Quote Originally Posted by zoom-zoom View Post
Oh, I'm definitely not expecting 3.5mph, but most people tell me that 2-3mph vs similar effort on a road bike is pretty expected. Frequently in these races I do (which are generally not big -- for some reason dus are never as popular as tris) I'm the fastest woman on a regular road bike and often faster than some on TT bikes. With a speedier bike and at my goal weight (15-20#s lighter) I think I could at the very least have the lead women in my sights. Having a visible carrot is far more conducive to pushing harder than having no shot once the lead 1-2 women mount their bikes.

I'd have no issue going used...the tricky part is we're part owners of a bike shop, so DH thinks it looks bad (and he's not 100% sold on me even having a TT bike, because he does no TTs/multisport -- but I'm selling my 29er, so I can use the argument that I don't mountain-bike, so this is MY thing). We only carry 3 brands that offer TT (BMC, Bianchi, Wilier), which limits my options...especially at <5'4". Pretty sure the smallest Wilier will be a hair too big. The smallest BMC and Bianchi models are pretty close in size and look comparable to my road bike.
My partner-in-crime had her husband working at a bike shop and got a great deal on the top-of-the-line BMC tri bike; she loves it, but if your hubby isn't sold on the tri bike thing I doubt he'd go for that one And yes, you should be able to race and have a tri bike even if it's not hubby's thing; it's *your* thing.

Bianchi isn't well known for their tri bikes, but I'm sure you know that fit trumps most everything else.

The idea that a tri bike is inherently uncomfortable is bunk. You can't rideong distances and get your best top speed if you are uncomfortable, and with your wrist issue, being on the aerobars would probably be a big improvement.