Need help with fixed gear/single speed bikes?

I am in the market for a new bike. I rode on a Schwinn Hybrid for a few years and I want to upgrade. My boyfriend rides a fixed gear and I am interested in purchasing one-- better work out and whatnot. My price range is 500- 800 dollars.

Here are the bikes that I have been looking at. I am most interested in the Cannondale...

1. Cannondale Capo, http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/...
2. Bianchi San Jose, http://www.bianchiusa.com/08_san_jose.ht...
3. Bianchi Pista, http://www.bianchiusa.com/05_pista.html
4. Lemond Fillmore, http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/track/c...
5. Schwinn Madison, http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bike...

I just want to know what I need to be looking for-- I would like a flip-floppable bike (and I know that the Capo is) as I am not sure if I am ready for a fixed gear bike now. I want a light bike fit for an urban atmosphere. Does anyone have any advice? Or any suggestions?

I'll second the Surly Steamroller. It's tough, versatile, steel, hip, and in your price range. A friend of mine rode all over Mexico for a few months on a Steamroller. The biggest sell for me is probably the tire clearance. If you're dead-set on one of the aforementioned brands, I'd probably go with the San Jose, although I've heard that the wheels Bianchi spec's are kind of lame. Surly makes a great product at a very affordable price.

Surly Steamroller

In my opinion the steamroller will give you a lot more bang for your buck. Surly makes a great steel frame and fork. The bike also has a good component mix. If you are riding single speed you are going to have to pick up a freewheel and rear brakes.

Surlys also allow you to run wider tires than most bikes will allow you to.

You also will not have a problem finding a used steamroller on ebay or craigslist. I would suggest going this way as you will save a few bucks and usually get some really nice upgrades.

On top of that Surly bucks in the face of the high dollar bike shop crowd.

If I had to offer a second choice it would be the Bianchi San Jose. Take a pass on the Capo. IMHO steel is a much better choice for a single speed than aluminum. It is stronger then aluminum and it affords comporable dampening to carbon fiber.

Several things:

First, you are correct to look for a flip-flop hub if you don't know if you will prefer single-speed or fixed (or are just lazy some days). The Fillmore and Madison are also flipflop according to the pages you listed.

Second, I would not get the Cannondale. That aluminum ride will have you feeling every bone-shaking teeth-shattering bump in the urban environment. Steel will be much more forgiving.

Third, the shape of the frame differs on some of those bikes. The Pista is pure track, designed less for comfort and more for racing (though it can be set up to be comfortable). The San Jose looks the most relaxed, but not fixed gear. Fillmore and Madison look more "road bike" shaped.

I would look at the Fillmore and Madison if it were me. Nice steel, flip flop hub, and brakes installed (the Pista has no brakes - you have to add them).

Also, if you can find a ride you like but it doesn't have a flip-flop hub, you can always buy a new rear wheel as long as you're still within your budget.

Having said all that, if the stars are aligning and you live in the DC area, I have a 2005 Pista with a flipflop hub and brake upgrades listed on the DC Craigslist.

Good luck!

i like the san jose, i ride a felt dispatch, (alum w/ carbon fork). its nice and pretty quick with a flip flop hub and rear brakes, the ride is a little rigid b/c alum but its no better or worse than any of my other road bikes. of the 5 listed, the sanjose is the most versatile, though the surly steam roller is a very fine bike. im partial to the filmore but that is based on style and not function.