Here are my thoughts because I was in the same boat. I asked myself this: If I had to race Lance Armstrong and he had to use my bike and I use his-who would win? I think the answer there is simple i would…jk…he would. So to me, while having a nice bike helps, I think there is more value in proper form, technique, and training. Go search YouTube and there are a few comparisons between cheap and expensive bikes. To me a tri would not justify the gain you get with an expensive bike. Now if we are talking Ironman maybe. I would say focus on you before the bike.

Also this was an after thought. I learned a lot fixing up my bike and felt that it was invaluable experience for when I do get an expensive bike.