I'm a newbie. I've been riding maybe 9 months now, and I hardly ever rode a bike a child. My friends started getting into SS/FG's last year, and suddenly the idea of owning a bike seemed rather nice. I wouldn't have to walk to school, and I could ride with my friends. Also, as a poor college student, they struck me as quite cheap (at least the ****ty ones are), and totally within my means. I bought a SE draft from a local Performance Bicycle on a whim. I wouldn't say I regret it, I now love riding and can't imagine riding a bike without a fixed gear, but the SE draft is not exactly a high quality bike. When I first converted to fixed gear, I had trouble where my right side crank arm would loosen and fall off from the pressure of skidding. Pretty problematic. Back before I converted it from a single speed to a fixie I had my front break just pop off my bike when I when to apply it. I still have a front break (it's too hilly in Seattle and the idea of going around a steep hill because I can't control my speed annoys me), and it frightens me to think that it's popped off before. Since then I've added some parts and switched it to a fixie (replaced the problem crank arm, handlebar butchered off my old mountain bike, new wheels (aero velocity in the back, cheapish shimano quick release on the front), used selle italia SLR saddle).

Long story short. Summer is coming around and I want to upgrade my ride. I've heard that IRO makes good cheap fixed gear bikes. Should I
1) buy a complete IRO Mark V pro (they don't have frames in my size for Mark V) and sell my present bike for profit.
2) buy a IRO Frame (MVP or Angus) and continue down the path of slowly upgrading my bike.
or
3) follow some third option that I am at present unaware of.

(I'm leaning towards option 2 because I get to put it together how I want, and it's less of an immediate economic burden)

Thanks

I would check your local craigslist, there's deal to be had everywhere, just check often and when you see a deal just pounce and get it.

I'm not sure you've got a particularly solid starting point, though I may be misunderstanding your post and components.

I also know that once you get a new bike, you want to use it.

My suggestion would be to buy a decent bike aiming for a good quality frame and reasonable components, then slowly upgrading them as you ride and can afford them rather than buying the IRO frame and (presumably), using the bits off your existing bike.

Your existing bike can be kept as a spare (for those days when the weather is dreadful or you'll be leaving it somewhere less than safe) - everyone should have a beater that does the **** jobs, or it can be sold.

I'd steer clear of Craigslist unless you can take someone with you who really understands bikes and bits or at least has a keen eye and the balls to tell you not to buy something.

I ****ing hate when my crank arms and brakes just pop off. But I don't think IRO is even around or selling stuff anymore, there's plenty of other companies you can look into though.

They don't just pop off if they are installed and tightened properly. I've bought a lot of cheap bikes, including an SE Draft, and the cranks on all of them needed tightening, a lot. If the OP bought the bike at Performance, he should take it back and scream "lawsuit" at those idiots until they get it right.

Come on TT! I can't believe you didn't pick up my sarcasm.

Sorry, man. I was just having a senior moment.

It isn't you, TT. You've been talking sense the whole time. OP - buy the IRO complete if that is your thing. The bike is a clear upgrade for you. Building up a bike is cool and all, but you don't get to ride it for months and scouring websites for deals on parts you didn't even know you needed gets old real fast. Especially if you would rather be riding with your friends.

What's the dope on those Fyxation bikes? They seem to be at the same price point as the Iro bikes.