platform has an operable ground-engaging pneumatic wheel which is controlled by a steering handle. The steering handle may be selectively locked in a fixed position by an operable locking mechanism. A seat is attached to the rearward portion of the frame. Attached to the frame on each side of the seat is an elongated axle with a large diameter, ground-engaging wheel. Each wheel has a plurality of uniformly spaced tubular members secured to the outer peripheral sides of each wheel and extending horizontally outwardly therefrom. A removably attached arm on each axle can be operably engaged with the tubular members to cause forward or rearward motion of the vehicle. An operable winch is mounted forwardly of the seat on the frame.

Abstract: A dropout member for bicycle frames is designed to cause an easily replaceble part to separate under stresses which would normally be sufficient to cause bending or other damage to the bicycle frame itself. A relatively lightweight piece of material is bolted, riveted, adhesively bonded or otherwise fastened to the main portion of the dropout such that a torque or bending moment placed upon the derailleur plate serves to fracture or bend the derailleur plate or disengage the attaching mechanism.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a rear fork assembly for a bycycle includes the steps of: (1) making seat stay tubes and chain stay tubes and drop outs as separate components with universally pivotable, abuttable joints between the stay tubes and mating portions of the drop outs; (b) clamping these components at a predetermined angular relationship; and (c) welding the joints to fix them in that predetermined angular relationship. In one embodiment, the joints are ball and socket type and the seat stay tubes are connected to the seat tube through an inverted U-shaped yoke and a straight yoke tube with modified ball and socket type joints at the top and bottom of the yoke. In another embodiment, the seat stay tubes are connected directly between the drop outs and the yoke tube.

Abstract: A quick-release wheel retainer consisting of a hooked-shaped member having a generally planar shaped tab attached thereto and extending outwardly therefrom approximately perpendicular to the hook-shaped member. The member is pivotally connected to a vertical drop-out of a bicycle front fork and the pivot connection is positioned directly above the drop-out slot such that, once in a locked position about a bicycle axle, the weight of the axle against the member causes the retainer to remain in that locked position.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a motorcycle including a relatively stable member and a swingable member swingably connected with the stable member and supporting thereon a road wheel. The wheel suspension system comprises at least one torsion bar arranged on the stable member, a force transmission route adapted to transmit forces acting thereon, the force transmission route being connected with the swingable member and the torsion bar, and a lever type damper having an operation shaft adapted to provide damping forces when rotated, the operation shaft being engaged with the force transmission route.The system is substantially free from restrictions with respect to configuration and damping force producing direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle, the frame (31) of which is connected to a single-arm drive extension (30) which, at its rear end, has firmly connected to it a rear wheel axle (11a) which is rotatably mounted and can be driven by a drive device (38,33,34,35), onto which rear wheel axle (11a) the rear wheel can be attached from one side. Moreover, the front wheel holder connected to the bicycle frame (31) is designed as a monospar fork (1), with the front wheel axle (11) being firmly connected to the monospar fork (1) for accommodating the front wheel on one side. The wheels (8a,8b) have wheel hubs (9a,9b) which are designed in half shell shapes and are open towards the axle bearing devices (12,13,14), with a break device (22), which is firmly connected to the axle bearing device, being arranged within at least one half shell shaped wheel hub, which brake device (22) can be pressed against the inner peripheral surface of a wheel hub (9a, 9b) for braking the bicycle.

Abstract: A thin U-shaped rear axle guide plate made of steel is detachably attached along rear end portions of rear fork arms made of light alloy and formed in a bifurcate shape. This rear axle guide plate is made longer at its lower branch portion than its upper branch portion, and a free end portion of its lower branch portion includes a projection projecting upward. The rear fork arms are provided at side surfaces opposite to the rear axle guide plate with a retaining pin projecting therefrom. Engaged with this retaining pin is a cam face of a drive chain tension adjusting plate pivotably supported by the rear axle. The adjusting plate is pressed and held by a nut which is in threaded engagement with the retaining pin. The adjusting plate may be formed with an annular rib around an opening in which the rear axle penetrates, and this annular rib may be engaged with step portions formed at the rear fork arms.

Abstract: Front and rear wheel drop outs for bicycle frames that are specially suited for bicycle frames of the tubular strut type used in light weight high performance high quality bicycles, the frames of which comprise a plurality of tubular strut members interconnected by lugs and brackets to form the well known generally diamond shaped frame that includes the familiar head, top, down, and seat tubes, the familiar pair of seat stay tubes, and the familiar pair of chain stay tubes. The invention provides for a special front wheel fork tip arrangement of the drop out type that is applied and brazed, socket fitted, relation to each fork blade of the front wheel mounting fork assembly, and a special rear wheel drop out bracket arrangement involving right hand side and left hand side drop outs that are formed to receive in brazed, socket fitted, relation the bicycle frame seat stay tube and the frame chain stay tube that is to be made fast to same.

Abstract: A rear wheel supporting system for a motorcycle wherein an end portion of a rear axle--which is supported by the rear end portions of a rear fork--on the side opposite to the side where a rear wheel driving means is disposed, is supported so as to be movable resiliently in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A rear fork for a motorcycle having hollow rear arms and metal end pieces for receiving an axle. The rear fork can be made of integrally molded fiber reinforced plastic. The metal end piece conforms to the configuration of the end of the arm and has locating projections which abut the end of the arm. The metal end piece can be inserted into the arm or can externally surround the end of the arm.

