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Despite the increased stresses placed on a mountain bike, the way in which the wheel is clamped into a XC frame has not fundamentally changed for 100 years, apart from the addition of a quick release! Some downhill bikes feature oversize bolted through-axle systems which were originally invented for use on high performance motorbikes because they offer significant stiffness benefits, but the system is not particularly user friendly because it lacks a quick release facility and requires special non-standard hubs. Our patented “Big Gripper” dropout system offers all of the stiffness benefits of a 20mm through axle, but with a slick quick release system that allows you to remove your wheel faster than with a conventional QR. When the dropout is opened it swings the rear derailleur back, moving the jockey wheel and chain out of the way and allowing the rear wheel to be removed with ease. When the rear wheel is clamped into the dropout it is supported by the wrap around clasps through a full 360 degrees, unlike a conventional dropout which only clamps through 180 degrees. This has the dual advantage of increasing stiffness and of ensuring exact wheel location time and again, a particular benefit to riders using disc brakes.What’s more, any standard hub can be converted to fit our system. So, if you have your favourite set of super-light wheels, you can add the converter and enjoy all of the added stiffness that the Big Gripper offers.