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Tri bikes for dummies

In case there’s any question at all, I’m the dummy.

My old friend Kirk in Indiana has turned into an exercise nut over the past couple of years. He asked me where he can find a good deal on a new bike. After I pointed at the usual suspects, he told me he’s training for a triathlon and he wants something that “I won’t be embarrassed to be seen riding.”

The Tri guys and girls have their own unique style when it comes to bike tech. I’m secretly jealous of some of their cool toys like the on bike hydration systems, but some of it is a bit much for me.

Does a triathlete bike review ever mention “vertical compliance”? Do they train on the same bikes they race on?

I’m obviously unschooled on the whole triathlon side of bicycling. Why the extreme angles on their mounts? Is there such a thing as an entry-level triathlon bike (like what Kirk wants)?