I don't know what a P2K is, but I'm guessing you've got one you could go a couple years without any new equipement. But I would not recommend a CD. Instead, I'd open up an online trading account and put that money in about 2 or 3 stocks. Not very diversified, but your young you've got time. Look for something cheaper than it should be, there is a lot of that right now because the market is beat down by recession fears and this dumb*ss administration. By next spring, no one is going to remember, optimisim and markets with be high. And, don't forget to take your profits before you can't.

Assuming you're really not looking for investment advice (though a Roth IRA would be my first choice if I were just starting out with retirement savings), I would either look at upgrading the frameset to carbon or getting a road bike.

P2K is still a very good frame, so the carbon upgrade won't save a ton of time but would be mainly for comfort on long rides.
There are loads of good road bike options at that price point, though the new Felt AR may be a great one when it comes out, depending on cost.

Definitely an aero helmet if you don't already own one.

Depending on where you live: indoor trainer.

I gave them the receipts for what was on the bike so they could determine an appropriate replacement value. They knew exactly what it cost me.

As for the investment advice, thanks, but it was more a question of, if you had this new found cash, what would you do? Spend on something nice (new SRAM Red equipped roadie, power meter, etc.) or use the cash to make me some more?

I'd like to go the power route, but SRM's are absurd and one bike specific. And I have the rear race wheels covered so PowerTap isn't that good either, as I don't want to train on a 1080/disc or race on a non 1080/disc. Talk about impractical... Any other options for power that don't require a crank or hub? A computrainer would be sweet, if my computer weren't a mac. I suppose I could load the software onto my work PC and train in the office after hours.

Yeah, I'm mainly asking other people to dream for me. I know how much you all like to waste the day looking for bike gear.

If I wuz you, I'd invest in an Roth IRA. You can always withdraw the money down the line penalty free. Plus, it's never too early to think about your retirement. Think of it this way. The more you plan for it now, the easier retirement will be waaaay down the road.

I obsess over my investments and retirements ( I'm 28 ). What I wouldn't give to have been able to slap down 4k in my early 20s... I presume.

Compound interest is a beautiful thing.

http://www.moneychimp.com/calculator/compound_interest_calculator.htm

I think "High yield CD" sounded too serious. If you are going to be sarcastic on the internet, you need to say something like "$3800 of GU."

As for advice, if you have a tri frame (P2K), components (SRAM), crank (FSA SL-K), TT bars (profile CX), and front and back tires, I think you just need a seat and maybe a stem. You should be able to find both for less than $3800. :)

I'm nearing 26, so not too far behind you. I'm already maxing my employer match on my 401k and my roth is topped out for 2008. But aside from that and some shares from my previous company, I'm not too concerned with investments at the moment.

I'm treating this as free money to use for something. Just don't know what that something is yet. Possibly a really nice trip if I qualify for Clearwater.

Well, if you're going to go pro at Chicago this year, you pretty much NEED a tri bike with fast wheels. ;)

If you really want another road bike, though, competitive cyclist has a Ridley Excalibur on sale for $2k. That leaves enough money left over for some 404s to put on it. You'll need that setup if you're going to be doing ITU stuff next year (with your swim and run times, you need to be doing ITU). I'll even come meet you at your first ITU race next year and give you some pointers (if you let me hold on to your ankles on the swim).

.

Give it to me. :)

I never thought I'd see a thread mixing investments and tri-gear. Oh, blessed internet. If it were me, I'd pay down as much debt as I could ... if I didn't have any, well, a nice road bike would be fun, since you already have a couple other bikes. It sounds like you commute, so, perhaps an old beater, but in good condition, to ride into work would keep the theives away.