Hi everyone. I have been doing research for the past few weeks on fixed gear bikes, and after riding one, have decided to convert. I've been riding hybrids for about 5 years now, and currently ride a Motobecane Elite from bikesdirect.com, and I hate it. Before I was even aware of this whole fixie sensation (which does not exist here in Mississippi) I had a grudge against all the unnecessary crap on my bike. I ride in the same gear about 95% of the time, and removed my front brake immediately. So, imagine my surprise, when I started searching for single-speed bikes, and found out about how popular these have become. Then I rode one, and it was over. This is everything I've ever wanted in a bike.

So anyway, like I said, I've been doing research for the past few weeks on complete fixies, conversions, and builds, and have come to the conclusion that I think it would be best for me to do a build from the ground up. After riding daily for 5 years, I feel it's time that I invest in something suited exactly to my needs. The catch is that I don't know nearly enough to do this all by myself, and I'm asking for your help.

So, my hope is that I can find some genuine people to help me choose all my parts one by one over the next few weeks. I'm not interested in elitists coming in and telling me I'm ********, so I'll go ahead and get that out of the way for you. I'm clueless. I just like riding my bike, and I want one that I don't hate.

So, now that all of that's out of the way, I'll give you a little summary of what I'm looking for:

My budget is between $500 and $700, depending on the amount of time it takes me from purchasing the first piece to the last. My plan is to purchase each piece, hopefully over the course of the next month, and then have it assembled professionally. I intend to have the option of riding fixed, or freewheel, so I know for sure that I want a flip flop hub. I would like to have a somewhat relaxed riding position because although I do ride for long periods of time, I'm not quite in the best shape. I would, however, like to keep the bike reasonably lightweight.

So, first things first. I need to choose a frame. I'm a bigger guy (250 lbs) and according to the research I've done, I'm going to want a steel frame (right?) with a high spoke count, around 32 (right?) and relatively wide tires, around 32mm (right?) which has led me to the Motobecane Jury Cro Moly frame seen here: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2009-Motobec...38276976038819

So, is this a good choice? Do you have other suggestions, around the same price?