To create a new bottom bracket “standard” you’re gonna need a test mule. For Alec White of White Industries, that test mule just happens to be a really, really nice Engin Cycles custom gravel bike. To help facilitate the creation of the new T47 bottom bracket and their prototype crankset, Alec worked with Engin to build this beauty that also features Engin’s new thru axle dropouts…
Setting the bike apart from most other Engin Cycles at the moment is the addition of a T47 bottom bracket – sort of a threaded version of the PF30. If you haven’t read up on the new concept, start here and here.
On the Engin side the frame features their new thru axle dropout which is machined completely in house. Starting with a solid plate of titanium, the locating holes and axle holes are drilled and then a complete set of dropouts is machined from the plate – a process that takes more than 4 hours to complete.
Built around the 12mm Shimano thru axle standard, the dropouts use a custom nut on the drive side for easier location of the final lever position. The nut presses into the dropout and is held in place with a set screw. Loosen the set screw, place the skewer in the final position, then tighten down the set screw and you’re done.
Compatible with both standard and Direct Mount Shimano derailleur hangers, which attach to the dropout with two screws.
The other noteworthy new “standard” on the Engin comes in the form of their new 12mm thru axle fork. Drew Guldaliun, owner and builder of Engin Cycles thinks that 12mm thru axles are the way forward for road and cross since 15mm seems a bit overbuilt for the task. Since the threads in this case are fixed to the fork dropout, the same Shimano skewer can’t be used for the front but Drew says he plans to use Paul Set N’Forget thru axles which will allow matching parts styles front and rear.
