Lots of normal road bikes at "sprint" tri's. They are set up and welcoming for new triathletes. No real need for aero bars at all in the shorter races. I have seen some of the younger guys really flying on true dual suspension mountain bikes. Mimi ('68) U08) is a fixture at some of the races and duathlons. I have some old Scott aeros on her.

These tri's are really fun. I prefer the "Olympic distance" better (1.5 K swim, 40 K bike, 10 k run) but there are som sprint tri's in the Oklahoma area that we all go to and have a lot of fun.

Please try one. I think you'll like it.

Tyson