I am ready to start my fixie build, I even found a Nishiki frame at a lbs that is the right size, not to mention a very cool green and black paint job. Problem is dude wants $50 for it (comes with all the old original hardware except the rear wheel) and I can't help but think I could find a better deal...a free frame even, if I just hold out longer. On the other hand I hate to think I am letting a good deal slip through my hands.

Help a brother out.

try haggling.

but even so, 50.00 isn't that much, if its what you want.

Find out what the frame is made of. If if is good steel I would cough up the cash. I've had my share of free bikes/frames all were useable but none were ever a really nice find. If it is what you really want get it otherwise you will be kickig youself because you passed it up.

id say go for it if it fits. 50 bucks isnt too bad if the frame is of a decent material. and its right there. round my way, thrift store bikes go from 30-40 bucks regardless of the frame material or brand. i have more than a few frames that were free and they work well as fixies but theyre not great rides or of great quality nor do they fit me properly.
like rwan said, try haggling. i cant imagine an average joe summer weekend recreational rider would be interested in an incomplete used bike. there are a lot of nice frames for fixie conversions out there on ebay, just keep in mind that shipping will probably bring the price up past what your seller is asking now. i wound up spending a lot more than i wanted to for a frame on ebay but its what i wanted, quality frame that will last and looks good.

exactly, you can always flip it on ebay...

If it's double butted, lugged cro-moly steel, fifty bucks is pretty fair. Does it have a back wheel (i.e has the original one been replaced or is there just no wheel?)

You're right, you may be able to find a bike cheaper. But if you don't have a ride now, snap up this one if it's as above. Then you can spend some time looking for a cheap bike in your size if you want (one of my fixies is a five dollar UO8) while riding this one. Get a second, and you have a backup bike, always a good thing to have.

I suffer from this malaise, sometimes.....

You see something you like- but there is a catch. You agonise and talk yourself out of doing what you first envisaged. Sometimes, when you make a decision- it's too late and the moment/product has gone. Cue more second guessing and recrimination!

As the guy said- procrastination is the thief of time.

Buy the frame. If you ever get a better, cheaper one, sell the first frame!

:-)

Alright, I'll haggle for it. Since it doesn't have a rear wheel at all (to answer your question Poguemahone), I think I have a good chance of gettin' a couple more bucks off what y'all are sayin' is an alright deal.