I recently purchased a Ryan Bayley Special. I had breaks put on and an 18 tooth cog on the freewheel side of the hub.
I can't rave about this bike enough. I just love it. Very stiff, strong and wonderfully responsive.
Changing it slightly to a single speed roadie might not be the desired use but it is the only bike that feels like an extension of me rather than a bike to ride.

Cheers David