I own a 2003 pista and I think that it is a great bike. I bought it with the intent of using it on the rollers over the winter but when the weather turned warm I had no problem taking it on the group rides around town. It is a really fun bike and it is a solid package from the factory - very well spec'd. I have not changed the gearing and Southwest Missouri is fairly hilly so you will probably be ok for most riding. I actually like the geometry a lot, just as much as my regular road bike.

-Ryan