fixed / ss road bikes: what to look for
- bikes that use standard, easily-scrounged parts are best-- as opposed to odd bottom bracket or post sizes
- the higher the bottom bracket shell, the better.
- long "horizontal" dropouts.
- avoid stamped dropouts when possible. solid, forged = good.
- "three piece" aluminum cranks, preferably 170mm or less, with removable chainrings (some 70s designs have the large ring integrated)
- functional headset (though a rough one might just need grease and new bearings)
- aluminum road bars: ripe for flip-n-chop bullhorns!
- at least one salvagable brake and lever.
- don't underestimate the importance of choosing the right SIZE frame.

wheels:
- 700c clinchers = more tire options
- aluminum beats steel
- sealed bearings "r" awesome
- solid / bolt-on axles are ideal, but usually not essential
- get a mechanic to redish the rear wheel for a good chainline
- remove freewheel w/ chainwhip
- loctite fixed cog and bottom bracket lockring OR
- simply thread on a BMX freewheel....