Hey guys, I have over the last year or so re-developed my interest in bikes, but have been riding geared road bikes pretty much exclusively. After riding my buddy's track bike for a few minutes last week however, I am completely hooked and am looking to get a fixed gear bike myself. Now i know nothing about fixed gears, but am decently bike-savvy otherwise. What should i be looking for in a fixed gear if i am looking to get one for myself?

I am mainly going to be doing town and city riding/commuting, not racing. About $500 would be my spending cap (cheaper the better of course - student here), and i dont mind buying used or doing some minor conversion work, but i want it to be a solid, reliable bike that will last a while.

What are some basic things i should consider when getting my first fixed gear? what cog/chainring sizes should i be looking at? would it be best to get an old single speed/10spd and convert it with track parts for a commuter bike? let me know!! this forum has been an amazing help to me so far since i discovered it today, and i want to learn all i can.

Justin