a lot of people (myself) included use a fixed gear as a commuter. changing speeds (not necessarily coming to a complete stop) all the time is easier in a lower gear. i'd rather sacrifice the high speed for more low speed control. i'm also trying to get my max rpm's up over 150.

right now with my ratio at 48x17 i cruise at ~20 and top out at ~34. the longest stretch in town w/o an intersection i have to slow for is 3/4 mile.