Which bike to get??
 

I am a "trinewbie" and I am currently looking for a bike. I train alone, most of the time. Have no desire to group ride at this time. I am interested in doing a half Ironman sometime in the future. . My question is this. I have narrowed my choices to two bikes. A Cervelo Soloist and a Cannondale 800 Ironman. The latter is trispecific, but do I really need a trispecific bike to do what I want to do or can I get away with purchasing the Cervelo Soloist. Have heard many good things about this bike!. Soloist and it's possble dual function. Both bikes are about less than $100.00 Cdn difference. Both components are equal Shimano 105. Can anybody help me make a decision. Are there any Cervelo or Cannondale riders with these models out there that can lend some input in helping me make this decision. Thanks in advance.

You don't need a tri-bike. I have done a 1/2 IM on a road bike and know people that have done IMs on both. If it will be a second bike, go for the tri bike. If it will be your primary road and tri bike, a road bike will probably provide a little more versatility.

even pros race on road bikes w/ aerobars.... check out some of the pics in inside triathlon and triathlete mag...

I have a Specialized Allez Elite setup up for tri with Syntace bullhorns and aerobars. I have my seat set forward between about what would be considered a standard road and tri position. I find this gives me the best of both worlds. While in a aero position, my hamstrings still get activated to a large degree, but on just longer "road" rides, I'm still in a comfortable position up on the horns. Actually, the position on the horns is exactly the same as it would be on the hoods of a road bike.

Eventually when you get serious, you'll probably end up with two bikes. Until now, get the most bang for your buck and get a good road bike. It can do both really well. This is the my opinion based on a lot of research and talking to athletes who've been doing this for some time.

You might want to check out felts.

Peter Ried won the Ironman in Kona this year on a Specialzed S-works E5 road bike.

What are you riding now? Would it be usable as a general purpose road bike if you were to get a tri-specific bike? If not, I'd probably go for the Solo.