edsall78

I'd get something from bikesdirect like this:
Save Up to 60% Off Track Bikes | SingleSpeed Bikes | Fixie | Windsor Bikes - The Hour | Save up to 60% off Fixed gear and singlespeed bicycles

Then id ride it hard until next winter... Strip it and rebuild..do any upgrades...(tires, chain..etc.)

Since you're in nyc..I'd want something that could take fatter tires myself..maybe sell that frame you have to up the budget and get a kilo WT..

dmcg

Times-up.org is the co-op I was thinking of with bike workshops. They have a schedule of classes on the website, the classes are free (although they encourage donations).

carleton

Scrodzilla

So many things in my life end this way.

Tej24

Thanks for the advice everyone, I had looked at just buying a cheap bike to get started, but this seemed like a more enjoyable avenue. So while I am going to make sure I avoid Carletons nightmare scenario, I will check out other options before just giving up. Namely the times up co op that dmcv mentioned. I will give you an update after reaching out to them.

Tej24

I just checked out your links and this seems like a great deal, far smarter than what I am trying, and my back up option if the co op does not work out. Thanks for taking the time to give me the info.

dmcg

Another place to check out is Recycle-A-Bicycle. They take old bikes as donations and then fix them up and resell them. They have a store in Dumbo.

JamesRL

There are some decent used bikes out there, and if you look carefully you can find something to ride for $200. Learn maintenance from fixing it up and keeping it running. Attend classes.

You can find used parts cheap to improve your bike. Learn to build a wheel from used hubs and rims.

Back in the day, I built an old bike up, then saved up for a better frame and transferred my parts. By that time I had learned a lot.