re: Want to do a triathlon - bike options?

First thing, go spend some time browsing in a bike shop. Stand over a few bikes to get a feel for your size. If you ride a 56cm bike, then you'll have to find a 56 cm bike. Most bike shops understand that you are shopping and will help. Just let them know you aren't buying today, but trying to get a feel for what you need to do more research. They can help get your sizing if you are completely unfamiliar and then shop online from there.


If you are going with a triathlon bike, it's even more detailed on how to achieve the right fit. In your situation, I'd stay away from tri bikes since you don't think that would be something you continue with on top of the more detailed fit requirements. When I still rode, I would take my road bike over my tri bike 10 times out of 10 if it was just for enjoyment and excercise. Tri bike was wayyyyyy faster, but harder to ride (both technically and for comfort).