I would say buy the best bike + powermeter combo that you can afford. The reason being two fold: a powermeter will make every training session that much better / more effective, and buy the best bike (component, material wise) because it's costly to upgrade, trade-in, down the road. Don't worry too much about gains from equipment upgrades until you're noticing diminishing returns on your bike fitness which will take several years (depending on your genetics).

I'd go with the first option plus a wheel cover for the rear wheel (~$80) and an aero helmet. You can upgrade the front wheel later or borrow one for race day. Actually I'd get a Trek SC7.5, which you should be able to get easily in that price range (mainly because of fit options plus ease of wrenching while still being as fast as anything out there).

P2. No need to spend more, and a very good case could be made to spend less. Get a plastic cover at some point. You have 6+ months to find a bargain on a front wheel. No need to be in a hurry.

Work on training and position. Use good tires and tubes, and good tight fitting clothing. Decent helmet. Done.

What rruff said. Busselton is super flat with a few rough chipseal roads, so a disc cover will help a lot as will good tires.

Position will be key in this course. And almost any other course as well haha.

P2 with a Quarq Riken AL, Disc cover and a fit from someone good (which may lead to needing different aerobars). Use the powermeter properly and it will make more difference than anything other than the move to a tri bike.

+1 on the last post. You may even be able to find a really good price on a frame with better components or wheels on sale this time of year as well as the 2016 models are all starting to roll out. Best of luck and welcome to ST!

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Andy Mullen
Team Zoot

Thanks for all the replies.
So it would appear the cheaper bike would be the better option so a P2 or something similar ( whatever bike fit recommends) will do the trick.
Also seems a power meter would be beneficial for training and racing as well so ill need to do some more reading on them. Given heart rate and wattage will go hand in hand is it important to have them paired on the same device? I do not like heart rate straps so would likely use a wrist version. Would also want this device to give distance and pace while running. ( ie tomtom multisport or cardio ) however it is not ant + compatible so would require a different device for the power meter ( bike computer of sorts ) or is there a device that would cover all of this?
My next question is regarding aero wheels. As I am light about 60kg ( 132 lbs _) and live in a very windy area am I better off with shallower rims say 60mm or less or would going say a 60 front 80/disc rear not cause too many issues with being blown all over the place?

Thanks for any advice.

There are so many power meter options out there right now and a lot of good threads on them. Check out DCrainmakers website too for some great reviews. In regards to a computer device- the Garmin 920xt should do all ie swim, bike, and run stats and HR and power, distance etc. Or you can just go with a bike computer for HR and power and use a running watch for running (I do this). For aero wheels the deeper in the back is better for both aero and handling and the front is personal preference and comfort. I'm 150 and ride a 60 up front with no issues and my wife is 110 and rides a 50 up front.

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Andy Mullen
Team Zoot