Triathlon - Any disadvantages of getting a triathlon bike as my 1st bike?

Hi all. I'm a pretty serious marathon runner who is gradually making the transition to triathlons. Ok, I managed to give myself a stress fracture in my foot 4 weeks ago while running 90 miles per week, but I've been bitten by the tri bug and have been really enjoying pool workouts a la "Total Immersion" as well as riding hard for 40-60 mins on the indoor bikes at the local gym.

I'm about to drop the cash for a bike, one that will be good enough so that I won't be looking for a new one 1-2 years down the road as I improve. Bang for the buck is paramount here since I'm a poor medical resident . Also, I'm definitely a runner first and a cyclist later, so I don't need to pay $$$$ for a few grams of weight off. $1400-1800 would be an ideal price range for me.

I've read from various sources that you should not get a triathlon bike if you intend to use it as your main bike. The main argument I've come across is that the road bike is more versatile due to more comfortable geometry due to the non-aero position, and that you can "go aero" by adding aerobars. (I know it's more a "wannabe aero" than true aero position though.)

Is this advice valid, or should I just go and get a true triathlon bike if I intend to limit my bike racing strictly to triathlons?

PS - I've been drooling over this "entry-level" Cervelo! http://bicyclebananas.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=Cervelo_08_P2SL

Will you be riding mostly on your own or do you plan to do group rides? IMO, the only reason you would stay away from a tri bike is if the majority of your rides will be done with others...and therefore you won't be riding in the aero bars as much.

That "entry level" bike is a great choice. I used the same model at Ironman Arizona...though mine is black :) From what you've written, I think that bike would be a great choice for you.

The downsides of a tri/tt bike as your only bike are: (1) the more agressive geometry is less comfortable for longer distances assuming some of your training rides are long; (2) the position of the brakes and your arms/hands aren't safe in traffic or when you need to make sudden stops; (3) if you do group rides, others aren't comfortable with you being in the pack; (4) hilly rides aren't as easy from bothe the geometry as well as lack of hand positions suitable for climbing; (5) cornering in tight places such as cities and stopping/starting at lights, stop signs, etc., isn't as easy.

If you have only one bike and plan do do serious training, I would go for a raod bike with clip on aero bars. It's much more versatile. You can also get a "forward leaning" seatpost that makes the geometry between the two closer and that allows you to go back and forth beween the different positions.

The downsides of a tri/tt bike as your only bike are: (1) the more agressive geometry is less comfortable for longer distances assuming some of your training rides are long; (2) the position of the brakes and your arms/hands aren't safe in traffic or when you need to make sudden stops; (3) if you do group rides, others aren't comfortable with you being in the pack; (4) hilly rides aren't as easy from bothe the geometry as well as lack of hand positions suitable for climbing; (5) cornering in tight places such as cities and stopping/starting at lights, stop signs, etc., isn't as easy.

If you have only one bike and plan do do serious training, I would go for a raod bike with clip on aero bars. It's much more versatile. You can also get a "forward leaning" seatpost that makes the geometry between the two closer and that allows you to go back and forth beween the different positions.

Disclaimer...please don't be offending by my commentary...it was meant in fun. Though I do think Stan is off base in a few cases. Maybe I'm just jealous that he has a Seven and I don't.

(1) Bollocks! Once you become accustomed to riding in the aero position, you will find it just as comfortable or more so. In actuality, you have more positions and therefore more variations. I would rather ride my tri bike than my roadie on long rides and both bikes fit me well.

(2) Rubbish! If you're riding in areas where sudden stops might be necessary, you can always ride on your bullhorns where the brakes are. A road bike with aero bars (as you suggested) would not be any different.

(3) Pthbbbbbbt! As long as you're not riding in the aero position, there's really not much of a difference. Some doofi will make noises about it but whatever. I will agree that if you are doing the majority of your rides in groups, it's better to have a road bike though.

(4) I'll give you half credit on this one. The geometry is a factor but a forward seat post (as you suggested) lessens that. As for positions, you still have plenty on a tri bike. I can ride up to 5 or 6% grade in the aero position for quite a while. If you can't do that, there are at least two positions on the bullhorns on the bike he's looking at. Also there are the armrests which are almost as good as the tops of most road bars.

(5) Maybe cornering isn't "as easy" but certainly not difficult. I wouldn't ride my tri bike in a Crit but I've never had any problems taking corners...even at 20 mph. Why do you think stopping and starting isn't as easy???

Again, unless the OP is going to be frequenting big group rides, the tri bike is the ticket.

+1 on everything cjbruin said. I had a long post typed up, but BF ate it, so I'll just echo cjbruin's sentiments. Get the tri bike!

I second cjbruin, I have 3 Zipp2001's, a Lightspeed Blade , and a Cannondale Multi-sport which are all tri/tt bikes. I have done ultra-marathon events, and a few 24hr events with no problems. I also use them as my every day machines, I haven't ridden a regular road bike in over 10 years. I also find that it helps my back when it starts to get sore from work.

12-23 cassette, pffft... gotta upgrade that to an 11x23

If your intent is tris then by all means get a tri bike. Handling is NOT lacking for the kind of riding that the bike was intended for. If anything handling on a regular road bike with clip-ons is a compromise at best due to the more extreme foward weight shift over the front of the bike and a head angle a little to quick for aerobar riding. With bicycles it is very difficult to have a one bike does all ride. Comfort on long rides is not even an issue assuming a proper tri-bike fit. You will be safer and much more efficient with a tri-bike. There are several nice entry level offerings from companies like QR, Fuji, Felt, and others that fit your budget and perform well. I would agree that group riding is a no-no with a tri-bike, but that has more to do with the mind set of the pack riders than the ability to ride with them. I am fortunate enough to have both types of bike and would not use the tri-bike in a pack riding situation. The exception to this is when I go out with my tri club and we do ride paceline style without any issues.