bike question

I am looking for a little advice. I have decided to take up a new hobby (triathlon) at the time when I can least afford it. So, in my efforts to train and complete my first tri on the smallest possible budget, I am having the expected challenges.

I don't own a bike (yet), so I have been shopping around on craigslist a bit. I was looking for a road bike, but quickly realized that my $200 bike budget wasn't going to go very far. I found a K2 Sapphire at a pretty good price and was wondering if anyone knew if it was a suitable bike for the endeavor? It appears to have road tires and I would probably want to change the pedals (I scored some cycling shoes on ebay!). If it's otherwise mechanically sound, would this be an okay starter bike?

I went out and watched a race last weekend and bike-scouted a bit. I noticed that people on hybrids and such were really really struggling. While they are more in my price range, I'm not sure that's a good plan.

I am open to any comments and suggestions that anyone is willing to offer! I am in San Diego if anyone knows of any budget priced shops...

Thanks!

I can't find the K2 Sapphire, so I can't comment on that specific bike. You can certainly do a triathlon on any bike. You'll see a lot of hybrids and mountain bikes with slick tires at sprint tris.

I would say just find a bike you are comfortable on and get used to riding it. Ask LBS to set you up with some faster tires and that will help. I saw just about every kind of bike racked near me at my first one! Even super knobby tires. See the photo... look next to my bike! Ewww... ignore the belly roll! How embarassing. Tri clothes are not so flattering. :rolleyes:

Like has already been said, you can do a tri on any bike and you'll seen "any bike" at a typical tri. Just make sure that it fits well and you are comfortable on it. Narrower, smoother tires will be faster no matter what bike you are on. Welcome to triathlon; remember to have fun and enjoy the ride.

The people you watched might have been struggling, but not necessarily because of the bike.

My bf kills me any day on the hybrid (and I stand no chance against the roadie), there's people who kill on a fat, studded tyre MTB. Even women on flat bar roadies can be "dangerous". (And the bike split is my best in triathlon.)

Otherwise, what MDHillslug said.