I never rode a bike as a child since we lived in an area of unpaved roads until you hit the highway 20 miles away. The first time I seriously rode a bike was in college and it was a junker three gear bought from someone else and used only to get to classes. Since then I have graduated to a serious road bike (via a hybrid) so I don't get the fixie except for a sturdy simple commuter bike for someone in a flatish area who either wants something to carry stuff on or something to do long (flat miles) and has incredibly strong thighs. Or is it all about being able to do wheelies and bunny hops ?

Not meaning to cast aspersions or criticize but what's the deal?