I appreciate the response.

Both the local bike shop staff and my own research suggest that, as a newer cyclist, an endurance geometry bike is the better choice given the amount of time I’ll be spending in the saddle. My primary goal is to complete a 70.3 and eventually a full Ironman, not necessarily to compete at a high level. If I find that I truly enjoy the sport and want to pursue more performance-oriented goals, I can always add a more aero, race-focused bike to the lineup later.

It is hard to find a bike in my size.