First fixed bike build thread - Help build my first singlespeed or fixed bike

Hi All,

I have spent a good few hours over the past few days looking into 'Fixed Wheel' bikes and 'Track' bikes.

I currently ride a Trigon Road Bike; Carbon Fibre Frame/Forks, Carbon Wheels (alloys used for commuting), Dura Ace Groupset (Gears and Brakes).

I am very happy with this bike and am looking to assemble a similar bike, but this time it being a 'Fixed Wheel' bike.

I am keeping this bike and will NOT be converting the above to a fixed wheel bike. I would like to 'assemble' my new bike myself to get a better understanding for when things enevertibly go wrong. I have a fair amount of knowledge learnt from my road bike, from previous repairs.

I have found a few bikes for inspiration, which are more 'Track' based bikes. See below;

I do have a few questions regards components, which i am currently unfamiliar with;

1. Steel vs Carbon/Alu Frames
   I have noticed there are very few carbon road 'Fixed Wheel' bikes on the forum. Is this to do with the difference in frame cost (i.e. £100 for a good steel frame and £500+ for a carbon one) and difference in performance between the two?

2. Chains, Cranks, etc.
   Is there a review website where there is a comparison between different components?

I am going to test ride some Fuji Track bikes next weekend and pop into BLB to get some more idea about parts.

thanks