New Fixie Buying Advice

First post, asking for advice on what bike to get. Alarm bells are ringing.

Coming back from a few years of (non-cycling related) injury layoff and would like to treat myself to a nice fixie. If their web site still worked or they answered their emails I would probably have just bought a BMW Gangsta track. Steel frame that will take some abuse, ideally look nice (in the eye of the beholder guys) and just have some good rep. Not averse to getting a frame and building the bike up.

I won't lie I'll whack a front and back brake on as well, I'm a man of nervous disposition.

I've been through the list of lists though it's difficult to know how in date they are / which one to go for! Please ask for more details if you fancy giving a hand, I appreciate I'm not the most knowledgable in these matters.

tldr; I would like to buy a nice steel fixie for bezzing around, ideally available in black / charcoal.

Advise / flame me please.

I'd buy a surly steamroller.

Steel, built solidly, clearance for pretty big tyres and 2 brakes

The more you look into the fixed gear scene, the more you will be interested in having a bike that is good looking so I would suggest that you get ahead. Get ahead by waiting for a nice old italian track frameset to come up on ebay and buying it. Then, build it up using modern wheels, cranks, etc. If done with taste, it will delight you and others.

I think the build up an old beauty route is probably at least the bike after this one, good advice though thanks.

I had looked at the steam roller and thought it looked grim but I think I just don't like the decals. Which they don't clear coat over! Thanks chaps, this has cheered me up after that bake off.

Make space for 4-5+ bikes when you decide to get into cycling.

buy mine ;)

http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/254115/#comment11790151

i'd buy a steel framed fuji track classic. I've had mine fora year or so - no complaints