Quote Originally Posted by runnergirl
Unless you're headed for an iron man in the next year or two, I'd really recommend a well fitted road bike with removable aero bars. A tri bike is very limiting, you can't do other races with it, and most group rides prohibit (or discourage) using tri bikes, and you can't use it for touring.

There are some really neat tri bikes out there, but unless you're sure you don't want to do anything else, a road bike is the way to go.
totally agree.

Just like like the difference between mountain and road bikes, there are specific differences between road and tri bikes. Both are built for a specific purpose. Keep in mind, the bicycle portion of a tri. is generally short, and done at a performance level (i.e. all out). Road builts come in different styles as well. Some are built for speed, some for power and some for long distances.

You need to access your style of riding. If your plan is to use the bike to compete in tri.s, then go for a tri built (which are usually made out of aluminum, very compact for speed and very agressively styled). Find a good, local bike shop and pick the shop mechanic's brain on this. Also, read up on the type of bikes available.