I was in this position about a year ago. Never rode fixed, but looking at the entry level bikes to give it a try. I ended up going with an ebay (applecart) bianchi conversion for about $200 (outrageous shipping $ included!) Once I was hooked, I debated again whether to buy a pista/fuji/khs or replace/upgrade some of the parts on my bianchi. I took a close look at, and test rode the KHS and was not impressed. The headset, hubs and rims are low end, and frankly the track ends looks a bit cheap to my untrained eye as well. I decided to upgrade what I had (and knew that I liked re:geometry, feel etc.) rather than lay out more $ on an entry level track bike with possibly sketchy parts. I had the bb replaced (out of necessity) and ordered a surly/ma3 Quality rear wheel. I changed the crankset (out of vanity) and added moustache bars. I couldn't be happier with the results. Any reservation I had about riding fixed (I am 225lbs) on a conversion with a dicey rear wheel are long gone, and I don't even hesitate when I have to stand and mash.

In sum, my advice: get (or do) a cheap conversion and see how you like riding fixed, and assuming you do, think about reselling the conversion and upgrading to a track bike or just upgrading what you have.

I was grinding up a hill and the cog came off! I'm not sure how it happened since there was a track lock ring and everything. I now firmly believe suzue hubs are far too flimsy for riding brakeless on the road for obvious reasons. Fortunately I was going up hill and not down when it happened! I think I was running a 49/14 at the time. Now I have switched over to a vintage campy at 49/16 and have had no problems. i also put on a surly chain tensioner so I can tackle even the gnarliest hills and not have to worry about losing my wheel (not that I really need it since the campy bolts are excellent).

dap for IRO, rugged bikes that will last. I pound on mine.

i recently picked up a new khs flite 100 for $375
im not disappointed by it
its a good start, i wouldnt have paid anymore for it though
i like the pista a lot but i just think that they look too flashy
making them high risk for theft
the khs is a lot more low key

This feels weird to say, but I just couldn't ride a chrome bike. And yes, I would probably get my a** kicked and my bike stolen.

bianchi bianchi bianchi.