A couple weekends ago at Frostbike, we introduced our E46 prototype to a small group of dealers and vendors. Word got out, and we've received a lot of interest, but there's also a healthy bit of confusion, so this morning we went ahead and sent out the following press release: 

Problem Solvers Designs New Eccentric Option for PressFit 30 Frames

Problem Solvers has introduced the E46, a prototype eccentric bottom bracket to help riders adapt new frames with 46mm inside-diameter bottom bracket shells (the same size used for PressFit 30 bottom brackets) for singlespeed use. 

This is the first product designed for this application. “Singlespeed setups established relevance in cross-country and cyclocross a long time ago,” said Problem Solvers brand manager Chris Duerkop, “but it doesn’t seem manufacturers have caught up; new frames don’t have an elegant solution for singlespeed.”

The E46 accepts cranks with 24mm spindles used in popular external bottom brackets from FSA, Race Face, Shimano, SRAM and Truvativ. When installed, the bottom bracket has 16mm of fore-to-aft adjustability to add chain tension as needed. 

"In 2011 we’re seeing more manufacturers adopt the PressFit 30 standard,” said Problem Solvers product development manager Joe Meiser, “by 2012 it will be the dominant standard for new frames due to component availability and ease of manufacture,”

The prototype was first shown at Frostbike, the annual vendor and dealer event held in February by QBP. According to Problem Solvers design engineer Sean Mailen, the E46 has exceeded expectations: “We’ve been testing the prototypes, both with FEA and riding on some very harsh Minnesota winter days—the performance has been great.” 

Dealers can expect the E46 to be in stock at QBP by early July, just in time for cyclocross season. The E46 will sell at an MSRP of $150.