Are you planning on doing primarily triathlons, or are you looking for a road bike, along the lines of those you listed? That first purchase can seem a bit overwhelming, but it can also be lots of fun! Buying a new bike, just under 1k is going to put you just above entry level for most bikes. I like to recommend buying used. If you are looking for a triathlon bicycle, a used Cervelo P2SL can usually get you in around that price range, and is far from a beginner only tri bike. Just keep in mind all of the other items you might need for your first race when you are mapping out that bike budget. Since you asked for opinions, if you are in the flat lands I would go with a double instead of a triple crank. I personally find them to be less "fussy." I race with a compact and have one on my road bike as well. I have not had a desire to go back tot the standard 53/39 set up (Big chain ring 53 teeth, small one 39) I run a 50/34 FWIW.