Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - To build or not to build; that is the question.

I have a major lust for a fixed gear bike. I really like the IRO machines, they seem super nice and everything. Part of me wants to build, part of me wants to buy stock and just RIDE.

I don't really care about the money so much right now (or I will at least pretend, since I haven't bought anything yet). I want a new frame, not an old one, for sure. But at that point, I am a little lost. What are all the sizes of parts to buy, how do I ensure that I will have a straight chainline, how much more will it be in terms of cash... etc.

Then I think I will just go for the IRO, either the jamie roy or the mark V, and just have fun riding around, which is what I really want to do. Of course, I can ride around on a bike I built, I would just have to be patient. I wouldn't have all the fun waiting for the parts to show up and building it myself, knowing how everything works, etc, and I know, build fixies and enjoy the experience just as much as the ride.

I guess I am nervous about either one to a certain extent.

Any advice for a newbie?

If you want a new bike, just buy one. The only way building a bike up will be cheaper is if you go used.

yeah, but I don't really care about the cost, just want to know if anyone with more experience has any recommendations.

Buy an IRO frame and build kit.
Building is way too much fun.

if you build it they will come!

those ****in theives. They will come and ruin your life and steal everything. ****in shoeless 40's baseball playin freaks. i got one of them . shots him right in his face i did. ghost *****es.

[QUOTE=cmcenroe]What are all the sizes of parts to buy, how do I ensure that I will have a straight chainline, [QUOTE]

what sizes? you can just come here and ask somebody, can't you.

chainline? www.sheldonbrown.com for chainline information. somewhere on that website, he lists the chainline (in millimeters from the center of the frame) that you'll get using different sized bottom-bracket spindles (the thing that connects the cranks to each other through the frame) with different cranks. an IRO rear wheel, and many others, have a 42mm chainline.

have the fun. when you build, you learn a lot. on the downside you won't be able to stop fiddling with your bike.

I vote for buying it built. You will make yourself c r a z y if you don't have something to ride while you learn what you need and how to use it.