The Sputnik is a pretty nifty bike, but holy crap does it have an aggressive saddle to bar drop. For a new rider, and an overweight one (no need to avoid that subject here), that is going to be pretty uncomfortable providing you can even pedal it without your knees striking your belly. Laugh or act insulted if you like, it's a real problem for larger riders on aggressive drops. There is no resting on a fixie, if it's moving forward, so are the cranks. That also means your legs, and knees, become the brakes.

So...you're living car free and I assume this bike is going to see duty bringing home groceries, and general cargo.

instead of this: http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...1_sputnik.html

Buy this: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm in a 19''
Then buy these: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...5_10000_202565
This: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...9_10000_202551
This: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_518806_-1___
And This: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_10000_202371

That will save you 95 bucks and have you a competent commuter bike. Don't forget a good lock.