I'm 5'7" (and about 190 pounds if it matters), I'm wanting to use it in a sprint triathlon (have never done one before, and probably can't do one at the moment) and possibly riding on the local (paved) bike trails. As for price, I was thinking around $300. It looks like there is a lot of bikes to choose from at that price. I just saw a Trek 1420 (looks like it sold already) that looked like it might be the ticket. I also saw a similar looking Cannondale (perhaps a 400?).

At this point in time, I don't think whatever I buy will replace the Schwinn Collegiate I have, as that is a pretty comfortable bike and goes about the same speed as my daughter's Mongoose when it's fully loaded with rider and all the stuff we have to take on a ride.

Thanks for the responses so far and I look forward to more free advice,

J White