BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

There's a couple of swap and sale Facebook groups. Here's one: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254893731351993/ Some shops, such as Thick Bikes, also have some used bikes in stock. Be sure to check them out. Aside, do you want a fixed gear or a single speed? I understand the simplicity allure of the fixie, but going downhill on one sucks. Around here, I'd recommend a single speed, so that you at least can coast whenever you go downhill. If you do decide to go fixed, make sure the bike has brakes. Some people consider them redundant on a fixed gear bike, so don't be surprised if some of the fixies you find have no brakes. Also, in PA, you are legally required to have brakes on your bike.

You might also want to check out FreeRide.  http://freeridepgh.org It's a bicycle collective where you can build up a bike for cheap or even free if you put in enough volunteer hours.  They also offer mechanic classes where you can learn from just the basics to highly advanced stuff.  It's a cool place to hang out and learn while helping others.  

There's also Bicycle Heaven, for used bikes. If you have another bike, maybe an old one, it's easy to switch to single speed. Mostly just taking stuff off, then replacing the cassette and chain. To go fixed, you'd need a different rear wheel.