nice ride. the thing looks pretty sweet. you could have cut some expenses by getting a bike with a decent front wheel and tires you could re-use. you can also just resize the chain...at least that's what i did. changing the rear spacing seems unnecessary since you can just use a couple of washers on the rear wheel to space it out to 126 or 130mm. however, you had the money to spend so more power to you.

i think building the bike yourself can give you more appreciation for riding it since it's your own work. also, your bike is not like anyone elses. i wish i had access to your document before i built my fixie...it's always easier and cheaper to learn from other peoples mistakes. perhaps you can submit this to sheldon brown or fixedgeargallery. actually, i think having a series of these stories would be great. you can learn alot by searching this forum and the other aforementioned websites, but it's nice to read a story from beginning to end.

if you haven't tried the fixed side yet, i would highly encourage it. i've ridden on the freewheel and fixed side of my bike. riding fixed definitely gives you a tighter, more connected feel. you don't have to trash your knees by doing those skid stops....that's what your brakes are for. leave the track stands and skids to the kids....;-)