Absolutely. I was actually in the middle of typing that exact thing, but Bryan types faster, I suppose. I just got a 2005 Ridley Excalibur with Ksyrium SLs for under $1800 last week. New the price was about $4500. I raced it today for the first time (twice, actually) and absolutely loved it. A good way to save money is to get lower level components. I wouldn't recommend that for road racing or anything, but for time trialing like you'll be doing in tris, 105 should be just fine. That's what I run on my TT bike and I consistently trial about 24-25 mph. Nothing spectacular, but it's respectable, and I don't feel that the components hold me back...just the legs. One thing I would suggest is to get a set of aero wheels as soon as you can. They make a huge difference. I bought a Mavic Carbone and XLab disc last year for under $700 on ebay. (Heavy aero wheels...perfect for time trialing in Florida). One more thing I'd suggest (take it or leave it....I'm looking back and noticing that I have a lot of suggestions!), is to get a tri geometry bike (over 76 degree seatpost with a slightly shorter top tube). This will be more comfortable and let you run faster off the bike.

And hey, just so you know....cycling is the easiest discipline to learn. If you can already run AND swim, you're golden. Just put in a few hard months on the bike and you'll be near the top of most races.

Thanks for the suggestions. How do I know what size to get? I am 5'9" with a 32" inseam.

I tried to find a used bike online in the right size/price-range w/low mileage, but ended up getting frustrated and opted for a new 07 Cervelo Dual w/Dura Ace components. $1940 (including CA tax and a 2 hr. bike fitting). I also get tune ups for a year for free. The geometry is adjustable (from 74? to 78 deg). I put 90 miles on it this weekend and friggin love it.

Oh and to cover shoes and "other stuff" you can go with the Cervelo Dual w/Ultegra.....$1500.

Just hit up ebay that is what I did I got a 04 Cannondale Ironman 800 (normally 2500) and I picked it up for 1200 shipped. You just have to keep your eyes open.

kkkocan,

Thanks for the info. I found a 54 cm bike on ebay. Is this any good? http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Elite-Magnus-Triathlon-Tri-Bike-Green-Shimano-54cm_W0QQitemZ250087381521QQihZ015QQcategoryZ64681QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250087381521

I only know Elites by reputation, but their reputation is very good. As kkocan noted, bike has a nice spec and seems like a good deal at the price. Seller appears to be a bike shop, so you may want to see if you get Elite's warranty with the purchase (this can be important).

Whether it fits or not is the big question, but I don't know of too many other new bikes you can get for that price that would be anywhere near as good.

I'll have to disagree with you on that. The main reason someone would want to get a road bike first is that it is a more natural position, meaning it's easier to adapt. Dan, based on your swimming and running background, you're probably in really solid shape and shouldn't have any trouble adapting to riding a TT bike. I bought a road bike and put aero bars on it at first and about a month down the road was wishing I had bought a tri bike instead. Having two bikes is a great thing, but if you're planning on just doing tris, get a tri bike. The Elite on ebay looks solid and you'll have plenty of money left to get some race wheels. A tri bike will not only give you a few minutes on the bike from a better position, but it will let you run faster off the bike as well. You can be plenty fast on a road bike, but you'll be faster on a tri bike.

Depending on how bad a shape the old bike is in, getting replacement parts plus tools really might be more expensive than a new bike. Plus it takes time, even in the internet age, to locate replacement parts for a 20 y/o bike. Plus the time commitment to do the labor. All this is no guarantee that you even can fix up the bike, or that it won't fail next year. Road or tri, I'd go new.