Originally Posted by MatL
Makes sense - I did a quick google and found some off road tri's that use fat tire bikes.
What are the "BD models" that you mentioned? (you can PM me if you would like.)
BD is short for bikesdirect, which is an online company that sells generic road and tri bikes for cheap. Not a bad idea if you know what size bike you need, but otherwise as a first time buyer, it might be a better idea to get a proper fitting bike from a local bike store (LBS). Improperly fitting road bikes make it painful to ride, plus you can pretty much no support on your bike after you buy it online. Buying it from a LBS will mean that the bike is properly put together, will fit you well (well, as long as they don't have a bunch of monkeys working at the LBS
), and you will likely get free tuneups for your bike too. Well worth the extra cost until you know what size frame you need, and learn how to put together and maintain a road bike.
Good luck.