As new as you can get

[pinkbikes]

I'll second that - a nice "zippy end" hybrid would be a good choice for you at this stage.

And I know people who have done sprint distance triathlons on zippy hybrids without any drama. So as long as you are not taking yourself too seriously a hybrid would be fine to test the waters in a tri. Go for it!

[tulip]

My zippy hybrid is Jamis Coda Comp (2003). If you can find a used one that fits you, be sure to call and try it out.

[PamNY]

I agree with everything Lisa said about hybrids. As a novice, I had no idea what to buy, but decided on a hybrid. I found a good used Trek on Craigslist last summer and I love it. I guess it's zippy -- the Raleighs I tried out felt more clunky and less zippy (but take that with a grain of salt; I haven't ridden that many bikes). Index shifting is nifty when you're new, and sitting a bit more upright is easier.

Good luck with your choice!

Pam

[Crankin]

I second the Jamis Coda. I bought one for $400.00 as my "second" bike. While it feels heavy to me, compared to my super light road bike, I love riding it. It carries panniers well and I use it to do errands all of the time. I got the "femme" version and it actually came in a size small enough to fit me.
Not a lot of shops carry Jamis bikes and I always get compliments on it when I have it locked p outside of the coffee shop!

[Grog]

I'd second checking out hybrid bikes, they are good starter-bikes. You may want to upgrade to a road bike, but the curve will be less steep by then.

Check our the Trek fx 7.2 (around $430 USD I think), a pretty zippy hybrid.

And welcome to TE!

[pistol]

I found a Trek 7100 at a LBS for $300. I also saw a Trek FX 7.2 there, and I liked it, but I'm not sure if I can afford another $100+. Right now, we're on a pretty tight budget, so I'm stretching it at $300. I haven't bought anything yet, but I'm seriously considering the Trek 7100.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Test ride them each at least twice. Find out which one feels better to your body! Ask questions about the frame size and how it 'should' feel.
Test riding is VERY important. Good luck!

[Grog]

I found a Trek 7100 at a LBS for $300. I also saw a Trek FX 7.2 there, and I liked it, but I'm not sure if I can afford another $100+. Right now, we're on a pretty tight budget, so I'm stretching it at $300. I haven't bought anything yet, but I'm seriously considering the Trek 7100.

I had the Trek fx 7100 for a while and really loved it. Unfortunately it was bent by a car driver who "didn't know there was a light," that's why I ended up with a 7.2 fx.

Is the 7100 a "fx" also? It makes a big difference.