Thanks for the replies!

As far as the derailer needing to be looked at... it has been looked at... and *fixed* many, many, many times. I seriously use to go weekly to get it fixed. They KNOW me at the LBS and know why I'm there when they see me. It's been like that for a year now.

Well, I agree with this...

So, in my opinion if you are going to buy any bike you should perhaps concentrate on the road bike rather than a tri bike- you would be more sure to be able to use it for its purpose.
If I EVER get to the point where I can run a 1/2 marathon, then I will cross the "get a tri bike" bridge.

Once my tri on 9-17-06 is completed... I am doing to take my bike to the LBS and get advice on what I should do.

Should I get a tune up? Replace the shifting mechanisms? Or just replace the bike? My mechanic is really cool, and I trust him to give me a straight answer on what I should do with the bike.

I also think I will talk to an old H.S. friend who works at the LBS and have him put me on his radar for when there is a GREAT deal on a bike in store.

And if all else fails.... I know last year Trek did a 1 year/0% interest deal around Christmas time. That could work too!