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I was looking around for a frame to build up for the velodrome when I found the Steamroller frame on an eBay auction. 
It had been heavily used for several years,
had a couple of dents, the fork was cut very low, and had the older brown-maroon color which turns off alot of people But, under
all of this, was one terrific bicycle waiting to be restored, built, and ridden.
When the frame arrived, we went over it carefully, and found that it was in better shape then we thought from the photos. After a thorough cleaning and an application of polish, the paint job gleamed. We decided at that point that rather than use the frame at the velodrome that we would build up a "street fixie" to use as an example of a bike that can be used around the city for errands, light commuting, and all-around recreational riding. We would make it into more of a "custom" project bike as a sample light commuter for the storefront when we opened.
First order of business was dealing with the "love it or hate it" color scheme. We considered several different color patterns, and decided that by going with a brighter red set of rims, and leather on the saddle and handlebars, we could work with the "unique" shade of maroon. For rims, we found a closeout set of Vuelta Airline 4's in candy-apple red. Joe laced these up with DT swiss Straight gauge 15 spokes at 90lbs tension, and installed Continental 4000 tires. This combination gave us nearly bullet-proof wheels that can withstand the rutted and pitted streets around Atlanta, yet imparted a smooth ride when combined with the sturdiness of the Surly 4130 steel frame.
We had picked up a set of Sugino 75 cranks and matching 75 bottom bracket as part of the original plan to build a bike for the velodrome, and decided to stay with this setup. Sugino 75's are an NJS track standard crank, light but very stiff, and the 75 bottom bracket is a three piece serviceable unit. We prefer this type of bottom bracket for regular street use, as it is completely serviceable. Unlike one piece cartridge units, regreasing and replacing bearings is a snap, and any part that wears out can be replaced. We added a Rocket 48 tooth 1/8" chainring, and a 16 tooth 1/8" Dura-Ace cog with matching lock ring. For a headset we chose a Chris King. While pricier, this headset will, like the Sugino bottom bracket, last a lifetime. We have never had the cups wear out in this type of headset, and have seen some owners ride regularly, nevre replace their bearings, and yet never have an issue.
We chose a Brooks Champion saddle in honey blonde and then used a non-name carbon seatpost we had in the back of the shop. For a bar we mounted a bullhorn pursuit bar, and mated it with a Ritchey high rise stem to solve the short fork problem. Since this was intended to be a city ride, it would need to get tied up to alot of different structures, so we stuck a messenger pad on the top tube, choosing a scotch plaid to pick up the red and black colors. We used a hair dryer and a plastic spatula and carefully scraped off all of the decals. Not because we are anti-commercial, but we feel it cuts down on the ever present theft issue in the urban environment, and gives the bike frame a cleaner, traditional, look. The finished product came in at a surprising 18lbs. It fairly gleamed in the sunlight, with the copper rivets in the Brooks saddle complimenting the bright red of the wheels, and the honey leathertoning down the brownish redish frame. The bike got compliments from people on the street right from the start. It was definitley an eye catcher.
But the big question that remained was - how would it ride? The first time you stepped down on the crank, the frame took off down the road. The Sugino drive train put every gram of effort into motion down the road. You don't notice it, as the steel frame has the classic "warm" steel ride that an best be described in one word - smooth. There is alot of construction work in Midtown, and the roads have become a series of bumps and potholes due to the cement truck traffic. Yet, the Steamroller handled all of the undulations. And despite the smooth ride,it accellerated like a carbon road bike. Whether seated or standing, the bike took off when you stomped on the cranks. We have found some steel frames tend to drag going up hills, but not the Steamroller. We took it on two century rides, and brought it out to Oregon and rode it up a moountain pass. As a fixie, it turned heads at the Wilson 100, and several roadies in Oregon did a double take when the saw a singlespeed bicycle on a high mountain pass.
The finshed product has a few thousand miles put on it, yet has only needed regular lubrication, and a regular bottom bracket overhaul consiting of new grease and ball bearings. The one modification we did that was unexpected was to drill a drain hole in the bottom bracket. We have found this is a necessary modification on most newer fixed/singlespeed frames, and a minor quibble when matched up to the performance of the frame and components.
We put some higher end extras into the bike which brough up the initial price. However, the finshed product is built to last, and when considering an every day bike, you are better off paying a little more upfront and getting servicebale parts that can be repaired, as opposed to needing complete replacement. Considering the price of unserviceable bottom brackets in 2009, the price of the Sugino 75 will pay for itself by the middle of the second year. The Brooks saddle, after breaking in, will last for decades if treated properly.
The major drawback to using this frame as a commuter or utility ride is the lack of eyelets for fenders or racks. Since it was conceived as a track frame, this is to be expected. The fender issue can be solved by either using a seatpost setup, or going with clamps for chainstay and fors attachment. Either way is workable. Mounting racks would be impossible without drilling the frame, and that's not adviseable. With a fixed/singlspeed setup, it's not a good idea to carry alot of extra weight, so this isn't a choice for anyone planning on carrying alot of cargo.
What you get with the Steamroller is the equivalent of owning - and using - a two seat roadster car. Lots of fun - great for running errand or driving to work. In an urban environment, it's a great transportation solution that will last for years to come, long after lightweight sport bikes will wear out.
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