I am similar-ish, but also a lot slower than you...

I raced bikes at a high level in my late teens/early 20s, and I did triathlons for fun. I totally got out of biking and swimming for 20+ years. Last year, I jumped back in and did a HIM for my first race in at least 20 years. I was originally planning to just ride on my 80s vintage road bike for a one-and-done HIM, but then I got hooked and decided to get all in. I bought a tri bike. My reasoning was that if I was going to spend that much time training and then racing on the bike leg, I wanted to maximize the value of my effort. I am so glad that I bought a TT bike.

Fast forward a year, and I just built a modern road bike to do the fun and frivolous riding. I did it on a budget using mostly used parts that I had or could buy inexpensively. I splurged a bit on the frame, but I love it.

One big difference from my training in my youth is that I am doing almost all of my bike training indoors on a trainer. If I was riding mostly outside, I would probably prefer a road bike. But, since I only got out one or two weekends/month for tri-specific workouts, I was happy with the TT bike selection.

Really appreciate your feedback and anecdotal evidence. I realize I need to motivate myself to get out on the bike more often so that's why I was headed towards a Cervelo S2 or BMC time machine. Where as the TT bike I think I'll just feel bad I'm not racing in the present. I love the feel of the road bike but I'll have to talk with my LBS this weekend to get the down and dirty on their opinions.

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MRBACCOUNTING.COM - Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services


...former DII XC

I'm in a very similar situation, about the same pacing as well (I'm not weak on the bike but around a 19-19:30 run.) Just finished grad school in Dec. and sitting for the CPA exams now, about to start work. Last year, I opted for a Felt IA and I have an old 8-speed road bike.

I also do almost all of my training indoors, so I spend most of my time on the Felt in the race position. All my bricks are done running off of the Tri bike. I only do group rides or ride outside once or twice a month. I probably wouldn't be cycling if it weren't for triathlon, so my bike choice reflected that.

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just your average age grouper . no one special . no scientific knowledge . just having fun.

I'd vote Tri bike. Even many entry level bikes are quite good now, and at least to me are quite comfy. You're fast enough that if you get the bike dialed in and properly trained, you should be near podium in local races with those swim/run splits. Not outlandish.
That said, if you want the road bike and it'll get you to ride more, BECAUSE IT'S WHAT YOU WANT, then go for it! -J

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Life is tough. But it's tougher when you're stupid. -John Wayne

Get a road bike. That way you can still ride it after you remember how much the tri life sucks...

Haha thanks for the replies d00dz! Really needed to hear this from a sample audience of S/T'rs.

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MRBACCOUNTING.COM - Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services


...former DII XC

Hey Brent...yeah buddy, you got it going for ya man. I would be hoping after grad school/CPA is finished I'd be able to more than likely afford the bikes I want and do the racing I want.

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MRBACCOUNTING.COM - Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services


...former DII XC