Originally Posted by
chasm54
OP, if you're considering a singlespeed rather than a fixie why not just put your existing bike into a usable gear and leave it there? Zero expense, same result.
.... or, take it one step cleaner and actually convert your bike into a SS. Strip the un-necessary bits (front derailleur, cable, big chainring), and put on a single cog with spacers out back and use the RD as a tensioner (or, better yet, spend $20 and get a SS tensioner). Still doing it on the cheap but keeping it clean.
If the current bike has horizontal dropouts you woun't need the tensioner. I've seen a gazillion such conversions and they look (and function) great.