Kestrel Talon SRAM Red vs Kestrel Talon SL TRI

My two cents.  For a new Triathlete the decision over the type of bike really comes down to how much money you are comfortable throwing down on a new hobby.  Despite all the articles, posts, ads, the differences between bikes and parts really don't make a bit of difference unless you are a professional competitor or consistent AG winner.  Its about YOUR strength and endurance (its not the bike, its the motor).  So, I'd read articles about peoples experiences and likes/dislikes about certain bike manufacturers, but it really comes down to money you spend and your personnel feel for the bike.  (Find a bike shop that'll let you get on a bike and ride it around to get the feel).  I did my first year on a mountain bike.  Just wanted to get a feel for the race, not trying to win my AG then.  Eventually I got tired of being passed by everyone so I got a cheap road-bike and swapped the handlebars.  That was fine for a while until I couldn't resist the siren song of getting a Tri bike.  Finally upgraded and now trying to resist upgrading again to the latest super-whammo-dyne carbon warp drive mega bike.  There is a great deal of pressure, so try to stick to a budget that you won't regret later and worry less about this part vs that part.
2. Road vs Tri.  There is a difference.  If financially it is even, I'd go with Tri.  If for no other reason than you'll be asking yourself the question over and over again in the future and will drive yourself nuts.  Get the Tri now.
3. Road shorts vs Tri shorts.  Main difference is the thickness of the pad.  Biker stuff is ususally padded more.  Tri stuff designed to be smaller pad-hence won't absorb water and feel like you have a diaper butt after you come out of the swim portion.  Also easier to run in.  Tri gear is designed to dry out faster, usually, and I think fits tighter so it won't chafe during a run.  No reason not to have some Bike shorts when you are just biking, but recommend getting Tri-stuff for BRICKs and races.

Agree with a lot of above. 

As far as which bike you are going to purchase, just make sure it fits well.  Have you tried other brands.  Not every brand is a good fit for everyone.  If you are going to spend a lot of money on a bike, make sure it's the ideal bike for you.  The two bikes you are looking at are more than entry level, and the quality of the frame/components may be good enough so that you don't want to upgrade...but if you find the bike doesn't fit you well, you still may end up wanting another bike in 6 months.

As fars as road vs. tri, do you plan to limit yourself to triathlons and time trials for races.  Because you can't use a tri bike in road races or crits.  As far as training, do you plan to ride solo most of the time...or with a tri group.  Because some cycling groups only allow road bikes in their pace lines.  I'm guessing the Kestrel's you are looking at are about $3500.  You could use that $3500 and get a very good quality road AND tri bike...especially if you look used.  Not saying that's what you should do...but it something to consider.

As far as shorts, you want to do triathlons and brick workouts in tri shorts.  Using bike shorts will have the pad soaked in water and will likely cause chaffing on the run.  For training, it's personal preferance.  Personally, my most comfortable pair of shorts are a pair of desoto tri shorts I recently bought.  I use them for my tri races and all my training long rides as they are more comfortable than any of my bike shorts(even though the pad is much smaller).  But if varies by brand too...I haven't tried to many brands of bike shorts, so maybe I just haven't found my brand yet.  I will say this...my most expensive pair of bike shorts (Pearl Izumi PRO) is my least favorite and am thinking about throwing them away.

1. I think the SRAM components are worth the extra $100.
2. No matter what you buy (road or tri), get tri shorts.   I ride with them all of the time now, and I have several different styles of bikes.  You get used to the thinner padding, and you'll need them for any race (esp Ironman!).
3. Road v. tri:  I bought a road bike first, loved it, and still use it.   Based on your desires, though, I would suggest just going with the tri bike.  Why not?  You can still ride it whereever you want.  You could always pick up a road bike if you think doing group rides, fun rides, etc, are in your future.  Spend the big money on the tri bike, since that's your main goal.

So many good inputs.... I think I'll get a pair of each shorts first and then buy from there. For the bike I have been convinced to get the road bike. I am either getting a 06 Trek 5.2 Montare with Dura Ace and upgraded wheels and all or a 10 Kestrel Talon +SRAM Red with upgraded wheels as well. I wanted to go cheap at first but like everything else as I educate myself I want something that is going to satisfy me for a long time. Much like my wife I guess. LOL

Thanks for the words! I love this website and the fact that so many veterans take the time to encourage and help us newbies!