I bought one, my quick synopsis is here:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...&page=77&pp=25

post 1903

They're not that bad...

You honestly can't expect too much for $300.00.

I purchased this knowing what to expect, and that I'll probably end up building another fixie, so I'm not disappointed. It got me introduced, and hooked...

I'd give consideration to Mercier, if you're concerned with having a more traditional frame to build on.