Can anyone suggest a good reason why rearward opening rear "drop-outs" are still being used on single gear bikes?. I cannot see one good reason for them. Why aren't forward opening horizontal drop-outs being used? "Track ends" make no sense even on track bikes. It makes it more difficult to remove the rear wheel and when fenders are fitted wheel removal is a major operation. I've noticed that some makers have recently had rearward opening drop-outs made with fender eyelets incorporated, why? We have recently had customers come in with frames that they intend putting a fixed wheel on. Their frames have perfectly good long horizontal drop-outs but they ask for them to be removed and "track ends" fitted. What earthly improvement do they think it is going to make? All for style I suppose. Mike Barry. Mariposa Bicycles. Toronto.