seat_boy

I'm going to flip it around, what's the advantage of the track ends?

Forward facing dropouts allow an easier wheel removal.

Forward facing dropouts allow easier wheel adjustment while keeping brake alignment.

Forward facing dropouts allow better wheel retention, since some of the force goes into the angled part of the dropout (ie, into the frame, whereas a track dropout has absolutely nothing stopping the wheel from sliding forward except for the axle clamping force).

I've had many bikes with both, and my strong preference is for forward facers.

Rolla

One advantage is the ability to securely run the rear axle all the way forward.

But with a track end, you can't pull the wheel completely free of the frame.

On the bikes for which track ends were originally designed, that's a moot point; they don't have brakes.

I have bikes with each kind of dropout, and I just use a tensioner on both. Makes setting and maintaining chain tension foolproof, and keeps the axle from moving.

Lazyass

I was looking at getting chain tugs for my Wabi. According to my digital caliper the dropout is @ 8.40mm thick. Since an 8mm tug is too small, I assume a 10mm would be fine? I'd like to get the MKS's unless someone has a better suggestion.

seat_boy

I can't see this as an advantage for two reasons:

- your chain length has to be just right to run the wheel all the way forward, which is unlikely, and even if you can achieve this...
- wheel removal is almost impossible with the chain tight and the wheel against the forward end of the track end. I've built a bike like this; I had to break the chain to remove the wheel. Doh!

One small advantage of track ends: you can minimize your chain stay length, which might be good for track use. A forward facing dropout requires some extra space between the tire and seat tube to remove the wheel.

Rolla

I didn't mean the axle can or should rest against the front of the track end; I meant that you can run it further forward than on a forward-facing drop-out, because you can't pull the wheel out of the frame under effort.

Exercise your preferences as you will, but the "advantage : disadvantage" ratio is about equal.

wabi_damon

MKS won't fit. Surly makes a nice one (though admittedly large).

TejanoTrackie 

The neat thing about the Surly Tuggnut is that it'll work with both a nutted solid axle and a quick release in a hollow axle. That is how I have my Soma Rush set up with Wabi wheels.


2011 Soma Rush with Wabi wheels.