ENO vs. Drop Out Conversion

[noise_is_life]

I have an old steel GT (MTB) that I want to convert to a fixie just to play around on (I know, I've been talking about this for a while, just hasn't happened yet).

The obvious method for doing this with an ENO eccentric hub.

The other method that I hadn't really considered until recently would be to take it to a frame builder like Bob Brown and have him put horizontal drops on it.

So what do you think which is the better, cheaper, more reliable, easier, etc. solution.

[danger!]

Having Bob add hoizontal track ends will be the cheapest and easiest. He'll do it for $85, and you don't need to rebuild your wheel. Plus, it'll give you an excuse to paint the frame with a nice coat of flat black! ;)

-Dan

[funky-funky-chicken]

I've grown to really like riding fixed off-road. I have been using the ENO eccentric rear hub set up with fixed on the one side and freewheel on the other. I haven't really used the freewheel much though because I have been riding exclusively fixed lately.

The nice thing about builiding up a wheel versus converting the frame is the fact that you can someday move the wheel to ANY bike.

[jeffgude]

Anyone else using the ENO hub? I have some interest in a conversion using one...

[funky-funky-chicken]

Anyone else using the ENO hub? I have some interest in a conversion using one...
I believe One on One would be the local experts. I think that Gene and Reed have fixed up a number of customers. I built up an ENO road wheel for a guy that I used to work with and he loves his too. It really is a slick solution. I have plans on building up yet another one for a different singlespeed project I have brewing.

One of the other advantages of the ENO over horizontal... Although minor, you always have the wheel in straight in the frame. No worries of having to pull the wheel back at the right angle while tightening bolts. (I know... I might be reaching here.)

[soupboy]

...a bolt on axle or run two chain tensioners with a standard QR. Ask Bob to use the Surly dropouts and pair with Surly Tuggnuts that have an adapter for standard QRs.

You are going to damage yourself riding fixed my friend...I've seen you on freewheels!

Sean

Having Bob add hoizontal track ends will be the cheapest and easiest. He'll do it for $85, and you don't need to rebuild your wheel. Plus, it'll give you an excuse to paint the frame with a nice coat of flat black! ;)

-Dan

[rowland]

i also run an eno and am very happy with it.

its very simple and has never lost chain tension.

[noise_is_life]

...a bolt on axle or run two chain tensioners with a standard QR. Ask Bob to use the Surly dropouts and pair with Surly Tuggnuts that have an adapter for standard QRs.


Yeah, I was wondering how that would work.


You are going to damage yourself riding fixed my friend...I've seen you on freewheels!

That's a distinct possibility, but if I hate it I figure I can get more for it as a fixed up fixie that I can as an circa '92 entry level full rigid geary.

[el gueche]

well for what it's worth - i have both of your considerations and both are excellent pieces of kit - the conversion hasn't been ridden yet - i'm currently stripping the frame, but the work looks very, very clean - very pleased - i've only had 1 ride on the ENO but again it's a beautiful piece of kit and all i've heard is excellent comments - so, well, aahhh - h*!! get both -

[noise_is_life]

well for what it's worth - i have both of your considerations and both are excellent pieces of kit - the conversion hasn't been ridden yet - i'm currently stripping the frame, but the work looks very, very clean - very pleased - i've only had 1 ride on the ENO but again it's a beautiful piece of kit and all i've heard is excellent comments - so, well, aahhh - h*!! get both -

Actually your post was what inspired me to explore the drop out replacement option.