Total Newb
 

Before we get to far, I am sorry. I have searched and read a ton of different posts in hopes of making a proper choice.

I had pretty much decided to start down the fixed path with a BD bike. But then somebody posted a bike locally on craigslist.

It seems to be a pretty nice bike, but I want to ask people who know something first.

So is is this worth choosing over the various BD setups? If nothing else, it seemed to me like a quick fix for my desire to get a fixed gear bike and at least a decent starting point towards figuring out what i really want.

Frame: Steel 58cm.
Fork: Steel (BCAmerica he said. Im not looking for ultra light, just something to ride to get in shape)
Crankset: 42T Shimano Ultegra 170mm
Rear Sprocket: 16T Freewheel
Bottom Bracket: Shimano 105
Brakes: Campagnolo Veloce with bar end levers
Stem: Dimension 70-130 degree Adj. road stem

If it is worth considering, how much should i be willing to pony up?

What kind of frame is it?

He said it was a BSAmerica. I looked them up. I didnt find much other than they were made in PA and that they went tits up rather quickly.

More specifically, this is what it looks like.
http://images.craigslist.org/3k13m73...c6053e1f62.jpg

It's not worth choosing over the BD bikes. It's a converted road bike.

Though the components aren't top of the line, BD provides you with a proper track bike.

Not to mention, if you do decide on your "dream bike" down the line, any BD track bike will have more re-sale value than that conversion.

Hard to get into fixed gear riding when the bike you are considerin' isn't fixed.... just sayin'

Not a fixed gear dude.

Even if it were, a BD fixed gear would be the better choice.

I can vouch for the Windsor Clockwork being a kick ass bike, but I use foam pipe insulation as a top tube pad, so I don't think my opinion is completely valid.

I'd take a conversion over a Bikes Direct bike, any day. However, the geometry on that one does not look very suited being a fixed gear.