Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Is this possible?

I was wondering if it's possible to do a conversion when the frame I'm using has horizontal dropouts which are about a centimeter long. They're not vertical, they're proper horizontal ones, but they're as short as vertical dropouts would be. If I didn't want to use a chain tensioner, is this a possible conversion?

Yes, you could use an eccentric rear hub or bottom bracket.

post a picture so we can tell. My thoughts are as long as you can get a washer to get complete contact there isn't a reason it wouldn't. But post a picture and it'll help a ton

If they are the type of dropouts I'm imagining, yes though you might have to file them out some to get good chain tension. Though you should be able to find a suitable road bike for like 15 dollars with nice long horizontal dropouts and that might save you the headache.

You should be able to do it. You may have to get creative with gearing and/or use a half link, but it ought to be doable.

It's quite possible, but might have to magic gear it, depending on how much adjustment you actually have. Measure your chainstay length as accurately as possible, and use this calc to try to get as close as you can: http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/bike/chain_length/chainlengthcalc.html.

I did this to a vertical drop-out frame, and with a lot of luck, it's perfect, as I even have just enough adjustment to make up for chain stretch. Since your drop-outs are actually horizontal, you'll have a good chance of getting a good chain tension along with the magic gear. However, you might not have enough room to just be able to switch cogs/chainrings in and out, so you might have to stick with the magic gear ratio, which means you'll have to swap both chainring and cog to change you gear inches.

Thanks.
I'd post a picture but my computer's being a bit funny right now.
This sounds like it might be more trouble than it's worth.
Since I got the frame for free I might just sell it off and get a one that works better.

I have the same dropout on a bianchi. I don't have the same range of gearing but I found one that worked. 44x16 BTW.

Yeah, you can do it. I had the same dilemma and just had to shorten my chain to the exact number of links. Just make sure the washer comes in complete contact with the dropout, and check it often.