Newbie Tri Bike question

[fidlfreek]

Hey guys you all have SUCH a great forum. I've been learning so much.

I am runner mostly and have decided to take up tris. I have been training for about a month on a borrowed Giant OCR1W road bike (properly sized and fitted). I am really loving the speed and challenge of cycling and can see myself really getting into this. So now that its time to buy a bike I need advice. I was thinking of spending about $1200+ but could be convinced to spend more. I have been into shops to ride around on a few Specialized and Treks and have been using the Giant. I had a friend send me this link though and thought it sounded like a great deal

http://www.livermorecyclery.com/consignment.cfm

Its a 48 cm (my size) titanium tachyon from the late 90s. Its only been used 500 miles and the components appear to have been well cared for. Oh, and the lady only wants $1000.

My main concern is that this is a tri bike and I don't know how that would influence my ability to enjoy the longer group rides that I could see myself getting into. Should I be concerned about the 650 wheels?

Thanks for any advice! Also, I'd love leads on other used but fabulous bikes if anyone has any suggestions.

[NbyNW]

Sounds like a great bike for a great price.

re: group rides, just because something is called a triathlon bike doesn't mean you can't use it for other kinds of rides.

What are your concerns about 650 wheels? Yes, they are often used on smaller bikes to solve the toe-overlap problem, but performance-wise as I understand it the difference is miniscule unless you are an elite rider. There are some taller riders who prefer 650s for various reasons, too: they're lighter, accelerate a bit faster, etc. You can probably find some more in-depth threads on that question if you run a search here or on other cycling and tri websites/forums.

To qualify my response to your questions: I'm short, have 650 wheels and love them. Haven't yet done my first tri, and my bike is set up more for touring rather than racing, but at the moment it is the right bike for my needs and probably for a few goals that I haven't set yet.

Good luck!