i'll try to keep this short -

i appreciate all the comments. but all i'm looking for is opinions on parts to purchase to build my bike. i've been trolling this forum since i've started riding, i've come to respect the opinions of people here (whether they're constructive or not) which is why i've come asking for opinions on what you guys would purchase if you were to build one. i've only been riding for a few months and i've grown to enjoy it (and for some reason miss it when i don't). so if that makes me a beginner then i'm a beginner. I own a pure-fix echo. i ride it on a daily basis to and from work (and to the stores when i need to). i like riding single speed for the simplicity of it and i really do like it more than riding a multi-geared bike. i've tried it, and i don't like it. i've considered a 725/735 before sticking with the EQNX frame. i've also spent countless hours reading specs, opinions, and reviews on all the parts that i've considered getting. short of getting the bike stolen, crashed, and whatever else horrible that can happen to the bike (and/or to me), and not to sound more of an idiot - this is the only bike i'm going to be purchasing for the next 5 years and if it's going to be the only bike i own for a while I might as well get one that i want. plus i want it (and have the means to get it) and not because it makes economical/financial sense.

and with that said.

thanks scrod for your suggestions. i almost flipped because i was going too fast approaching an intersection where a car decided to swerve into the turn lane. but that aside, again thanks for your suggestions. i've looked for some of the items you suggested on your site and will be putting in my purchase for them. i can't seem to find the stem on your site though. as for the wheel set, any opinions on the options i chose?

<rant>
and to the whole beginner comments some of you guys are so keen on calling people, at what point are you no longer considered a beginner? after riding 6 months? 1 year? 2 years? work as a bike messenger? ride in a competition? ride on the track? point is at one point in time you were in the same boat and found that you liked riding and continued to ride because you liked riding. if you didn't like getting called a noob or a beginner back then, what makes you think people today like getting called that. i've been riding for the last couple months and i consider myself a beginner and i frankly don't care if i'm called one. i'm not riding to compete with anyone or prove that i can stop on a dime or whatever riding fixed. i'm riding because it's fun, and it gives me some sort of exercise, and mainly because i like riding to work. </endrant>