I'm looking get into triathlons, I do a lot of swimming and running so I figured why not throw in biking and see what happens. So, I've been searching around bike stores trying to find a decent beginner bike. I'm 22, and live in Milwaukee, WI. My problem is everything is so high priced. I'm a graduate student and don't really have the money to spend $1200 on a bike. So, I'm looking for advice on what to do. I'd like to keep total costs under $600. I've been searching for bikes online, was looking at the following two from bikesdirect.com

A 2008 Dawes Lightning 1500
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/lt1500.htm

Windsor Wellington 3.0
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/wellington3.htm

To be frank, I really don't know anything about bikes. From what I've figured out, I probably want and aluminum frame and carbon fork.

Or if there are other bikes you guys recommend. I'm looking to begin with some sprint triathlons and maybe an olympic by fall or early next summer.

$600 budget = used bike. Any new bike in the $600 price range will include components that will not last more than one season. Since you don't know much about bikes, I would not recommend a Bikesdirect bike since they usually require some assembly and work, right out of the box.

For $600, look for a used Trek, Giant, Cannondale or Specialized from 2003-2007 with either Shimano Tiagra or Shimano 105 components. Also, remember that the accessories cost money as well, so if your total budget is $600 you should probably only spend up to $450 or $500 on the bike.

$600 budget = used bike. Any new bike in the $600 price range will include components that will not last more than one season. Since you don't know much about bikes, I would not recommend a Bikesdirect bike since they usually require some assembly and work, right out of the box.

For $600, look for a used Trek, Giant, Cannondale or Specialized from 2003-2007 with either Shimano Tiagra or Shimano 105 components. Also, remember that the accessories cost money as well, so if your total budget is $600 you should probably only spend up to $450 or $500 on the bike.

While putting a bikesdirect bike together himself is not the best choice, buying one for $500 and paying a shop $100 to put it together works fine.

I do triathlons on a $500 Bikesdirect.com bike, It is equipped with Shimano Sora components like the ones here, I ride the crap out of my bike, very hard and fast and its holding up just fine. That said, I can see the advantages of better components, but for a beginner, this stuff more than suffices. Its not like this stuff is Wal-mart level.

While putting a bikesdirect bike together himself is not the best choice, buying one for $500 and paying a shop $100 to put it together works fine.

I do triathlons on a $500 Bikesdirect.com bike, It is equipped with Shimano Sora components like the ones here, I ride the crap out of my bike, very hard and fast and its holding up just fine. That said, I can see the advantages of better components, but for a beginner, this stuff more than suffices. Its not like this stuff is Wal-mart level.

All very true. I would point out, that in some cases, 1-3 year old, lightly ridden used 105 components may be just as good as new Sora components!

There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to BD, which have been discussed a few times on this forum :)

I lucked out getting a closeout tri bike direct from Javelin. They are liquidating their pre-assembled inventory and have a few left, at nearly 2/3 off of list, all way below $1,000. (I paid $800 for a $1,900 retail bike, their Narni model) I know one fellow bought a bunch from them and is selling them on ebay, for about $100 more each than Javelin is selling them for. Check this link and call the company (they are really nice and helpful there). http://www.javbike.com/News/2008_Closeout_Sale.pdf
Sizes are very limited at this point I think. I did a bit of research before buying this bike, and the components are way beyond any other beginner's road or tri bike. I was considering the Specialized Elite (a woman's road bike) for about the same price before getting this one. They weren't really comparable. So far the reviews I've read from people who've bought these bikes have been very good.

I found a used bike online from a guy near me, here's what he said:

it is a 06 specialized allez sport with Lighter Shimano Tiagra 9-speed drivetrain with 105 rear derailleur Vibration-damping Zertz Comp handle bar with 31.8mm clamp diameter Lighter Mondo Comp tires with aramid bead Lighter and stiffer Sugino crankset w/ alloy 52 and 42T chainringst was purchased at johnnt sprockets 3-07 no crashes, upgraded, and about 300 miles
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2006&spid=21592

He wants $600 for it, I'm thinkin it's a good deal. Thoughts?

Also, thx for the link above, i'll check it out.

I found a used bike online from a guy near me, here's what he said:

it is a 06 specialized allez sport with Lighter Shimano Tiagra 9-speed drivetrain with 105 rear derailleur Vibration-damping Zertz Comp handle bar with 31.8mm clamp diameter Lighter Mondo Comp tires with aramid bead Lighter and stiffer Sugino crankset w/ alloy 52 and 42T chainringst was purchased at johnnt sprockets 3-07 no crashes, upgraded, and about 300 miles
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2006&spid=21592

He wants $600 for it, I'm thinkin it's a good deal. Thoughts?

Also, thx for the link above, i'll check it out.

Sounds like a good deal to me.