SS/FG bike sizing help (noobie)
 

I've been riding about 3k miles a year and now I'm looking to try out a FG/SS. I've never ridden one before but thought it would be a nice diversion a couple times a week from my usual ride. It's not terribly hilly here so having one gear doesn't worry me. I'll definitely set it up with bull horns and two brakes (at first).

I'm leaning towards the Performance Scattante Lone Star or Schwinn Madison from my local Performance shop in Baltimore. Mainly because I don't have the money for a Pista Concept and I'm not sure if I'll like the FG/SS. Also, I've got a couple hundred in Performance Gift Cards and Team Performance points to use up which will make this a small investment.

My CFR road bike is a 53cm. I'm 5' 6.5" with average proportions. I could easily be riding a 51cm CFR. What size do you guys like for the FG/SS? The Lone Star's come in 49cm and 52cm but looking at the geometry it looks like I might need a 49cm. I'm going to test ride a SM Madison if possible just to get a comparison unless my LBS has a Scattante single speed to try out.

Everyone is different, but my limited experience with ss/fg seems to show that going down in frame size from standard road bike is typical. Your LBS should be able to fit you on one & give recommendations.

Just try them out and get what feels best. It's like any other bike. I'd rather go smaller than larger - you're going to love going fixed.