On the subject of track ends, there really isn't a good reason. It's pretty much old school aesthetics at this point. Don't agree? Tell me how a full horizontal track end is so much better than a mostly horizontal dropout (say a Campy 1010, but really any horizontal dropout). If my wheel slips in my ends, it hits the seat tube and that's not really much better than having it jump in some horizontal dropouts. Even the mighty Sheldon agrees, track ends are vestigal. Still, I like 'em myself.

On the chain thing, nah. My chains with master links are both KMC 1/8". At least on is designed for the BMX market (I'm not sure about the other, though I imagine it is, I suppose it could be a SS-specific chain). Those dudes put as much strain on a chain as anyone. Breaking a chain is one thing, you weaken it everytime you pop a link that wasn't meant to come apart. But when you have a master link, it's designed to be strong despite coming apart into multiple pieces. I can't recommend getting one strongly enough. It makes maintenance so much less annoying, flat or no.

two words.

word word.

I'm not sure what this has to do with fixing a flat tire on a fixie. would someone please explain. thanks

I didn't know things could rise from the dead.

I do this 90% of the time.

It is almost Easter.