What a profitable thread for me.

Thanks to yonderboy, I talked to WebCyclery this morning and Todd said he could put together a Steamroller for a price within $250 of a Pista.

Then I found out we actually have a Bianchi dealer in town and I talked to them, and they made it very doable, also.

And, yes, lala, I'd change the Pista's bars to bullhorns or something along those lines.
I ride in traffic and I like to look around.
From what I've heard from everybody, the Pista sounds very rideable and more like agile than twitchy.

Now I'll talk to Tony at IRO.
Thanks, isototope (first get lice).

THEN, this idea of converting my present commuter into a fixie intriques me.
This would let me find out about this fixed gear stuff for the least amount of money, and my commuter already fits me like I had always hoped a bike would fit me.

So, I have three or four options to consider over the next few weeks until I can file my income taxes and get the refund that will pay for this.