Originally Posted by Newbian

I did my first mini Tri (5k run, 10 mi bike, 100 yd swim) with my wife last month and had fun. Well... for the most part. I didn't really know anything about bikes and did it using a $56 Roadmaster from Wal mart. I did very well in the run and I'm very good at swimming but the bike's chain fell off 3 times, the brakes locked up twice, and the left pedal snapped off 2 miles from the end of the bike part. I was pretty upset and want to toss this bike since it costs more to fix it than I bought it. I'll never buy anything from Walmart again unless it's a towel, TP, or a DVD. I got what I paid for but like I said, I know nothing about bikes.

I did have fun doing this but want to get a proper entry level road bike that I can also use for commuting. I don't have much money and I have been shopping around.

Here is what I've found at 3 different LBS's in my area:

'05 Trek 1000 $580
Raleigh Grand Sport (don't know if it's an '04 or an '05 but the guy said he'll sell it for $500. He has it tagged at $579)
'05 Giant OCR 3 $600

All 3 have carbon forks.

According to many that I've talked to and going off of what I've learned here, entry level bikes by reputable companies are essentially the same. Am I right? If this is the case, then maybe I should go with the Raleigh.

Which way would you guys steer me? I'm going to buy in the next month.

If it matters, I weigh 170 lbs.