Well I have been stalking the forum for a while now and have finally joined. I have a question and I know it's a typical one, but I am new to fixes and need advise. I finally live in the inner-city and am wanting to get a ss/fixed gear bike to cruise around on downtown. Going to shows, restaurants , etc. with the wife. I am also interested in riding with the local bike clubs in their events. I have visited all the LBS in my area and three have ss/fixed gear bikes. They have your typical SE drafts and lagers, but one has an old Giant Bowery they said they would sell me for $ 300 brand new and the other has a Treck Earl for $499. I know these two are different breeds one is aluminum and the other is steel, but the $300 does sound nicer to the wallet. I did ride both and felt very comfortable with either. Is the Earl worth that much more over an old Bowery or does the stock Bowery have just as good of parts for less money. I know the Bowery was priced at around $600 when it first came out.