You can get an IRO for about $600 and they'll let you spec it any way you want. There a bunch of good bikes out there.

Fixed gear is appealing to me on recovery days because the drivetrain doesn't let you coast and flat ground is too easy otherwise.

It's also low maintenance especially with a 1/8" drivetrain. I can't imagine that wide chain and thick cog wearing all that quickly.

Kogswell makes some really nice frames for only $300 (I can't believe it). You should check his stuff out. He posts on the FG/SS forum a lot.