Hmmm...interesting. The plot thickens (as do the spokes apparently). I think I'll ride fixed until I get injured and then maybe make the conversion. How does that sound for preventative maintenance? Thanks for those links though, that really gives me a good idea as to what I might build up in the future.

One last question though: How do they ride? Is the braking distance better or worse than a fixed gear? How about skidding, is it a big problem with the 700c tires? The last coaster bike I owned was a 16" huffy so I don't know how a thinner tire will hold up.