Go new or build?

My single speed converted mt. bike isn't cutting it for me anymore so i'm looking to make the jump to a single speed road bike. I have three options i'm throwing around:

Option 1: I found a bike builder who can build me one for around $200.

Option 2: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1060463_-1_56000_20000_56003

Option 3: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/track.htm

Option 2 is hi-tensile steel, not cro-mo. It will weigh a ton and probably not be any faster than the mtn bike.

Option 3 is a decent frame, but no brakes - you need a front brake (despite what the urban hipster freaks will tell you). Listing says they include a rear brake - not sure why, usually you'd want a front.

Option 1 - what will they be building? A vintage craigslist frame converted to single-speed? Might be a good option, but depends entirely on what frame they are using.

What's the max budget for this project?

Depends what you want. If you are an average sized person, getting a frame off CL will not be hard. I just put together a vintage schwinn frame and the bike is right under 20lbs. So not super light, but I have inexpensive aero hubs (rear is a flip flop/so that adds weight too) that drive the weight up. I put it together for a bit over $200. If you don't need a tall frame like I did I bet you could save some dough.

Number 2: Sounds heavy if weight is the issue 25.4 lbs http://www.mongoosebikes.com.au/bikes/detail.php?id=563 Number 3: Don't see the weight for 3, which probably means it is not a light weight. Most companies want you to know that their bike is light

So to me if light is the deal, some form of 1 is the best choice. You-build is probably the best choice. You will have more control and there not that many components to worry about. My advice is try to get as complete a frame set as possible. The old the bike the more complete it should be. I had hard time finding 21.1 mm quill stem.

Mr Crackmonkey's advice help me also

What are you looking to do? Looking for something to run down to the corner store? Back and forth between classes? Ride for exercise or fitness?

The Motobecane is a pretty good deal and would be the nicest looking fixie with a flip-flop rear wheel. It's not light, not is it the highest quality, but it's guaranteed only to cost you as much as the price+shipping.

I built a fixie for $40, so deals are out there. You'll have to be patient though.

Be warned that the hi-tensile Mongoose Maurice comes standard as a free-wheel, without a 'flip-flop' hub, (if you were looking to ride fixed.)

However, there's also a cro-mo model of the same bike, with nicer cranks and headset, equipped with a 'flip-flop' hub.

http://www.mongoose.com/zaf/eng/mtn/Products/Mountain-Pavement/Comfort/Details/2740-M9MAUC-Maurice-(CroMo)

It'll obviously be dearer, but but how much exactly I'm not sure.

This is basically a beater bike and just to bomb around town on when its cold out or when I feel like riding an ss. I haven't had any luck selling the Schwinn so i'm going to keep it and throw some bullhorn bars on it, a new chain and call it a day..