hey, james here. i want to put my first fixie together. at 5'10" 145", how do i know the right size frame to get, etc. on a totally stripped-down schwinn 95' cruiser now and dreaming about this. could use some 411. any good recommendations for a basic frame (will prob have to be used) and parts. what worked for you, what was your first fixie like? any info is appreciated. thanks.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html

This should be able to answer a lot of your questions.

What are you riding currently is also a good place to start. I took a frame I was comfortable on and tore off all the stuff I didn't need, then on my roadie found a gearing I could be happy with, and with the help of Sheldon's 411 was out rolling around the neighborhood, then across country.
It's in the baby steps.