Hey guys,

I'm looking for some advice on how to get started in SS/fixies. My biggest problem is trying to decide whether or not to build or buy.

I do have a 'bike' that my roommate has given me. However, this 'bike' has been sitting outside chained to a dozen other bikes all winter and most of the components are ruined. So its more of a frame with bike-like accessories rusted onto all of it's various openings. It's also an old Schwinn.

On the other hand I have some money to spend just not that much. I mean I can afford to spend as much as $500 but I prefer to spend no more than half of that. I do realize this is something of an unreasonable expectation.

Anyway, I just wanted to know if it would be cheaper/better to build a bike off of the frame that I have or to just buy a bike (and have it shipped, none of my local LBS even know what a fixie is).

Here are a few of the models that I've found (<$500):
Windsor - The Hour $299.95 @ Bikes Direct
Motobecane - Messenger $379.95 @ Bikes Direct
SE - Draft $250 @ SEBMX.com