Triathlon - Looking to get into tri's. What bike?

So, I'm looking to get into some triathlons. I'm currently a marathoner, and bike for fun. I also just started a swimming regiment, so I have all my training bases covered. However, I'm curious on what kind of bike to get. I currently have a steel frame single speed, which I love for training, but it's probably not the best racing bike. However, I'm curious to see if I should get a road bike or a tri/TT bike. I like to do longer training rides, and I'm sure I'll do some bike races, and I'm not sure if a tri bike would be appropriate for this. I'm thinking I'm going to concentrate mostly on tri's, though. Any thoughts?

So I just noticed this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=453975). Looks like a tri bike will do me just fine?

Ideally a TT/Tri bike AND a regular road bike. Tri bikes wouldn't be my first choice for a long day in the saddle. Of course I've started training for tri's from a road racing background, so your results may vary.

Dr. Pete training for Tri's? Crap, there goes my place on the podium. *#!/)+!!!

OK...besides that...if you are planning to do actual bike races like crits and road races, your only choice is a road bike. If you're OK with sticking to tri's and TT's, go with a tri-specific ride.

Remember to keep us updated on your progress.

This discussion is about as fun as clinchers vs tubulars.

I agree if you've got the cash, do both. If you don't, I've got to come down on the side of road bike. Since you are just getting started, a road bike will be much versatile for the future if you decide you don't like triathlon.

Also, in your case since you don't come from a cycling background, I highly recommend you do a lot of group rides on a road bike. You need to learn to be a good cyclist and handle your bike well, especially at high speed. You just can't do that by yourself in on a tri bike (group rides on tri bike NOT recommended.)

Also, if you are doing any bike races, aero bars are not allowed. So the tri bikes would be out on that count too.

Thanks for the suggestion. Are there any good hybrid type bikes that maybe have a close geometry to a tri bike, but could still pass for a road bike?

Take a look at the Dual and Soloist from Cervelo.

Cervelo Soloist allows you to get steeper (76 degrees) on your seat angle by flipping the post and has a more aero frame. You might also want to check out the Ridley Noah or Felt Z1 as other road bikes with more aero frames.

These are great bikes, but don't feel limited to them. Find the bike that fits you best and you feel the most powerful on. You can always get a Profile Fast forward seat post for any non-integrated seat post road bike. This will put you in a steeper position for riding in the aeorbars.

Soloist Carbon or Team

Also, the new Look 586 can be ordered with a reversible seat post. The Looks are a dream (I still ride my 2003 kg-381 Road Bike). But bang for buck, you probably can't beat the Soloist Team.