General: I've done my research and still can't decide between a few bikes

Hi, I'm 17 and I'm about 5'11". I want to get a fixie but I can't decide between a few that I've heard good things about. I don't have a job right now because of school but I might get one this summer. I'd rather not wait that long though and just save up some cash and get the best bang for my buck. What I'm looking for is a frame that will last me through high school and college. What size frame should I get? Which bike do you think would be the best for me to get? Keep in mind that the more it costs, the longer I'm going to have to save up. I'd also want to customize my bike but I'd like to start off with an overall good bike. So far I've been leaning towards the Soma frame but it's pretty expensive and only the frame. I'm in LA which is mainly flat but has some hills if that makes any difference. I'd also like one that'd withstand tricks but is light too.

I can't decide between:
Soma Rush - 399 for frame and 129 for fork
IRO Mark V - 569 complete
Mercier Kilo TT (maybe pro) - 349 complete (479 for pro)

Maybe (haven't heard much about them):
Pake Track - 259 for frame, 99 for fork
Motobecane Messenger - 349 complete

Thanks for the help! I'm pretty sure there's other kids like me that are getting into the cycling world that will benefit from this too. The more help, the better!

IRO, kilo, soma, motobecane, pake

Okay so I've decided to get the Mercier Kilo TT but does anyone know whether or not it's easy to take the decals off? Or does anyone know a good way to take them off?

at 5'11" at 17, i'll be your finish at around 6' or 6'1". i'd recommend, based on the limited information you've given, that a 57-58 would suit your well. for gears, that's up to you. but for reference, almost every fixed gear out there comes "stock" 48-18 or 48-17. pretty neutral gearing, you'll climb hills with decent rigor, and spin at a decent rate on flats and medium decents. start with 48-18 (i recommend) and go higher or lower in your cog from there, based on your preference, ability, location, etc

good choice with the mercier, check out the KHS flite 100 too...around the same price, same frame and fork. perhaps you'll like the decals more?

it's honestly the exact same bike...so buy the one that comes with better parts!

EDIT: as far as gearing is concerned (and as mentioned) most bikes come with 48/18, 48/17. 48/16. i agree that 48/18 is awesome to start with. 46/17 also works.

What size Mercier should I get? I've heard they run big else where as well. Should I get a 50cm or a bit bigger?

here at bike island , you can order the kilo tt with no decals http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1084