Well, merits of ss/fg aside, the motivation for 95% of them to ride ss/fg is fashion. These kids were raised on crappy mt. bikes, so they're pleased as punch to ride a poor man's ss varsinental (spray paint whether it needs it or not, remove derailleurs, shifters and, most importantly, the rear brake to show that you have street cred. Leave freewheel on and cut chain accordingly. Raise seat ridiculously high, angle seat stupidly downward, lower stem all the way, and cut bars so that they're six inches wide).

Function isn't the real issue for most. It's the whole "DIY" ethos run amok. They feel the compulsive need to have a "custom" bike that they "curated" themselves. They're in such a rush to be different that they've actually all sunken into a lemming-like caricaturization driven by style and vanity. The hippest have all moved on and are into vintage, touring, or work bikes.

The C and V compulsion is a bit vain as well, but it's a vanity that I much prefer

There. I'm done. No more rants for at least another year, by which time the fad will be entirely finished. By then, the mad rush for derailleurs and the "identify my powder coated frame" craze will be in full swing!

And, as usual, my caveat is that the world is a much better place because of the fixie fad. Five years ago, people still gave me that "you must be a freak for riding around town on an old bike" eye. Now, everyone and their dog is riding bikes around town, which makes me very happy.