I did my first triathlon (many moons ago) on my MTB with slick tyres, including the training for it. As a cheap way into triathlon it makes sense, otherwise you can spend a lot of money to get set up. It was ok for me as the bike course was very hilly (Ampleforth for any tri-athletes on here), so the shorter gearing was fine. If going this route, see if you can borrow a set of clip on tri-bars and see how you get on with them, the more aero-dynamic position will help reduce the effort needed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by maviczap
When you fit slick tyres to your MTB you'll probrably find you are undergeared once you get fit
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Correct!
But having said that, unless you are used to cycling on the road people tend to ride at a lower cadence (pedal RPM for OP) than is 'ideal' so a lower geared bike can help build up to a good cadence. I bought a second hand race bike to do the other triathlons I had planned for that year. It made a big difference on the flatter courses and my training was better. (my son still has it for commuting to work, so not a bad investment)
If you decide to buy a road bike and will only use the bike for triathlon, look at getting a time trial (aka TT) or dedicated triathlon bike. These have a different geometry to a road race bike, with a shorter rear triangle and more aerodynamic riding position, much more suited to tri bike leg. The bike leg is you against the clock, much like a time trial so a bike dedicated to that discipline will be faster overall.
For example
Yes I know it's hard to fathom this rotund motocyclist racing triathlons, but I was young once!