Bike

Welcome to the awesome world of triathlon. You can use any type of bike you want. If you are just starting out stick with what you have. If you really start enjoying the sport upgrade later. Good luck
Kevin

It really depends what your goals are. If you a looking to do just one tri and see if you like the sport (which I am told you will become addicted) then move on to getting better equipment then what you have will work just fine. I am training for my first as well and I have a real cheap mountain bike and what most will tell you here or anywhere else is to use what you have and work on finishing your race. Now if you have the money and don't mind dropping some, there are some nice road bikes and tri-specific bikes you can get. My new bike will be a reward for all the winter training and completion of my first race. I am going to be putting slicks on my mountain bike and work to get it into some kind of race shape and use it.
By the way, welcome to the site. There is some really good information here and many people you will find are going to have the same experience as yourself. Plenty of motivation and knowledge around.

hey matt, check out the poll at http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=70&posts=11  a lot of us r using mtb's or regular road bikes...

I am using a $250 hybrid bike. I went to the bike shop and the guy told me to keep my bike for a year (and use for some training if get a new one). Here are his recommendations fo rme:

1. high pressure slicks. The go up to 80lbs which makes the width of tire on road almost the same as a tri bike tire with more stability. (Tires ~$20 each + tubes)
2. Put the straps on my pedals and just use running shoes for now.
3. mid level Aero bars that fit my bike (~$100)
4. A skinnier seat without springs that will let my legs spin faster ($30)
4. My post has a shock absorber, he said to rreplace with simple post ($5)

He said the reasons for removing springs and shock aborber for seat was when you go faster, they will work against you and make it harder. Also said to move the seat forward as much as possible.

I already had a cheap $20 computer and he said about same as what he recommends.

I put the list in order of importance for what he recommended.

You need to do whatever fits within your budget. I started with a hybrid, and moved to the Kestrel Talon that is set up specifically for tri's. The geometry of bikes differ because they are designed to meet specific needs. A hybrid bike is designed to put you in more of an upright position so when you put aero bars on it, it could cause you to be uncomfortable. You are basically making it do something that is wasn't designed for. Did I try aero bars on my hybrid,----yes I did? I have seen a couple of old 10 speeds at races and they made the bike route just like the 2500 dollar carbon fiber frame bikes did. Find what you are comfortable with, and go with it. If you finish using a kids bike with tassels hanging off the end of the handle bars, they will still call you a triathlete.

Still Tri'n,
Michael