EBB vs. dropouts

[xizangsteve]

Hello all:
I am new to the whole SS thing but very interested. I'd like to know if anyone has experience with EBB's? Are they easy to use, reliable and resistant to slipping? Would I be better off sticking to the normal SS dropouts? Just looking for pro vs. con opinions. Thank you. Steve

[riderx]

Short answer: The big advantage of the EBB is it is easier to run disc brakes on the frame.

I know a few people with them and they work just fine. This FAQ (http://www.mtbr.com/faq/ssfaq.shtml) should answer all of your EBB questions. Check the "Single Speed Frame Types/Designs" section.

[camp]

I agree, EBB. I wish I'd chosen that so that I could use disks, AND, change flats more quickly when time matters. It takes me awhile to get the axles back in the exact same spot they were in before the flat, which is important for brake pad alignment. With vertical drops, it's quick and simple.

[Dirt]

As the FAQ riderx pointed to states, there are a few different kinds of EBBs. I've used different ones on tandems as well as on a few SSs that I've ridden. Here's what I've found:

Any of the EBBs that you ride need maintenance. From time to time you need to take the EBB out of the bike, clean the inside and outside, then put a thin layer of grease on the BB shell and eccentric, then put it all back together.

If you don't maintain the EBB, it will creak and make noise. Corrosion can also make it so it is difficult to adjust.

Hope that helps a little.

Peter

[f5000sl]

If you look for a bike with EBB, Cannondale makes a sweet one with not too hefty a price tag.

[themonkeyman]

the only problem with EBB frames is that they are cost-prohibitive to most people :(

[dmofot]

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=FR606A01

$425 for an ebb frame, probably about the cheapest I've seen so far. That's about the same price as a Surly 1x1, only you don't get a fork.

DT

[themonkeyman]

You could have an EBB retro-fitted into your current frame. It'll cost you about $100-$150 to have it done.

[jsajko]

Steve Stickel out of Shenandoah Bicycle Company in Harrisonburg is producing custom frames with EBBs at very reasonable costs.

You can avoid these issues of brake alignments and the "need" for disc brakes by simply running a fixed gear you sillies. Keep it simple, that is what single speeding is about is it not?

[themonkeyman]

But even with a fixie, you still need some way to keep the chain taut. And on a fixie a chain tensioner won't work, because when you pedal backwards, there's torque on the chain going through the tensionser, and it go's slack. I hope you can gather what I'm tring to say--Graham

[dmofot]

You could have an EBB retro-fitted into your current frame. It'll cost you about $100-$150 to have it done.

Right, but does that include repainting the frame? Just curious. I've heard a lot of "it'll only cost $100-150 for an ebb conversion", but has anyone followed through and are there any other associated costs? Repainting and shipping/handling come to mind, just off the top of my head.

Oh and to the fixie stuff, don't use a tensioner (derailleur type not dropout tug). Surly even says theirs is NOT for use on a fixie. Having said that, if your comtemplating an EBB or horizontal drops, you have nothing to worry about when running fixie, nothing else needed. But just like singlespeed, it's not for everyone, even more so on the fixie side of things.

DT

[jsajko]

Yes, thanks for pointing out the obvious need to adjust tension on a fixie, horizontal or diagonal dropouts suffice. No chain tensioner of course. Most old steel frames can support fixing, if not have your friendly frame-builder put some horizontal ones on for you. You can do this for $100 or less.