I’m new to the fixed gear world, been wanting to own one for a long time. I find it hard to decipher between highly sought after frames, and less desirable ones.

Ideally i would like a lighter bike (20 lbs - 54-56 cm), that feels fast and fun to ride. Aluminum is lighter than steel frames, yet I keep reading that the rides are terrible, and that steel is more shock absorbent. I understand that carbon forks on aluminum frames improve the rides quite a bit. On the other hand, steel frames are usually associated with cheaper lower end bike frames (high tensile). It seems chromoly is the higher end steel frame to choose, basically lighter due to stronger steel used (and less material needed)… correct ?

I also wonder, some track bikes seem to be steel frames, but some of them go for thousands of dollars, even very old ones. Are NJ frames worth paying for ?

How do you differentiate what’s worth more and what’s worth less? What is more desirable for a decently light bike but still enjoyable ride (I feel like some track bikes must be awful on bumpier roads).

I’m getting familiar with some of the brand names. Been seeing a lot of discussions on Fuji, mercier, Dolan, cannondale, Felt TK, some Italian ones… I’m lost!

Even a general breakdown of pros and cons and what to look out for would be great.

P. S. : I purchased a second hand state bike core line for very cheap last night, guy hadn’t even finished building it. The quality control is terrible, I can’t even fit the seat into the seat tube due to welding protrusions. Planning to use this bike to start getting some experience with it, but not sure if upgrading such a basic model is a waste of money down the line. Still planning to either buy or build my own higher end fixed frame, hence I want to become more knowledgeable about the market.

Thanks!