Quote Originally Posted by tulip
Why do you say that if you get this bike you will still need a performance bike? Remember, it's the rider who makes the most difference, not the bike (assuming the fit is right). Put Lance on a low end bike and he'll still beat most people on a custom carbon.

ummmm yes to small point. There are always some who will be competitive with one arm tied behind their backs on a tricycle, but the difference between a touring bike and perfomance bike is enough to make a difference to us mere mortals if we want to do more than simply finish a race. The truth is most of us race against people who are fairly similar in ability to ourselves. The sport is (somewhat) orgainized to move people up who show greater talents, so we don't have to race against our local Lances. An ultra light top of the line bike is not necessary to racing, nor will it make you competitive if you are not already keeping up, but a bike that has the proper geometry for and is geared for racing likely will make you more sucessful.

Really it depends on trailrunners goals. If she intendeds to just do the occasional tri any bike she wants to ride will get her through - people do them on mt. bikes and hybrids all of the time- but if she intends to start racing competitively she's right, the Sutra wouldn't work too well.