Being a newbie to ridding fixed, all I can say is there is different feel to the ride. Meaning that my bike seems to run easier due to the lack of resistance of the derailer and extra chain. Of course I am running a mild 42/18 which some here will call me a wuss for, but I like it and can handle the hills. So I don't go as fast as a higher ratio, but for all around town, it works good for me. Before I decided on what I wanted, I did some research and found 2 of the guys at the local shop who run the same gearing.

Tom