Bicycle frame with convertible dropouts

A bicycle frame comprising a wheel support adapted to receive a bicycle wheel having a wheel axle, the wheel support including:

• an axle opening having a first width;
• a first axle slot contiguous with the axle opening, the first axle slot having a second width that is less than the first width and sized to accommodate a first hub having an end with a first diameter;
• and
• a second axle slot contiguous with the axle opening, the second axle slot having a third width larger than the second width and sized to accommodate a second hub having an end with a second diameter that is different from the first diameter,
• wherein the first axle slot extends laterally only partially through the wheel support.

A method of changing an original wheel of a bicycle having a frame including a wheel support, the original wheel having an original axle, and the wheel support including an axle opening having a first width, at least a portion of the original axle being positioned in the axle opening, and the wheel support further including an axle slot contiguous with the axle opening, the axle slot having a second width that is less than the first width, the method comprising:

• removing the original wheel from the wheel support;
• positioning a converter at least partially in the axle opening, wherein the converter defines an axle receiving area contiguous with the axle slot and having a third width smaller than the first width;
• providing a replacement wheel having a replacement hub that has a replacement axle;
• and
• sliding the replacement axle through the axle slot and into the receiving area defined by the converter.