Yup, you're absolutely right there about Enigma. Your link seems to be to a different website to the regular one. All the frames seem to be road bike though, which is no bad thing but I can't afford two bikes!!

To be honest, I get a little lost with all this internet stuff and the digital age in general. Show me something mechanical and i'm happy! The ideal being an old MV Agusta racebike but that's another matter altogether….

Changing the subject a little but has anyone else seen the dropouts from Black Cat Bicycles in California? They're made to design by Super Rat Machine Works.

Black Cat Bicycles is run by a chap by the name of Todd Ingermanson. His frames look sublime. If you're into single speed or gear hubs this set up seems like a viable alternative to Paragon or an EBB. Also, is it me or do the Americans have a subtlety and sophistication that UK framebuilders seem to lack? I'm not trying to be provocative here!!

Changing the subject a little but has anyone else seen the dropouts from Black Cat Bicycles in California? They're made to design by Super Rat Machine Works.

Black Cat Bicycles is run by a chap by the name of Todd Ingermanson. His frames look sublime. If you're into single speed or gear hubs this set up seems like a viable alternative to Paragon or an EBB.

Seen them? I designed them! Well not quite but I did some drawings for a very similar construct a few years ago.

Dec. 2004 to be precise. Anyhow, there are a number of reasons I never follwed through with such a design for my frames and think an ebb is a better solution in every way. Lots of moving parts, lots of bolts which need loosening/tightening to adjust chain tension, braking forces through the pivot, probably heavier, expensive to produce…

Also, is it me or do the Americans have a subtlety and sophistication that UK framebuilders seem to lack? I'm not trying to be provacative here!!

Now there is an assertion…. I think it is simply the case that it is a much bigger industry in the US, therefore there is a greater chance of seeing something which suits your taste. Especially if you start talking about some of the classic UK builders I think there's little in it.

Sam, that's very,very interesting indeed. Well knock me down with a feather!! What's your background or aren't you willing to divulge in public, so's to speak!

I agree wholeheartedly with you about EBBs but have been put off a little by reports of slipping and creaking. Maybe the latest Bushnell pretty much solves this? I agree, on all levels with you about EBBs from an engineering 'solution' point of view. It's never going to be 100% but they're a much more sophisticated alternative to sliding/swinging/pivoting dropouts etc.

I've also reflected on the fact that the USA is a much bigger country with a lot more people, all hopefully, thinking in slightly different ways! Maybe it's just that California funkiness that feeds into their thinking, probably derived from their climate?

I like the dropouts from these guys.

http://www.2soulscycles.com/

Not a UK framebuilder though.

messiah – that's what matt's putting on my next rohloff frame. they are nice, decent people too

I'd like to see that.

Next year I would like to get something built… but I've been saying that every year since I last did nearly 6 years ago.