Hello everyone I'm brand new to the forums and have been reading the fixed gear forums for almost a week now. I've learned a lot but still have many questions.

I started off w/ a fixie from Craigslist. A real beater but it's gotten me on the road and I've put in about 5 miles a day for the last two months.

My wife has taken a liking to my fixie and both of us ride for health.

So now I'm in the market for another fixie so both my wife and I can ride together. She'll take my beater and now im looking for something myself. I'm just riding around the neighborhood and our local paved bike trail. I imagine I'd take it to the beach or downtown LA and cruise sometime.

I'm not looking for some super fixie or looker. But something to just get the time on the road. I'd like to spend anywhere from 300-400 dollars if really necessary i will buckle down and save for 500-600.

I've been browsing bikesdirect and have eyed a Windsor hour or timeline as well as a gravity swift 2. I understand that you get what you pay for but wouldn't mind upgrading components over time.

I've read what I can over different kinds of frames as well as frame material but still really don't understand what would be best for me.

From what I understand an aluminum frame is lighter but can't take a beating like steel. And track frames aren't rally made for long distance or climbing hills. I thought for health reasons a track would be better for my needs but doesn't rise that well on the road.

I ride in the neighbor hood a lot and am going up and down curbs quite a bit as well as some paved road that isn't maintained that well.

I've visited LBS and most fixie start @ 400 and are all color schemes for the trendy buyer. I really just want a work horse that I can put the time in.

Can anyone give this newb a point in some direction of buying something half decent?

Thanks in advance.