Triathlon - Training AND racing on a tri bike?

I'm brand new to the world of triathlons and i don't have a bike yet. I'm training for a sprint triathlon in june in harriman state park, ny. I am unsure if i should buy a tri specific bike for both training and racing or if i should just buy a road bike/multi-sport bike and put aero bars on it. I don't want to invest money into a road bike and then have to buy a tri bike in the near future. I'm very keen on the Specialized Transition Elite for a tri bike and the Specialized Transition Multisport for a road/multi-sport bike with aero bars... Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks
P.S. Does anybody know where i can get padded bike shorts that aren't spandex looking?? :)

If your riding is limited to tri training and racing, a tri specific bike works. However if you want to ride with others, like clubs or large groups, most others don't like tri bikes or aerobars with them. The reason is many feel it's unsafe in groups with your hands so far away from the brakes.

If you aren't sure how many tri's you plan on doing and how committed you are long term to tri's and general riding, a regular bike with aero bars is a good way to go.

Thanks stanseven, I ended up going with a road bike for the training and i'll end up putting aero bars on it for the triathlon!! I chose an entry level road bike, the specialized allez 09 double.... Hopefully I'll get hooked on this triathlon thing and end up getting a tri specific bike in a couple of years, thanks again

good stuff! that's what i would have done too. if after a year of racing you feel like you're bike is holding you back, then you can look for a tri bike.

as for the shorts, just get used to the spandex. it takes a leap of faith to wear them the first time, but after a while you realize that they are the most comfortable option, and everyone that rides is wearing them. then you'll realize that the people that ride and aren't wearing them are the ones that look goofy. :thumb:

Also, the aero advantage of a tri-bike will probable not equal the disadvantage of non-spandex shorts.

Thanks stanseven, I ended up going with a road bike for the training and i'll end up putting aero bars on it for the triathlon!! I chose an entry level road bike, the specialized allez 09 double.... Hopefully I'll get hooked on this triathlon thing and end up getting a tri specific bike in a couple of years, thanks again

The bike you bought will do fine for many years. I have a Specialized Allez that I bought in 2000 and have been training and racing on it until this year. With a set of aero bars and a good set of aero wheels you will do just fine. Remember it's not the bike it's the motor that makes the biggest difference. Train hard, have fun and enjoy the sport.

One other thing that i was looking into was purchasing a bicycle computer, any recommendations?? Wireless? Thanks for all your input, very happy with the specialized allez!

When you invest money in a road bike, its well worth it. There's lots of enjoyment in riding. Even though your goal is triathlon competition, it is quite natural to ride with others. Most other riders have road bikes anyways. I wouldn't consider spending twice, once for road, once for tri, as a waste. You will find out that they are different in its application and in your everyday usage. Think of it as "double the fun".

I started out with a Cateye wire and then Cateye wireless and now a Garmin 305 GPS.

I went with the road bike too due to the fact that i wanted to ride it all the time and do tris on the side. I got a tarmac elite and i love it! congrats on the bike and like they said its the motor not the bike that makes a difference. I have seen guys hammer past full equipped tri bikes with no probs. good luck!