(Allow me to preface this thread with the fact that I DID do a previous search on site for Iron Horse bikes and mostly came across mountain bike discussions, so be gentle ... )

Hi folks.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, I'm getting back into road riding after a decade hiatus. I want a decent bike (which I may use for crit racing in the future) but I'm on a budget. I recently spoke with a friend and he may be able to get me a heck of a deal on a Iron Horse Triumph Sport. I know nothing about Iron Horse as a company and was curious if anyone had anything to say about their bikes?

MODEL 2005 TRIUMPH SPORT
CATEGORY ROAD SPORT
FRAME SEMI-COMPACT ALLOY ROAD FRAME, 1 1/8" INTEGRATED HEADTUBE
REAR SHOCK N/A
FORK CARBON W/CHROMOLY STEERER
HANDLEBAR ALLOY OVERSIZE
STEM ALLOY OVERSIZE
HEADSET INTEGRATED ALLOY
BB TRUVATIV CARTRIDGE
CRANK TRUVATIV ISOFLOW ROAD
RINGS 52/42/30
PEDAL WELLGO ALLOY PLATFORM W/ TOE CLIPS AND STRAPS
CHAIN SHIMANO HG-50
SEAT SELLE ROYAL VIPER
SEAT POST ALLOY MICRO ADJUST
F. HUB ALLOY QR 32H
R. HUB ALLOY QR 32H
F. DER SHIMANO 2203
R. DER SHIMANO SORA
SHIFTER SHIMANO SORA DUAL CONTROL STI
FREEWHEEL SUNRACE 8 SPEED 12-24T
BRAKES TEKTRO ROAD
BRAKE LEVER SORA STI, PLUS TEKTRO CYCLOCROSS
RIM ALEX 32H ALLOY BLACK W/ MACHINED SIDEWALLS
SPOKE 14G BLACK STAINLESS
TIRES VITTORIA ZAFFIRO 700X25CM

Also, it mentions "cyclocross" brake levers. What the heck makes those different then STI regular brake/shifters?

The cyclocross brake levers are the additional brake levers available when you are on top of the handlebars, and not on the hoods.

As for the rest of the bike, to race in crits, you would have to get rid of the pedals and go with a clipless system. Other than that, is would be ok...although I am not sure if there are any rules against the cyclocross brakes. If I was to race that, at minimum I would change out the pedals, remove the cyclocross brakes, and change the triple to a double.

In general I would elsewhere if you want to be serious about racing. Get something newer with a 9 spd system and clipless pedals. Additionally, make sure this bike fits you...that is probably the most important aspect into your success cycling is riding a bike that fits.