Originally Posted by dkb
The problem with QR's on fixed gear bikes is that the horizontal dropouts and (horizontal) track ends allow the axle to slide around more readily than a bike with vertical dropouts, which don't allow for much, if any, horizontal movement.
The sudden torque of the relatively high gearing on fixed gears tends to repeatedly yank at the axles in stop and go traffic. Use tugnuts or chain/axle positioners or whatever they're called to hold your axle in place with the QR's. I'm not a weight weenie so I don't mind carrying my tools and a kitchen sink around with me all the time. I'm not a fan of hills either.
Absolute BS. QR's were used on those bikes with horizontal dropouts for years by guys with legs that can ****ing crush you, and they didn't slip (think Merckx, Lemond, etc.).
The reason QR's have a bad rep is because of the change in application. When vertical dropouts came into vogue, the clamping strength necessary for QR's dropped, so external cam-type became popular, since they are lighter weight and easier to manufacture. Here's the external cam type:
If you use an old QR (one designed for the higher clamping strength horizontal dropouts require) it will be an internal cam-type QR. Like this:
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/acatalog/HUP220RX_150.JPG