i would definately still ride fixed. i've been riding fixed gear bikes for a couple of years and i'll probably never ride a geared bike again, just can't see myself doing it. i don't know how it is in other parts of the country, but here in atlanta, its definately making inroads into "mainstream" bike culture. i was talking about this to a guy that works at one of the larger bike shops here. two years ago you couldn't hardly get track or fixed components at this shop, now they have a whole area devoted to track, or fixed bikes (bianchi, khs, lemond, specialized). he was telling me folks come in there that ride department store bikes want to know about fixed gear bikes and all. its kinda interesting when you think about it.