Hello - I am starting to look around for a decent frame that I can use to build up a fixie. Are there any hints you all could give me on frames with horizontal drops outs? Just about every bike I've ever riden or seen (when I bothered to look) have slanted or vertical drops. Do I have to keep my eyes peeled for a used track frame (slim chance in Alaska ) or are there other more common frames that will serve? Your wisdom and experience is requested.

Thanks!!

horizontal doesn't mean that the dropouts are truly horizontal, it just means that they aren't vertical, so you can slide the axle backwards or forwards a bit.

Hey, I used to live in Fairbanks.

You should be able to find something used and cheap (but high quality nonetheless) with horizontal dropouts. Here's a link with some pics of what you're looking for: https://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_dr-z.html#dropout

Thanks for clarification on my terms, there, dolface, and thanks for the link Spider-Man. So I don't need the "track forend" (not a drop out!), just a horizontal drop-out? I have an old Cannondale that might fit the bill hanging in my garage right now.

correct, all you need is some room to slide the wheel back and forth so you can get the chain tight.

(and you don't even really need that, you can a buy a widget called the 'eno eccentric hub' that will work for vertical dropouts, but they're a little pricey).

also, read everything in the link spider-man posted, it'll make your life easier in the long run.