Hola. I'm the kinda guy who needs and values input when making a decision about things I know very little about. Case in point: a road or tri bike. I'm currently riding a Specialized Mtn Bike and I'm very pokey on it. Since I'm riding in my first tri in a month, I figure I'd better step up and buy a bike. However, I'm a total skinflint and until I've finished the tri and decided if I like it, I'm not going to invest a ton of money (max 700-800 clams).

That said, I have my eye on some eBay auctions:
05 Schwinn Fastback Comp with a BIN of $770 (the only one without aero bars)
Quintana Roo Tequilo with a BIN of $830 (unknown year)
02 Devinci Chicane with a starting price of $500
04 Specialized Allez Elite with a BIN of $799

Additionally, I've found a local craigslist post for an Allez for $650.

Just based on that info alone, would you see a clear cut winner?

I should say that as a n00b, I'm not particularly interested in parts and specs - they kind of make my eyes glaze over. Too much information at this stage.

Finally, I went to my local LBS and they measured me for a 58cm bike. If I buy a 57cm or "large" framed bike, will I really notice the difference?

Thanks in advance for all your comments.
Donnie

If it's your only bike, start with a road bike. You'll be able to use it in a tri. If it's your first tri, I'm guessing it won't be much longer than a sprint, so a dedicated tri bike would be overkill for you anyway.

Are all those bikes used?

Actually, I'm starting in an Olympic. Don't ask me why, becasue I don't really hava good answer.

I believe the Schwinn is the only one that's new.

definitely go with a road bike. much more versatile and you can get some clip on aero bars and basically have an instant tri bike

Whatever you decide ( I vote road with bars), you had better get it, get it fitted and get riding fast. You will need all the seat time you can to prepare. The swim will not be that bad, but sitting on a bike for more than 30 minutes without training is enough to turn anyone into a SAG rider. You might want to look into some comfort items as well, screw the weight you are wanting to finish!!!
Good luck!
Cheers!!

Just get a decent roadie now. If you like tris, get a nicer tri bike later on, and you'll still be able to use the roadie for training.

I love my Schwinn Fastback Sport, if that is any help.

This is the bike I'm really leaning toward:
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Seems like a good deal even for the BIN price.

Get a road bike and buy some cheap clip on aero bars as well.

Now you have a road bike and a tri bike.