Any suggestions for my first triathalon bike?

I'm looking for something light, cheap and competent enough not to get laughed at. I've seen bikes form $80 at Walmart to $1800 elsewhere. Need a little guidance here. Please help

Get a road bike that fits you well. To find out what a properly fitted bike feels like, go to a bike shop and let them fit you. Test ride the bike. Then, you'll have a basis for comparison. Don't feel obligated to buy a bike from the shop that fits you if the bike isn't a good value. You'll be back to buy tires, tubes, clothing, and accessories. I've heard that the bike shops make more money on this stuff than they do on the bikes.

After you get the road bike, get a set of bolt-on aero bars to help make you more competitive.

HTH

First, don't worry about getting laughed at. Athletes at these events are very supportive. I was a course marshall for a local duathlon and saw most every kind of bike out there.

Second, what level of triathlon are we talking about? If you do a "sprint" tri, the bike portion may only be 15 miles or so. There are many road bikes out there, as MR said, with 8-speed components that are not the latest (but once were!). The gear range is still going to be appropriate. As example, I bought a nice steel Terry from a friend for my girlfriend. $100.

After you ride a few du's and tri's and you find you like it, go shopping for a bike from someone who decided they just had to go top-of-the-line right away. They didn't like it, so they're willing to dump it. Your patience is your gain. :-)

Do spend a little time at a bike shop to find out what fits you. And ask who they know with a bike for sale. There is always something out there.

Well, 1st off, what price range are you looking at - you stated yourself $80 - $1800?

If this is your 1st what are you riding now? It may do fine for the 1st one.

Getting into a sport is usually a transition time when you don't know if you'll like it or if your interest will continue in it. For this reason I recommend a used, older 10-20 year old road bike in the $100 to $300 or range. What you will get is an inexpensive road bike that is more than capable in a race. You don't need super light weight or exotic parts or materials. What you need is a bike that fits, has sufficient gears, decent wheels and tires. You will be very competive on a bike like this.

If you continue to compete, you can sell the starter bike for a upgrade.