Thanks for the good ideas!
especially since I am just dipping my toes in the sprint tri water - so to speak.
batman - I can definitely change out the tires & do a tune-up way cheaper than a new bike.
cslone - I am signed up for a race June 4 and Aug 12. MN lakes in 1st week of June can be very chilly, but by Aug they will be fine. So I get your point, if I only need the wetsuit 1x save the $200 and look to spend the $ elsewhere. Thankfully the June race is only a 1/4 mile swim.
TriGuy - Gear West - that would be in Long Lake right? Looked at their website
http://gearwestbike.com lots of choices and little bits & pieces to feed the upgraditis.