Heavier, more expensive.
I'm talking about with disc brakes.
What are the advantages of EBB, other than 'ideal' chainstay length?
Far easier to get the wheel in and out, plus no faff with getting the disc caliper in the right place.
It also changes bb height and st angle,which depending on your needs is good/bad.
Both systems have their advantages/disadvantages as I don't believe there is a 'perfect' system out there (yet).
Rickos-I think you're thinking of horizontal dropouts not sliders/swingers.
There is no perfect setup. EBB changes the geometry, all the others change the chainstay length.
The best is a normal frame with a tensioner, but they look unitdy, are a bit noisy and a bit of a faff.
Simplicity and ease of use. Fit and forget. (or maybe give it a bit of grease once a year if a Phil wood one)
Anything that needs chain tugs or a nutted axle to work is a faff compared to a Phil wood ebb.
Rickos-I think you're thinking of horizontal dropouts not sliders/swingers.]
Oh yeah. 😳
EBB also changes the (effective) chainstay length 🙂
Aesthetically, I think EBB looks better, but since sliding dropouts can be retrofitted I do a lot more of those.
The geometry change with an EBB is less than it looks, most only allow for about 1/2inch of movement (1 chain link), some allow even less than that with about 1/4inch meaning you have to get the chain length right with a half link.
Are they heavier? I've no idea, but the weight would be low and central at least, rather than over the back wheel.
No alignment worries, the rear wheel is always straight in the frame.
Less parts:
1 EBB
2 bolts
Vs
2 sliders
4 or 6 bolts
Theoretically it should be stiffer too, big BB shell and small dropouts, rather than normal BB and big dropouts acting as levers on the ned of the stays. I say theoreticaly though as I cant think of any examples of otherwise identical frames to compare.
friend of mine likes the ebbs that come on sc chameleons so much he's on this third in 5 years. 😈
same frame! they seem to end up creaking and not staying tight, despite various experiments with/without grease, loctite, carbon paste etc. etc.
sliding dropout may not be elegant, unless you see elegance in simplicity and ease of use.
I've had EBB's*, sliders and horizontal dropouts.
All have had bad points.
Mrs ssstu's salsa uses swinging dropouts and has been great. Easy to use and no creaking.
*Bushnells, Carvers and Phill Woods.
These have been doing the job for me for the past 7 years without problem (chain tension can be adjusted in about 40 seconds).
[img] 
[/img]
Image not working above.
Try this one.
[img] 
[/img]