Hey Zoroman, I realize that my wording was poor and I was over generalizing a bit, and I apologize for that. I didn't mean to imply that there is a dearth of bikes in Japan, as you've seen it's quite the opposite. I was referring to single speed bikes that could easily accept a fixed gear, or some track bikes. For example, I was really interested in the Kilo TT when I first started looking into riding fixed gear, but I couldn't find anyone that sold it here in Japan. Oh how I would like to be wrong about that, and turns out there is some little bike shop tucked away that has them. That's why I said it was somewhat lacking, just not as many options I would like. Admittedly too, Before I moved to Japan, I lived in a town where local bike shops were much more abundant, so that probably skews my perception.

But totes yeah, there is a very vibrant bike culture in Japan. I see a bunch of people commuting on cross bikes, and some people on nice road bikes, and even a couple of fat bikes in my small city. Just not a lot of fixed gears, relatively speaking. I have only seen two people riding fixed gear in my city. And I have seen multitudes more well used mama chari city bikes than anything else, and unfortunaly I have seen many an abandoned mama chari, covered in dust and rusting away.

And yeah ADAP7IVE, I live up in Tochigi, in the city of Ashikaga. It's actually a sizeable city in it's own right, but still considered countryside.I have been here in Ashikaga for almost 5 years now, and I love it. Where abouts in Tokushima do you live?
I am pretty comfortable with my Japanese, but I know I am not perfect. I have been on yahoo auctions before, but not recently. I have seen some great deals there, but what concerns me about getting a bike online is sort of the issue you had,I want to make sure I get a bike that fits and I would really like to test ride a model first. Part of the reason I am in the market is because my first fixed gear, a 2015 Schwinn Cutter I was able to pick up from a recycle shop, is pretty big for me. I would like to get something, or at least try something, that is smaller. Although if possible, I want to refurbish and repaint the Swchinn Cutter and then pass it on to someone in my town that needs a bike. Try to spread the fixed gear love, ya'know. Oh, and Crinale I have been to Y's in Shibuya, and they did have the Feather and Stroll, but I don't think they had test bikes of either. But I will check with them again and make sure. Also, do you still live in Japan? Where about did you/ do you?

Robsta, I went to the Brotures in Harajuku, and the people there were awesome. I think I might have talked to the guy you're thinking of on the phone. I did really like the shop, the bikes there are awesome, but a bit outside my price range at the moment. Although I would be so down for getting a really nice bike from them when I save up. I will definitely check out CWS and Velocraft too, and what is the name of the ramen place? I will plan a pilgrimage to Kichijoji soon.

Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate the help, and it's nice to meet some more cyclists here!