Advice for Starter Fixed Gear ?
 

So far, I know that I will ride a 54 frame, and I'd like to have a reliable commuting bike that can travel 15 ~ 30 miles. I have no prior knowledge on fixed gear, so this thread will be if the fixed gear community can inform me about these bikes and if there are any deals out there. Thanks! :)

What is your budget?

would you want racks and fenders? What types of streets will you ride on (determines tires you will most likely want). What is your budget?

I'm willing to spend from 200 ~ 400 . or do you think i need to extend my budget a bit ? and i don't think i will really need a rack or fender. thanks!

I'd suggest buying an old roadbike and converting it

What parts do you think I'll need to replace, to convert it ? and won't I need a better frame ?

Fenders are nice so your butt wont get soggy. Yeah, just go and find an old road bike and convert it.
Do you bike regularly now?

I would suggest to NOT go this route.

If your going to build, start with a budget frame and look for good deals online and used. You can get a se lager frame from nashbar for 100 dollars shipped, but only for today. It would be more like 120 tomorrow.

Also consider a used complete with stock components. Dont buy someones hackjob old conversion.

I don't necessarily bike regularly now, but I'm planning on biking more often instead of using the car. And sorry because I'm new.. but what do you necessarily mean by 'used complete with stock components'? thanks.

When I first got into regular commuting via bike (to work, friend's, grocery shopping, pubs, et cet), I picked up a Torker U District. Its definitely not a flashy bike, but it really fits the bill for a budget entry-level ss/fg (it has a flip flop hub, but no cog stock), particularly one intended to be used for commuting. The components are nothing magnificent, but the frame really outpaces similarly priced offerings (SE Draft et al). Additionally, for what its worth my bike survived a year and a Minneapolis winter needing nothing but new chain ring bolts and some hub work (eventually that wheel will need replacement to give you full disclosure on the quality of the stock stuff, but I was told it had at least another winter in it).

I recently upgraded to a Schwinn Madison because I like the sportier look/feel, but I'm keeping my U District to toss some fenders on and use as a rain/winter bike. I really don't know why its so unpopular around here for an entry level ride, except for that its very definitely lacking in hipster cred.

Ohh. Sounds similiar to me. What would you guys think about a Vilano ?

Bare minimum, a fixed gear rear wheel. If you're lucky, you'll be able to remove chain rings from the crankset that comes on it (since you only want one.) OR, if there's, say, two chain rings, you can just put the chain on the smaller one and use the larger chain ring as a guard. And no, you won't need a better frame, unless the one you buy is broken or something, but then again, you wouldn't buy that in the first place. Basically, if you want a small project and like the look of an older bike, convert one yourself. It's MUCH more rewarding than just going out and buying a brand new fixie. That being said, I think new fixie frames look stupid, so my answer is obviously biased. Also, if you build the bike yourself, you end up learning quite a bit about it, which is great since you wont have to take in into your LBS to fix it (if a small problem occurs.) If you don't like the older look, you can also strip, prime, and paint the bike whatever color you want.

That's why you convert it yourself.

What I meant by used complete with stock components is....

A bike that came new as a single speed that hasnt been tampered with.

Or a modern frame with horizontal dropouts made for single speed with modern components.

Sounds good ! I think this well fits my needs. I think I have a good old fashioned back in my backyard that I can probably convert. It'll be a great project and I'll get to learn things about it like you said. Thanks for all your help ! :)

Oh got it. Thanks !

No problem. Make sure it has horizontal dropouts, though. If it has drop bars, you can easily do a chop and flop and turn them into bullhorns with a hacksaw.

With that budget, I wouldn't even bother converting, just get a Mark V or Kilo TT.