In reply to tehmarks:
I rode a fixie into London for many years. In the end, the hill starts at the numerous traffic lights got too much for my knees. I could have put a bigger sprocket on the back, but where there's a hill start one way, there's a spinning out descent the other. I changed to gears in the end - an early 'adventure' bike, now known as a gravel bike, which is a euphemism for 'heavy'
For riding in town, as long as it's not hilly, a fixie is the way to go. Lots of control, little to go wrong and the bits last for ages - a fat, straight pull chain, and most braking is done by the pedals. I only ever replaced tyres and brake pads (and then very rarely the back ones). Downsides - it's hard work uphill and can be uncomfortable downhill, sharp speedbumps are unpleasant, and you'll only try and freewheel once....
Clipless pedals and shoes make it safer and more efficient.
Steel Pearson Hanzo for me.
Post edited at 12:07