Abstract: A bicycle fork end fitment connector comprising a two- or three-layer lamination press-welded into a unitary part. A base plate is cold-formed from flat, uniform thickness mild steel plate stock and has a slot. One or two face plates are formed from flat, uniform thickness stainless steel sheet stock each having a slot matching the size and shape of the slot in the base plate. A plurality of small diameter convex protuberances are formed on one side of each face plate before assembly. The base and face plates are assembled in an electric press welder with the slots in registration, while current is applied to fuse them into a solid unit. In one embodiment, a single face plate is assembled on one side only of the base plate. In another embodiment, a pair of face plates are assembled on opposite sides of the base plate. The face plate or plates comprise a raised hub portion or portions, the opposite, outer surfaces of the connector being precisely flat and parallel.

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle comprising a vehicular body inclusive structure having the center of gravity thereof deviated in either transverse direction from the vehicle center line, a steering system inclusive structure transversely turnably connected with the vehicular body inclusive structure, and front and rear wheels supported by the vehicular body and steering system inclusive structures, respectively.Either one or both of the front and rear wheels are offset with respect to the vehicle center line, in the opposite transverse direction and in the same transverse direction as the center of gravity of the vehicular body inclusive structure, respectively. In this manner, the vehicle is permitted to travel in a straight course with a substantially upright position.

Abstract: The fixing device is cheap and facilitates the mounting of the derailleur on the frame lug. This is achieved in providing on the support of the derailleur a wedging device which is rotatably mounted on the support with a high degree of friction and is adapted to cooperate with the frame lug. The support further comprises preferably an elastically yieldable device which is capable of clipping in the slot of the frame lug so as to center the support.

Abstract: An axle assembly for the mounting of wheels in vehicle forks with a tensioning member over which inner pre-load nuts apply axial force to spaced bearings and characterized by shear sleeves transferring loads from the forks and into the inner pre-load nuts and tensioning member for support through inner races of the bearings, the shear sleeves closely coupling forces in shear and protecting threaded engagements enabling the use of light alloy parts of reduced configuration.

Abstract: A wheel hub for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, includes a quick clamping device for securing the hub axle in the fork of a bicycle frame. The device includes a clamping unit at each end of the hub axle. Each clamping unit contains an adjusting nut screwed onto one end of the axle, a thrust ring inboard of the nut, and a pivotally movable clamping member with eccentric cams positioned between facing surfaces on the nut and thrust ring. By pivoting the clamping member the position of the cams is changed for displacing the clamping device from the release position to the locking position where the hub axle can be tightly clamped in the fork without any special shaping of the axle.

Abstract: A quick-release type hub for bicycles comprises a hub shell journalled on a stationary tubular axle through which extends a slidable spindle, at one end of which a cam lever is mounted co-axially rotatably with an actuating member which includes a clamping edge section and a releasing edge section; an elastically deformable spring washer interposed between the actuating member and a push member slidably mounted on the spindle, so that the push member is prevented from sliding axially outwardly as long as the clamping edge section is in contact with the spring washer; and the spindle being axially slidable only when the releasing edge section is in contact with the spring washer.

Abstract: An integral monolithic strut for the rear brake of bicycles is described which comprises a one piece structure having a central portion of cubic shape through which an opening is caved out for the passage of the bolt which serves as support for the brake, the central portion extending in two lateral portions which have the shape of a truncated cone. The opening is sufficient to permit the complete insertion of a threaded bushing which has a handle bolt for fixing the screw which emerges from the body of the brake. The diameter of the opening is slightly greater than the diameter of the bushing, and the difference between the two diameters is sufficient for the insertion of a toothed disc which permits a perfect blocking of the body of the brake while the bushing is entirely fixed in the interior of the strut.

Abstract: A bicycle operated by a rider in a reclining position. The frame of the bicycle is constructed of a forward section, a middle section and a rear section. The rear section supports the rear wheel and the back of the seat. An X member behind the seat connected to the rear section provides further support for the back of the seat. The forward section is reinforced by a pair of more or less parallel crank assembly braces extending from the rear of the middle section to a crank assembly positioned at the front of the forward section. A chain extends from the crank assembly to the rear wheel to drive the bicycle.

Abstract: Bicycle frame support member for holding the axle of a rear wheel provided with a plurality of sprocket wheels, of the type comprising at least an upper end adapted to be connected to the frame of the bicycle, a lower end to which is fixed the body of a derailer, and an elongated notch adapted to receive the axle of the wheel, the support member further comprising a lug pierced with an orifice, disposed on the upper part of the support and projecting towards the outside with respect to the plane of the support and intended to guide the derailer-actuating cable which passes through the orifice pierced in said lug.

Abstract: Bicycle wheels are mounted on single suspension struts, each having an axle secured horizontally. Adjacent to the strut is an independently rotatable assembly. For the rear wheel, the assembly includes an overrunning clutch having its outer driven portion, which bears a brake disc, splined into the inner surface of the wheel hub, and its inner driving ratchet operably coupled to a drive sprocket. For the front wheel, an identical wheel hub is splined into the outer surface of a rotatable assembly which bears a brake disc.

Abstract: A two wheeled, rider propelled vehicle having both wheels pivotably mounted upon a medial principal frame. The pivotable rear wheel frame supports pedal mechanism propelling the rear wheel and may be steered by the feet of the user. Mechanical biasing means communicate between the pivotable rear wheel frame and main frame to bias motion and a latching mechanism allows fixed positioning of the two members. A vertically adjustable seat is fixedly carried by the principal frame and the forward portion of the vehicle provides a traditional manually steerable, pivotably mounted front wheel frame.

Abstract: A dropout member for bicycle frames is designed to cause an easily replaceable part to separate under stresses which would normally be sufficient to cause bending or other damage to the bicycle frame itself. A relatively lightweight piece of material is bolted, riveted, adhesively bonded or otherwise fastened to the main portion of the dropout such that a torque or bending moment placed upon the derailleur plate serves to fracture or bend the derailleur plate or disengage the attaching mechanism.