Triathlon - Building up a "starter" Tri/TT Bike?

I am primarily a road biker and use a classic chromoly criterium geometry road bike and a Litespeed. The area where I live is also primarily suited for road bikes, with varying terrain, surface conditions, and traffic. However, there are some routes where I could ride a Tri/TT bike. I've used clip on areobars before and like the speed and power. I'd like to build up a simple dedicated Tri/TT bike with an angled seat post, short stem, and full aerobar setup. I don't expect it or me to be competitive. This is just for the rush of that kind of training and riding.


What would be a good base for such a bike, i.e., another chromoly bike or an aluminum bike.

Thanks for your help.

RFC

If it is just for position than either steel or Al with the correct geometry would be fine. If you wanted to start racing Al tubes are more easily formed into aero shapes.

Leader TT frames are cheap and although there can be alignment and finishing issues many are happy with the result.

Chucksbikes.com also has some worthwhile looking budget options too.

Ditto on the aluminium -- it can be shaped in the aero tubing you will need. Also keep in mind the geometry is different on a TT bike; you want to go probably 2cm shorter on the top tube. Good luck with it. TT'ing is an addiction! Hello my name is Stallionforce, and I haven't done a TT in 4 weeks....

I'm considering getting a TT/Triathlon bike off www.bikesdirect.com just to "thrash" around on. That Motobecane Nemisis Pro is tempting at only $1200 for ultegra/dura ace parts. The seat tube angle is 76 degrees though you can always replace the seatpost with a non-setback or forward angled one for a more forward position.

The Mercier TT bike also listed is tempting except it comes with drop bars and a 75 degree angle seat tube (but is still cheap).