Consider yourself lucky to have $800 to drop on a fixed gear in the first place. I'm building a steel frame single speed right now, most from parts I already own, and $65 for a SS kit, Surly cog, and chainring bolts(with shipping). I'm comiing in to just over $200 for everything, as most of the parts I got free, and the frame was a complete bike ebay purchase for $100 6 years ago. (1985 Schwinn Super Sport). Your call for customizing really. I often regret repainting a frame unless it was REALLY bad finish wise.,,,,BD