Trek 1.2

Bikesdirect bike are great. The only assembly you have to do is attach the handlebars, pedals and put the rim on the bike. All componets will be attached. Took me less than an hour to get the bike ridable. I did take it to a bike store to get it tuned up but that was cheap. Don't think you have to assemble everything on the bike. You get a lot of bike for the money. I got my first bike from here and was very pleased with the quality.

I can only speak about the Trek bikes, as these were the only bikes I researched when buying my bike. I looked at the 1.2, but quickly decided to spend just a little extra to get the 2.1. The 1.2 is extremely basic. I thought this would be all I would need, but when it was explained to me that I couldn't upgrade even one comonent on the 1.2 for the price difference to get the 2.1, the decision was pretty clear.

The 1.2 comes with mostly Shimano Sora components. It does have carbon forks, which is a good thing. The shifters are not completely intergrated into the brake levers. The 2.1 has a better aluminum frame, carbon forks, carbon seat stays, carbon seat post, upgraded components (Shimano Tiagra and Shimano 105), and the gear shifters are completely intergrated into the brake levers. The wheel sets are also upgraded on the 2.1. The price difference between the two is about $300 to $500. This is roughly the cost it would take to upgrade any one of the major compnents on the bike. Just my .02.........

Another idea is that if you can wait till winter, bikes will be cheaper.  They are like cars, when the 2010 line rolls out, all the 2009 models are reduced.  Sometimes up to 50%.  Many tri's have a "fat tire" classification, meaning you can race on your mountain bike, and your times are ranked against other mountian bike racers. 

Can't really join the Trek conversation, I was just lurking and enjoying the talk since a new bike so completely not in my future, but it is always fun to look. 

I have a Trek mountain bike and really like it.  It is 15 years old and still rides great.

As far as your computer goes, the only thing I would make sure of if you go simple is that it has cadence.  I find it to be the most useful data during my ride. 

I use the time and distance to log my rides after the fact, but cadence can help keep you on track during your ride.

Mine is a Cateye Astrale.  It seems to be pretty popular.

Enjoy your bike shopping.

You won't be out of place if you do a couple races on a mountain bike.  I even saw a beach cruiser a couple years ago.  You will see bikes of all shapes, sizes, etc.