Direct Mount derailleur hangers are ushering in a new era, just like the 15mm QR has for forks. It's not necessarily frame stiffness that makes a direct mount dropout so desirable. It's ease of use, simplified components, and enhanced shifting.

The Direct Mount Dropout works with Direct Mount Shimano Shadow Rear derailleurs to eliminate a flimsy link and offer more precise shifts. This standard also makes wheel removal and instillation much more hassle free. The Santa Cruz Bicycles 12x142 Direct Mount Dropout Kit is comparable with 2012 and newer frames.