Hi all!
Newb here and im not sure which way to go. I have a mtb frame with vert dropouts that im converting to ss. Should i buy a tensioner or weld on some horizontal dropouts. I'm a welder, so the cost is about the same, as i would do the welding myself. Any suggestions?

My biggest concern with welding the horizontal dropouts would be keeping it true (straight). Your in the same predicament that I am in. I have an extra frame that I'd like to fixie, but not sure which route to rake yet.

A tensioner works well enough for SS in my opinion so I wouldn't go through the hassle of changing the dropouts unless you have experience working specifically with frame building.

The best option is an eccentric hub or bottom bracket, but that'll cost you. IMO most sensible thing is a tensioner

Unless you ever intend to run it fixed, definitely a tensioner. That way it's also always revertible to some other, geared form.

I agree. Go tensioner - it's the cheapest most hassle-free way to go SS.

What kind of frame is it? Ever consider going to a 29'er?

If you are confident in your welding ability, horizontal dropouts are much less of a hassle in the long run IMO.

just use a tensioner. welding the frame will basically destroy any possible resale value it could have. Or, even for personal use, it really limits what you can do w/ the bike in the future. Get a surly tensioner, i think they are like 30 bucks.