OTP or build?

I've been riding fixed for about four months (my brother has a charge plug and i've changed it to fixed to ride on),
I really want to get my own fixed bike, but I can't decide whether to get an OTP bike or build my own. I've been reading this forum a lot, but I still don't think I have enough knowledge to build my own, yet I don't want to get an OTP because I would like to be original...
so would really like some help in deciding! pros/cons of either, except building my own bike would be awesome, and a good learning experience, just I don't think I'm qualified enough!

Cheers,
Hab*

Set up a bike company and build an OTP. Sorted.

Call it Swagger and buy your missus a mink coat with the profits you'll make.

And on a serious note. Build it, learn as you go and for bits you can't do or don't have the tools ask your LBS or friendly forumites for assistance.

I am able to offer a special build your own bike degree.
For a meagre £500 I will teach you how to build a bike and provide you with a degree which doesn't just say you are qualified.....it PROVES you are qualified to build a bike, then you will be qualified to build a bike.
Money transfer by western union only please into my cambodian bank account.

sounds like ATG

*cytech

But seriously, there isn't a "right" answer. If you're time rich and money poor, go for the building option, beg, borrow or steal (and make sure that you are waiting to get the best deal instead of running out to buy components when you are excited. Otherwise your bike will end up very expensive). If you're time rich and money rich, go for the build and buy whatever you want. If you're time poor and money rich, OTP all the way. You'll start upgrading and then you can build up your spares into a beater anyway.

Another option is to buy second hand. You can get something unique in a kind of off the peg (or ebay) way and save a few coppers too. If it's not for you then there's always the prospect of getting all or most of your money back too when you sell it on.

I've got a slightly different question, but similar.

I've got an OTP and am very happy with it, and am starting to plan minor upgrades.

But I feel as if I've slightly cheated, and would love to build my own bike.

Now I know there are millions of threads around building bikes which I need to read through, but what I guess I am asking, as someone who has never done much more than repair punctures and change tires, but is generally relatively handy when it comes to DIY and similar tasks, is building a bike going to me be realistic for me, even if it takes a while...

see, my main worry is not knowing enough to build... for example, I have been riding properly for about 5 years, and still don't know what a bottom bracket is!....

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

Read this and all will become clear, even down to what a BB is :)

But an otp, upgrade:

Wheels
Cranks
The rest
Frame

Sheldon Brown's the Oracle!

is building a bike going to me be realistic for me, even if it takes a while...

Yes, the only limiting factor is what kind of tools you have available.

Namely, the appropriate BB tool, Headset spanners and Chain tool.

See the Open Toolbox

You already got a bike to go around town in.

save up, buy part as you go along, etc. time is your friends.

hab, I'm a fan of OTP's, though no-one would ever guess that. This thread may have some answers for you.

Strong opinions on building up from scratch, and others for OTPs.

Get a nice frame, and change it to your taste. Therefore your 'original' bike (depends on the parts/colours) whist still riding a beautiful frame. [/rose tinted glasses off]

When I first got into the idea of riding fixed the main site I looked at was was fixedgeargallery.com and most of the little blurbs that came along with the pics recounted tales of the build. Getting bits from ebay and 'dumpsters' as well as parts bins in bike shops. It's a rite of passage - you have to build.

Fixed gear riding is about making that connection between yourself and your bike. Building your own bike will make that connection even stronger.

However, the sun is shining and maybe you just want to get out there and ride. There is a lot more choice nowadays than there was a few years ago. Well, no choice really.

I think it comes down to what kind of person you are. I acknowledge that I have a predisposition towards mechanical tinkering, and free/re-cycling so it all came naturally. For me building my own bikes has been a highly enjoyable process that has taught me tons of invaluable stuff I wouldn't ever have picked up from reading - it forced me to learn. I've stuffed a few things up along the way, of course. But now there's nothing much fazes me, I feel confident enough to solve most build or remedial problems, help other people out, and I've progressed onto more tricky stuff like wheelbuilding. All along my love of cycling has just kept on growing.

Oh, sorry, I almost forgot

Easy Folks,
Can I get some help
After being told I was too damn short to get a Plug ,my local bike shop fella offered to build me a bike with these specs for the same price as the Plug.
Should I accept and hand him over some dollar, is the spec any good for £500

Any thoughts at all?

Velo Ecosse Single Speed Frame 50cm Red (Alloy with carbon fork)
Xkegmet XR-300 wheel set (Black)
Continental Gatorskin tyres 23 or 25C
Tektro R538 Brakes
Tektro brake levers
Alloy Stem, bars and seat post
Continental Bar tape (Black) (Optional)
FSA bottom bracket
[]FSA Chainset 48T 170mm
16T Fixed Sprocket (Variable)
Izumi 1/8th Chain

50 cm? not to small for you?

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