i need a bike

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yea ive been doing that, my problem is i dont know what kind of bike i should get.. would a cheap road bike be okay while im getting started or do i need something else

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Road bikes are perfect for sprints and olympic distances, great for training, group rides, pulling the kids, ect.  Tri specific bikes are great, but even those with tri specific bike owned or still own a roadie.

Before you buy get to know a little bit about components, don't just buy the cheapest outdated craigslist bike.  You can find a deal, but if you get total crap you'll spend another 300 to upgrade next month.

For informational purposes check out bikesdirect.com  All the frames are similar quality and you will see how the price changes with the different component packages.  Almost all quality entry level bikes now shift right on the brake levers and have a carbon fork.  keep an eye out for those features and educate yourself on components.

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Also,   go to a bike store and ask questions and get fitted.  even if you get sticker shock and buy elsewhere get fitted so you can at least buy the right size bike.  If you don't know alot about bikes you'll be bringing whatever you buy back to them for parts / repaires / tune-ups.

Spend $25 at a yard sale on a bike that is the right size for you.  Spend another $25 to get tuned up.  Put the other $250 away to use towards your next bike.  You will want another bike whether you spend $50 or $300.  You might as well get a $250 head start on your next bike.

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