Triathlon - Novice needing bike guidance

I'm a runner who wants to get into biking/duathlons/triathlons. It would seem, different kinds of bike fit different people better (just like shoes). I'm fairly tall (a little over 6-4) and about 190 pounds...I've heard stories about bent frames, back injuries, etc. about people who got a bike not designed for their body build. I'm not looking to compete in the Olympics (I am not an elite athlete in any terms), but I want to at least start looking for a decent bike for competing in duathlons and triathlons as well as using on a trainer during the winter months. I'm a novice when it comes to bikes, so is there a brand or style of bike I should consider (or not consider) to help me narrow my search? And to show my total lack of knowledge, I would be happy with a good used bike (indicating smaller budget) that fit as well -- where would I start to look? Oh, if you do respond, please don't use abbreviations, because frankly, I'm not familiar with all of them. :o Well, whether you have a response or not, have a Merry Christmas!

You should probably start with a road bike.
I don't think at 190lbs you'll have problems with breaking the bike or the wheels.
Fit is very important - I would recommend finding a good bike shop and having them fit you. I think you should look to spend at least $1000. The frame is the most important part. You can easily upgrade other parts later. A Cannondale R700 is a nice choice for about $1200 - its got a pro quality frame with more modest components. It would be a frame that could last you a long time - you could add better wheels and components down the line.

RunDanRun, I'm a runner turned triathlete who made the "jump" about 4 years ago when I realized that running exclusively (at my age - then 50) was a set-up for injury. I didn't own a bike and wound up buying a Trek 1000 (their bottom of the line road bike) at years end when prices were lowest (I t5hink I paid about $425.00). Four years and two additional bikes later (Specialized hardtail mountain bike and Cervelo Dual Triathlon bike), I'm ready to upgrade my road bike to something better. There is NOTHING wrong with the Trek. In fact, the bike runs like a clock and is virtually indestructable. Good thing...as newbie cyclists are tough on their bikes. My personal specialty was low/no-speed crashes. I would forget I was clipped in as I came to a stop. I'd never used clipless pedals. :D

My suggestion is to look at entry level road bikes from a respected name brand company (e.g. Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc.). You can add things like clipless pedals (a must in my opinion) and aerobars if you want. If you're like me, you'll soon be lusting after a nicer ride. You can then "retire" your bike to f/t trainer duty, foul weather riding, etc. If by chance you don't stick with your plan, you haven't invested a ton of $ into things. Lastly, I'd go with new vs. used. If you don't know a lot about bikes, it is just safer to buy a new machine. They'll fit you properly to the bike, probably throw in a few free tune-ups, and will provide you with education about maintenance etc. Establishing a good relationship with the bike shop (frequently referred to as LBS - local bike shop) is invaluable.
Good luck and be safe.
Dave

Find a good shop, and concentrate on getting a good fit. the fit,and the advice and support , are more important than the particular brand. Any of the mainline brands, trek, specialized, canondale, lemond, giant, etc. will be fine.
I would give strong consideration to getting a bike with Shimano 105 componets. The 105 group is very serviceable and it is a very good price/value point.