Is there a noticeable difference between high end and low end fixies? I want to start riding to work but i dont want to take me nice bike due to the high theft rate in Chicago. Simply for commuting, can I get away with buying a cheap $200-300 fixie or will I regret it?
It seems the thread has wavered from the OP's question.
There are a few low end fixed gears that will serve the purpose nicely. If you're handy with simple bike mechanics (and these bikes are a great place to start) most all of them will serve the "low-anxiety-if-stolen" criteria.
As Bandera mentioned, older horizontal drop out bikes of a bygone era can be even less expensive than a new "fixie" (shudder at the word).
My current fixed beater was a geared wonder of the '80's....free for the taking, cost to convert about $25.