One thing's been bugging me, and it's really the same question OP has but more generic. When I look at the inexpensive SSFG bikes, on Amazon, at bikesdirect, other places, a lot of them top out at 30 pounds or more. How is that even possible? With almost no drivetrain, or sometimes without brakes even? I'm mystified about how I could take my heavy cassette and derailleur off and gain 10 pounds.

And why so (relatively) expensive for the lighter ones? It's not as if they have ultralight dura ace shifters.

And finally, is it stylish to ride with the handlebars backwards as in this amazon fixie? http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01...6A9YJJS_02.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/Retrospec-Sidd...gle+speed+bike