If you know either type of bikes fit you well, go for it, but if you don't go to a local bike shop that either sells them or have bikes with geometry that closely matches those two bikes so you know what you are going to get fit wise which is the most important part of a bicycle. I wouldn't want to get the republic bike though 24lbs is heavy for a fixed gear bike. 20-21lbs is about average. A Kilo TT from bikesdirect would be a better choice. Lighter frame.