Which road bike should I buy? Trek 1.2 vs. 2.1?

I am training for my first triathlon - olympic distance - as a part of Team in Training. Many team members have invested in NICE triathlon bikes, but I cannot afford that. I have an old Schwinn Frontier MTB. I was told I could use this bike for a triathlon without a problem. The nice bike people told me to put road wheels on it, cages on the pedals, tune it up, add a water bottle holder...a few hundred dollars later I have a heavy old bike with way too many upgrades. I regret it...and I am out $200 bucks :(

So...now we are finally training out on the road. This bike is WAY too heavy, way too bulky. I have decided to invest in a road bike after spending way too much on regretted MTB upgrades. Should I go with a 52cm women's specific fit Trek 1.2 for $649 (sale) or a 52cm women's specific fit Trek 2.1 for $1049 (sale)? Will the 1.2 be enough for a couple years to see if I really love this sport and then buy a tri bike, or should I get a nicer road bike now? Help!

my wife got the 1.2 ($649) trek, she sloves it, she is NOT an experienced racer, but she is a recreational rider who spends a lot of time in the saddle. she said it shifts smoothly, and has really grown to like this bike a lot. trek has made this bike a few pounds lighter this year too. all in all it is a really nice bike. i also do triathlons, i did my first two last year on an old steel 10 spd! my new cannondale should be a great upgrade (i went for the road bike instead of a tri bike). but i still fell in love with triathlons even on that old fuji. good luck have fun and be careful, you will get hooked on tris.

Let me give you my experience with bike purchasing:

I wanted to start doing triathlons. I did my first triathlon on a 1980's Fuji which I still have and I love. I got a Felt S32 for about 1250 which was awesome. I did a bunch of triathlons but then realized I loved the cycling part and completely wish I had a road bike and then eventually bought a Cannondale to race (can't race in a road race using a tri bike).

I wish I got the road bike from the start, though it's nice having a time trial and road racing bike. The road bike might be the better idea. Always by the highest level you can afford and something you grow into, unless of course you're really skeptical. If you kind of like it night you'll most likely like it later and wish you had the better components, frame etc.

And don't forget to look at other WS bikes like the Specialized Dolce. Awesome. Ride hard and good luck on your tri.

I think the 1.2 will be fine. I won't comment on the size or if the women's specific fit is for you. Determine that when you have it fitted. Many cyclists ride the 1.2 for many years and are very happy with it. After a good fitting well working bike, the wheels and tires are by far the most important thing for performance. Did I mention clipless pedals? You can get a nice pair of off brand pedals and shoes for about $100.

Have you checked out other brands of women's specific road bikes? I love my Giant FCR 1. I would suggest taking with the sales people at the bike shop, be very clear about your current and future bike riding plans. Compare the components and if the upgrades will make an impact in your race pace. If able to afford it, I would go with the more expensive bike as the prices will continue to climb each year.