Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Damn Bikes Are Too Expensive in this Country SO, Paddy Wagon?

I want (need, now that my city bike died a pre-mature death) a fixed / ss bike that will take (at some later date) racks and fenders. I plan to ride this bike fixed (without racks etc) for the summer, and turn it into a commuter for the winter.

I'd decided on an IRO Phoenix, but the cost of that bike in this town is going to be close to $1000 which is way too expensive IMO. The Steamroller is around $1200, and isn't really suited to racks and fenders.

Needing something quickly and something cheap, I'm now leaning very heavily toward the Kona Paddy Wagon which is drilled for racks and fenders and I can get for just under $700 ... well, a little over with tax, but that's unavoidable.

Any further suggestions or warnings before I go buy a Paddy Wagon tomorrow?

Those prices seem high.

sorry for bringing this site up again, but you might want to check out Bikesdirect.com and have one mailed. they're cheaper than those prices.

for those prices, I would get something with gears. no offense, I actually ride fixed a lot, but if you spend that much on it it seems like a waste IMO.

edit: whoops, forgot which forum I was posting to...oh well. xD

The paddywagon is a great frame, very light, rides smooth, looks good. It's worth the extra money over the BD bikes. I built one as a SS for my exgf and it made me wish I could ride a 53cm frame.

Yeah, I think the prices are crazy high, except for the Paddy Wagon which seems to be reasonably inline with what folks seem to be paying elsewhere, and does seem reasonable for what I'm getting.

I do already have a very nice road bike with gears. This bike is for riding around town, errands, going to school ... in short, things where I'll be locking it up instead of the more expensive road bike. I also really don't need gears for my day-to-day riding.

I agree 1200 for a fixed to beat up on the street sounds excessive to me. I love my BD Fantom Uno looks real good beside my Bianchi Proto

I ended up with a Kona Paddy Wagon. The price was right, the bike fits well and it's pretty fun. It's not what I thought I wanted, but I'm very happy with bike ...