Better Road/Tri bike for around $1200.00?

Apparently, the first answer to this question has no idea about bicycles!

A good, inexpensive TRIathlon bike or light road bike might be something like an older model (bike stores in my area still carry them) Trek Equinox 5 - it's a year or two old, but it's all aluminum and comes with aero bars and good components - light, but heavy by Tri bike standards.

A very light tri bike is going to run you closer to the $3K-$5K range (carbon everything, bar end shifters on the aeros, carbon wheels, etc.).

If you're looking for entry-level tri bikes, and you've never run a tri before - just trying it out - my suggestion would be to use whatever bike you have to train, and rent a good, high-end tri bike from a local bike shop to race with. Some shops in my area allow you to rent high-end Quintana Roos - nice, inexpensive tri bikes - which, by the way, might be your answer, if you can find one in a shop or online that is within a few years old.

Here's a good list:

High End:

Trek Equinox TTX (about 3500)

Quintana Roo (1000 - 5000, depending on the model)

Cervelo (very pricy - can be up to $5K)

A good beginner would be to purchase an inexpensive road bike - say around $800 to $1000 - a little smaller than what you'd normally ride (for instance, I ride a 52 cm bike, but for a tri, I'd ride a 50 cm bike) - and then purchase some Profile aero bars and add them on. If you don't like Tri-ing, then at least you have an inexpensive bike to either sell or ride in road racing (which is fun).

Good luck!

A Tri-bike has a different/aggressive configuration. It's harder to control as you will be using Aero bars for much of the ride. The geometry of the bike is designed to reduce the work done by hamstrings so the transition to the run is easier.

Lance Armstrong uses a road bike.

Craig Alexander and Chrissie Wellington ride Tri-bikes. Who do you want to emulate?

For a Triathlete looking at up to full Iron distance, I would recommend last year's model of FELT S22 or Cervello P2 SL with ultegra components. **** These are TRI-specific bikes and are uncomfortable for most people used to riding in drops and are harder to control -- they take a while getting used to and you should probably stay out of pacelines with them.

But understand, the most important part about choosing a bike is making sure you have a professionally done bike fit. There's no point in getting a $12,000 bike if your back starts hurting after 20 minutes.

As a road bike recommendation I would suggest something like a Performance Bike Scattante R-series with ultegra/dura ace components. That's all you really need.

Again, make sure you get a proper bike fit.

new used you could get something with ultegra components if you look around. road/race & tri bikes have different geometry. tri has a more forward aggressive position. quintana roo or cerovelo for tri frames. specialized, felt.

What do you mean "Tri bike?" No 3 wheel bicycle is gonna be "really fast." Did you mean triathlon?

Any light road bike that fits you well, has skinny tires, and is in sound mechanical condition will be as fast as you're capable of making it. Mostly up to you.

Just buy the lightest road bike you can find that fits you.