if you can get past "bike snobbery" you can get a very nice singlespeed for under $400. The bike wont be an 18 lb bike with deep v's and all stylish with the hiptsers applauding your curating a bike of superior style. I have a bikesdirect bike and with just a few bucks on new handlebars and tires I think I have a very nice bike. it was under $350 including buying a new set of gatorskins. I also have a converted singlespeed mountain bike I use for hauling groceries and trips to the store that cost me $200 total to put together including an air zound, new tires, fenders, and a rear basket.