i don't know if you noticed, but the OP was asking about Bianchi Pistas.

if i may make a request - if somebody doesn't know enough to search, it doesn't help to be a jerk. just inform them that they can search for a very, very informative thread.

so, RB925, if you search, you'll find that a lot of people are satisfied with the Pista, but that some of the components leave something to be desired. track geometry may or may not be to your liking (some people hate when the toe overlaps the front wheel when turning sharply). many people recommend the IRO, because you'd be supporting an awesome, small company, plus you'll get somewhat better components (notably, IRO's very well-built wheels with very decent hubs and rims). the more road-oriented geometry (slacker headtube, more rake in the fork, more clearance) may or may not be to your liking. any of IRO's options make a very good starter (and beyond...) bike.

also, nobody thinks pistas are poser bikes. the fact that people think that posers ride pistas doesn't mean that everyone who rides a pista is a poser, and anyway, it's a really, really, really, really stupid thing to talk about (or base a decision on).