Got back into cycling about seven or eight years ago after a break of something like 20 years, got a succession of (gradually nicer)
ebay racers (like the ones I used to ride, just better), then decided to try fixed, just because people who like them seem to like them
so much (Sheldon, rest his soul, was a significant factor).
Got and converted a beat-up old Dawes 653 framed beastie I got for £53 off ebay. That was it. First ride scared the crap out of me. That was six months ago. Don't think I've ridden a geared bike since, apart from trying out a lovely Battaglin I just couldn't resist. Now facing the dilemma of do I don't I... Mr Battaglin certainly never meant it to be fixed...but riding with gears holds very little appeal now.
(I'm about a fortnight off 49, as it happens.)