Stupid Question?

1. How do you ride a fixed-gear around the corner without the inside pedal twatting the ground putting you on your arse.
   
   

The pedal strike myth ! On a properly set up bike it is almost impossible to pedal strike, I would have to lean my bike over so much (over 45deg) that I would loose the wheels from under me before the pedal (more likely the outside of your shoe on clipless pedals) hit the road.

On a conversion go for - a high BB shell and short crank arms (165mm or less) you should be fine unless you are hammering around a tight bend at 35 mph.

1. What sort of ratio?
   
   

Try a couple see what you like, some people ride 65 GI others ride 90 GI, depends on a few factors, around 70 is said to be the most efficient (might need to check that).

1. Straps or clips?
   
   

Straps or clip / powergrips / clipless - whatever you prefer, clipless will give you a little more clearance for you pedal strike concerns.

1. Where is the search facility for answering all of my own questions?
   
   

Go to http://www.sheldonbrown.com/ (OSBL)

1. What's wrong with mud guards?
   
   

You can get AIDs off a badly maintained mudguard.