Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - new commuter looking for a decent SS

hey all,

new to the boards as well as to the single speed arena. i have been doing some research but after visiting a few local shops and browsing the local craigslist i still feel inept as to what i should purchase for a bike.

i am looking for a single speed commuter that is well built and durable. my max budget seemed to be too low for something decent so i have raised it to around 500 as the top end but any money saved is great.

what would you recommend someone like me in terms of a single speed?

I picked up my 2006 Bianchi San Jose a few weeks ago and I'm lovin' it.

What you want is the Fantom Cross Uno (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/uno.htm).

Decent frame, huge tire clearance, ability to run rack/fenders, inexpensive.

Pake C'Mute?

Are you going for comfort, speed, or a little of both?

I have a Motobecane Outcast 29er running with 700c X 35 WTB Slickasaurus tires and it's very nice. Mounts for fenders, superbeefy and an easy pedal without loosing speed capability.

Perfect for your price range, too.

Performance has last year's Schwinn Madisons on sale for under $500, find a day where they have multiple discounts and you can walk out of there with a complete bike and money to spare.

i guess all around performance (comfort&speed) is what i am looking for.

after going to shops around me and being offered the Trek Soho for $550 (looked nice but seemed pricey) and then an SE Draft (that looked like a silver toy) I was more lost in the fray than ever.

thanks for the suggestions so far! I will look into them! Any more suggestions are welcome!

~$200+ = generic eBay
~$300+ = Kilo TT
~$500+ = IRO
~$700+ = Steamroller/Rush/Pista/etc.

If someone offered me a Trek Soho [$1000 msrp] for $550 I'd be on that like ugly on a moose.

sorry... i neglected to add the S to the end... so its msrp of 600 i guess.

Kilo TT if you want strictly fixed or the one of the dawes sst/windsor clockwork combos if you want a freewheel and brakes.

Under $350 total which, with your budget, will leave you a little extra for commuting lights and other commuting knick knacks

http://www.torkerusa.com/udistrict.html

What about this one? Anyone know much about it?

You could also check out the Redline 925. It runs around $500, and has a ss/fg flipflop hop hub. Comes with fenders and the such, which are good for commuting in the rain. It is a decent bike for the money, and def better than the SE Draft.

+1 for the Trek Soho S. I absolutely love mine - especially after adding a Topeak beam rack and a NiteRider UltraFazer. It's an ideal commuter. (Although it will probably exceed your $500 budget by just a little.)