Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - This or That?

I'm new to the forums and need you guys expertise/help.

I want to purchase a new bike. I've been considering building a Leader 725tr from scratch, but I'm slowly realizing that it's going to cost me over $800 to build the bike I want.

It would be something along the lines of:
Leader 725tr frame
Carbon Fork
Carbon Seatpost
Sugino Messenger Cranks
Cane Creek Headset
Velocity Deep V wheelset
pedals, stem, bullhorns, tires, tape, etc.

I saw the Motobecane Team Track on BD (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/team_track.htm) and was wondering if anyone had any experience with that bike. I'm not familiar with how the quality of the parts compares, but that build seems like a good deal.

How do you think they compare? I am looking to mostly use it for commuting, but I want a bike that's fast and durable. I'm not planning on tricking or anything like that.

The price overall isn't my major concern, I just want to get the best value for my money. If the Moto has much better quality/parts for the price, then I don't see why I wouldn't go with that. Any help or comments on your experiences with either bike/build would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

(p.s. if this can be better directed to a more appropriate thread, please let me know. thanks)

That is a good bike for the money, very much like a fuji track pro. You could also build the leader to the same caliber and have a very similar bike possibly with a more durable wheelset for the same price.

IMO neither are ideal "commuters" but depends on how you define the term and what your ride contains of.

In the end the differences will probably go unnoticeable.

Frankly, either option seems like a lousy commuter. Other offerings are plenty fast, very durable, and far better designed for a commute. Raleigh one way, Redline 925, Masi speciale commuter, and BD kilo wt come to mind off-hand.

In my opinion, BD's Dawes SST (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/sst_al_carb_x.htm) is the perfect candidate if you want an aluminium frame with carbon fork to commute on. The Motobecane Team Track is really really stiff and aggressive, very very nimble bike, it will not be comfortable to ride for an extended period.

you really need to define commute... My daily ride (not in the winter though) is my leader 722ts. would I ride it in the winter probly not, I like to keep it nice at least for now, plus I would need a different fork for better winter tire clearance. I have the team track too. though i didnt buy the bike complete, just the frame. Its a great bike, rode it on the street a bit but as was told to me me back when I was shopping, its meant for the track, and that is what it is for now. as vixtor said its really stiff and super nimble... My winter commuter is currently my cross check and if I can get my hands on a 1x1 it will be that (converted to 700c of course haha)... anyway consider what your need is and where you live...

if your "commute" is from your house to the bar then get the shiniest wip you can afford... if your putting in some miles pick some brains for a bit... :thumb:

Ya, I was thiking just that as I was reading the first responses yesterday.

My "commute" is like 5 miles from my house to work, and that's mostly through downtown. I'll really be using the bike for fun rides through the city, not anything truly long distance (no more than 20+ miles at a clip prolly).

The only reason I said commute was because I'm going to be riding it on the road as opposed to the track or mtb or long distance touring or whatever. Sorry for the confusion.

@Vixtor: Why would the Dawes be a better option than a Leader, just out of curiousity? That's another bike I was looking at, but didn't want to end up upgrading most of the parts in the end and spending more money than I could have if I just built the bike up how I wanted it in the first place..