Women's Entry Level Road Bike

Buy a used road bike from someone who IS interested in triathons.

First start with how much you want to spend and if you want a carbon frame or not. That will narrow your selection.  Second, you might want to consider a WSD bike. (Woman's Specific Design) This is the abbreviation for Trek bikes, but several different brands have the same idea, bike frames that are designed to specifically fit the smaller proportions of a woman.  With you wife being 5'4", this might work for her. Also, depending on how comfortable she is with changing gears, having 2 gears in front vs 3 might make her life a little easier. (Unless you plan on attacking some monster hills )

Good Luck

Key is bike fit.

Finding a bike shop that fits women well and finds a bike to fit her not tries to sell her a bike they have in stock.

Find a shop that will work with her to find a bike that fits her well, have her fit, set a price range and then trust the bike shop to recommend the bike that fits her best.

I ride a traditional tri bike but need a women's specific road bike. I had an awesome Orbea carbon road bike with ultegra probably more than you are looking to spend.

What is your price range would you guess?

Isn't that store in MI that has an awesome website about bike fit in your neck of the woods? If I lived in MI I would consider checking on that shop. Honestly finding a bike shop that you and your wife wants to work with is #1 more than this or that brand. 

My bike fit guy is helping me get a new cyclecross bike. He is writing up a recommendation based on my fit what a custom bike geometry would be then what stock bikes options I have  and will recommend which will fit me best. I think that is a real smart way to buy a bike. 

I'm racing with the tri team for the LBS with the Dolce, which she likes, so things are leaning that way already:  aluminum frame, carbon fork, $800ish, female owner/bike fitter, and good pre-existing relationship with the people.

 We're just curious if there are any big issues or bike love stories to consider.  Everyone's comments have been very helpful. 

Last year My fiance and I went to the LBS that I got my felt s32 from and asked about a road bike for her.  She's not very tall (5'2") so the choices were limited.  She wanted to do a couple tri's but be comfortable and be able to commute and joy ride the bike mostly.  We also didnt want to spend a that much because we bought all here gear at the same time.

They couldnt say enough good things about the ZW100, for the money.  It has brakes up top, I believe shimano sora and tripple components (she wanted the granny gear because she was afraid of getting stuck on huge hills).  It came in her size (43cm),  Aluminum frame, carbon fork, overall a really sweet bike.  She loves it, I love it, it looks great and didnt break the bank. Its served her pretty well in the 2 tri's she's done.

Oh yeah and thats part of felt's "ZW" line, which is women specific.

This original thread is over 3 years old so prices, models and such are out of date other than couple posts above me.

If you are new to the sport and unsure if you will continue, consider using the bike you have for first tris and once you are sure you want to continue, buy a bike. You will get a better bike if you look at used bikes in the under $1000 price range.

My first bike was a Specialized Dolce and it was great because I am small (female).  5'3" with short torso and short arms...and short legs...I'M SMALL!  Recommend it.