So I just got my largest tax return yet and after years of talking about it I've decided to get a bike. My main reason is that I would like to get back in better shape, I hate running and I don't skate near as much as I use to. I've really had my heart set on getting a fixed gear bianchi.
I just have a few concerns. Is it possible to have brakes on a fixed gear bike? If so I think it would be best for me to get the hang of stopping and riding without using brakes, but having the brake sort of as a crutch or back up for a while. Any suggestions you guys may have on this brake subject or for me starting out riding in general would be greatly appreciated.

best & thanks

yes, it's possible, and even recommended! especially for those new to riding fixed. you really only need a front brake, but having both brakes isn't a bad idea if you'd like to go that route. as far as bianchi's go, the pista will only accept a front brake, but the san jose and the fremont can do both. the pista is going to be a very "tight" bike with track geometry, the fremont a bit more lax with road geo, and the san jose is more along the lines of a cyclo-cross bike, with clearance for larger tires and slighty more lax than the fremont (in case you hadn't already found that info yourself).

Most people always ride with brakes. They just have a set on the front wheel only.

yeahyeah definately use brakes at first. most off-the-shelf fixed gears come with either brakes or drillings for brakes, on at least the front if not rear as well. only real track bikes have no drillings -- and i assume you dont want a real track bike.

OH NO HE DI'INT!

This bit of common sense is quite refreshing.
It is a good idea to ride with brakes, at least until you become experienced, and even then it is highly recomended. If you have a local bike co-op or a good local bike shop, go there and buy the parts at least, though you will probably be buying your bike there as well as you're interested in a bianchi, and have them help you mount the brake. Also, ride the bike some and make sure you get your cog well fixed, as it probably wont be tight enough when you get it. This will prevent slipping and keep your hubs intact, un-mangled. Finally if you get a pista, gear down. They come stock with a 48/16 which is QUITE the stiff gear, maybe a 42/16 or 48/19 would be a nice gear to learn on, it will lend itself to speed control and spin abilities as well as be a bit easier on the knees.

Edit:
Oh, and enjoy the bike. It's a sin to not

the brake topic is pretty well addressed above. So I will just recommend reading Sheldon Brown's (RIP) info on fixed gear bikes and riding, https://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html (if you haven't)

Doing so will greatly increase your understanding of the bike, and accelerate your learning curve.

Thank you guys for all of the help. There is a local bike shop here in Houston where I live that everyone recommends, I plan on buying from them. From what I hear they have a knowledgeable and helpful staff.

I do know some local guys that ride but none are close friends, just people I run into from time to time. so pardon my ignorance on the subject, I've just been unable to ask many questions. I do look forward to riding though. Thanks again for the suggestions so far.

Also, as far as Bianchi goes, I would order it as soon as possible, because they have been back ordered for quite some time, and so if they run out it might be good to get your name in early. Just a thought.

there are other entry-class bikes to consider too. KHS flite 100 is a solid deal at $500 (i'm buying one after the 1st), there's the cayne UNO for around the same price, kona paddy wagon, masi speciale, surly steamroller, specialized langster, giant bowery, raleigh 925... those should be around $700 or less, and all come with at least one brake pre-installed. there's gotta be a shop local to you that has one or more of those bikes.

*just in case you can't find the bianchi you want*