Road or Tri Bike???

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"Starting out small" and planning to race your first Ironman in 15 months is not something I normally read in the same sentence.  Sounds aggressive, but possible if you're in good shape already, have a lot of time and the will to spend the time.

In my opinion, if you're serious about the IM in 11/09, I would suggest that you need to get a coach such as the one's offered on this site or in your local area.  There's a steep learning curve to an IM - not to mention a steep fitness curve - and a coach can help you along without you wasting time.  If you want to see what one "beginner" training program might look like for an IM, look under the free training plans on this site.

Anyway - There are a lot of posts about starting out and there's also a series of good articles right on this site.  Start here:  http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=...

To answer your bike question (kinda):  don't spend a lot of time and money right now on a new bike.  Use an old bike or borrow or rent one for your first tri (I suggest a sprint distance).  

But, if you really want a new bike, then your best bet is to find a good bike shop in your area - one that works with triathletes - and get fitted before you buy.  A good shop will listen to you and your needs first before they try to sell you a bike.  They'll also help you decide if a road or tri bike is best for you.

Thank you for all the great info, I really appreciate your help and time, thanks

Brandon

What about getting a road bike and then when ready I could buy some clip on aero bars.  that is what the owener at the local bike store is trying to get me to do.  He has a trek5000 he is trying to sell me for 1000.  I think its a good deal but I dont want to let him sucker me into it just because he doesnt have any used tri bikes for sale.  This bike is strictly for triathlons and training for them.  We are planning a couple sprints and a couple olympics and then the ironman eventually.  I know this is a common question and people get sick of talking about it but Im just a big time second guesser when it comes to spending a lot of money (for me)  on this, thanks again for your help

brandon

You'll find lots of bikes going on sale now that its end of season and can find deals at almost every bike shop.  BTW - Buying a decent new tri bike for $1,000 or less is not that easy.  I think there are more decent road bikes in that price range, but then buying a roadie now just to replace it a year from now will cost you more in the long run.  And, not to complicate things, but don't forget you're also buying a helmet, pedals and shoes, etc.  You might want to keep shopping unless you have decided that this LBS is the right one for you and they have your best interets at heart.  Frankly, I still say that you need to find another bike shop that serves triathletes in your community, if possible.

Buying a road bike with clip ons works fine and I'd guess what many or most do when we first start (I did this my first few years, although my bike was 12 years-old).  People follow this route all of the time and many (not all) sell their roadie after a season or two to buy their tri bike.  There are strengths and limitations to each kind of bike and a lot of your answer about what is right for you depends on where you ride (flat vs. hills, solo training rides or group rides, etc).  Try this article on the differences between a road and tri bike to help you decide: http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml.

Ok, so here are my current choices i am looking at.  Either a 2007 trek 5000 road bike or a Guru TriLite 2005 TT bike both for about the same price, or look into getting a felt s32.  I am just ready to get riding and dont want to second guess myself.  which would you go with?

thanks

brandon

Honestly?  I don't know much about Guru bikes.  The Felt looks like a nice bike, but I'm more familiar with their road bikes than with their Tri bikes. 

Ultimately, I think the Trek 5000 at $1000 is a screaming deal.  Even if you end up wanting something different, you *should* be able to maintain a re-sale value on the Trek at about what you paid for it.  Maybe a little less, maybe a little more ... but you'd be getting a whole lotta bike at $1000.

Just my opinion. 

As long as you like it. Thats what matters

That bike is great. As far as I remember it always had good reviews. Not sure which year you have? The majority of negative reviews discussed the seat. So, I am not sure if they swapped it out for the 2008 model. Even so, it may be right for you. Just like anything else...some folks like spinach others do not.

Have fun with it!

Best of Luck