[quote]A rather famous mechanic who's a friend of mine rebuilt my old Miyata touring bike as a fixed gear. [/quote}
What Miyate tourer do you have? I am just about finished converting my Miyata 1000 to fixed. I have been riding 42/16 only on my geared bike for one month now. It is 70.8 gear inches. On the Miyata I have 50/19 which I think is also 70 inches. I have a 17 tooth cog in the back that I will use when I get a little stronger.