You know... in hind sight, I should have just said that too.

Sheldon Brown (RIP) has a great website for people who are into fixed/ss and want to learn the mechanics of it.

right thanks a lot guys ill have a look at it and hopefully get up and running soon
can anyone tell me though, why single speed is better than just staying on one gear?

less weight, better looking.

From a functional stand point though, the cassettes tend to wear out more if you just stay on on gear because they are designed for split use between the rest of the gears, where as SS specific stuff is more durable for that kind of riding.

Also there is less nooks/crannies for dirt and grime to get into.

No newbies were insulted in the making of this thread.

Enjoy

Then surely it hasn't yet run its course.