Well I feel sorry for the OP. But this is not the first time I heard of many problems with the TT. I guess people like them cause of the frame. But I have heard of a lot of trouble with the components. Fixed gear bikes are so basic, i dont know how there can be so many problems even with cheap ones. I am an amateur bike mechanic, my expertice being vintage Schwinns.

One rule I have is never use a ratchet. Most of the bolts on these fixed gear bikes use allen wrench head bolts. So I dont how you get enough torque to strip them (-:.

Even if you are an old fart like myself, you only need a front brake.

I think the guys are right, take the bike to a mechanic with a good reputation and have him straighten it all out. Dont just drop the bike off at a shop that has green young kids working on bikes.

I am cheap and somewhat poor lol so I never sink a lot of money into a bike. I have one Pure Fix I bought slightly used for 160 and have had no problem with it. I have another SE Lager I got new, I traded a vintage Schwinn Tandem for that was given to me.

Still feeling sorry for the OP