Originally Posted by PuntualAlex
A question for the assembly: Why are drop-outs used for road bikes and track ends used for track bikes? I can only assume it has something to do with tensioning a chain in a single-speed drivetrain?
Horizontal dropouts allow the rear wheel to be adjusted without having to move the rear brake pads (generally not relevant to fixed gear). Track ends allow the rear wheel to be moved without changing the height of the bottom bracket (generally not relevant to geared bikes). However, some time trial bikes use track ends, so go figure.