Should I make a play for this tri-bike
 

It's a 1998, but its new and I'm just a beginner. It seems like a really good price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Quintana-Roo-Kil...QQcmdZViewItem

Is it the right size for you?

What are you riding now? This is not exactly a state of the art tri bike. If you don't a serviceable bike now, this bike fits you , and the final bid is under $500, this could be a reasonable choice.
If you have a decent road bike with clip on aero bars, this bike is not going to be much of a step up.

That does seem to be a pretty good price. It says its a 57cm. Realize that typically you go down a size for a tri bike. So, if you are riding a 58 or 60cm road bike then the 57cm tri bike will likely be a good fit. If you ride a 56 or 57cm road bike then the 57cm tri bike is likely too large. Fit is very very important.

as the bidding goes up, keep in mind you can get a new Kilo, which will have a warranty, newer, better componets, and a much more aero frame, for $1,000

Also note that the bike you're bidding on has 650 wheels, not the more standard 700c.

If you have a road bike already, don't bother with this one... The design has really progress over the last couple of years and a "new" Kilo from www.preownedbikes.com (which is run by American Bicycle Group, the owner of Quintana Roo amongst other brands) is less than $1000. I would wait and save up a bit more to go for a new Kilo instead..

Thanks for the responses. I decided to pass.

I read that a good place to buy a good used tri bike is at a last season race where some of the better riders sell there bikes to get a new one for the next season.

this one looks about your size. It'll cost a little more, but it is new. (i'd bet around $1000) with a nice kit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CERVELO-DUAL-9-T...QQcmdZViewItem

I just got a response back from bikesdirect.com that they would be getting more of the motobecane nemisis tri-bike in jan/feb. Its the same bike as the fuji aloha 1.0 and should retail around $895 if their pricing stays the same.

So, what part of the design has really progressed? The move from a 73* sa road bike to an equally well fit 78* tri bike will give a considerable aerodynamic advantage.

the 2006 kilo has a more aero frame with internal cable, seatpost and fork.

Really, though, unless you can ride at 25+ mph (ie you're a pro), you are not getting any benefit from these features. The bladed fork (which this '98 bike has) does have signifigance, though. In fact, if you watched the Kona coverage, there were several pros riding non-aero framed bikes. Why would this be when the aero-framed bikes are very affordable?

Going from a properly fit 73* drop bar road bike to a properly fit 78* aero bar will give tha average age gouper a signifigant increase in ave speed. IMHO, this is a much bigger improvement than going from a '98 QR bike to a new QR bike.

The big difference between this 57cm Kilo and a 2005 57cm Kilo is that the '98 one had a 78* sa and 650c wheels while the newer ones (in 51cm size and up) have a 76.5* sa and 700c wheels. It's up to you to decide which is better for you.

I'm not trying to argue, but just provide another perspective and try to quantify the "latest, greatest, eye-appealing" designs.

I wasn't saying to get the 2006, just stating the "latest, greatest, eye-appealing" designs. I am on the hunt for a used tri-bike myself, not cause I need one but want one. I know my body is much more of a limiting factor than aero bars.