Ten of the best triathlon bike models from $500 to $5,000.

For biking workouts, maintenance tips, and everything a successful triathlete needs to know, check out the new book from legendary triathlon coach Joe Friel, TheTriathlete's Training Bible.

1. Beginner Tri Hybrid: Jamis Allegro Sport

Quick and lively, the Allegro Sport goes from a relaxed beach ride to your daily commute with ease. Its road bike geometry keeps it quick. Throw in a super-comfortable saddle and we think it'll be hard to get you off this bike.
($585; JamisBikes.com)

2. Beginner Tri Hybrid: Gary Fisher 8.2 DS

Gary Fisher defines their DS line as "dual sport." What does that mean for a first-time triathlete? You've got a bike that'll rip through the course, and you'll have a solid city-bike for commutes and errands. It'll even make a light transition to the trail a bit easier with its 63mm of travel in the front suspension.
($529.99; trekbikes.com)

3. Beginner Tri Road: Felt Z95

Aluminum is light, plain and simple. Fortunately, it's also strong. If you want to make the jump to your first true road bike, an option like the Z95 is what you're looking to buy. An aluminum frame keeps the weight down, and just the componentry you need keeps your cost down. You'll especially appreciate your first toe clips (usable with plain gym shoes) and the huge difference they'll make in your pedaling power.
($899; feltbicycles.com)

4. Intermediate Road: Specialized Allez Sport Compact

This bike's componentry, especially its super-comfy saddle, will grow along with your interest in riding. Highlights like Mavic rims and its Shimano Tiagra derailleur are the small notes that'll take your experience beyond another bike at this price.
($920; specialized.com)

5. Road/Classic: Raleigh Grand Prix

If you're a sucker for that classic styling-and a lot of us are-you can pick up a used steel frame at any garage sale. Or you can get that classic styling built with modern technology in the Raleigh Grand Prix. "Steel is real," the bike critics say, and after a ride on a classic beast like this, you'll be nodding along with them.
($1199; raleighusa.com)

6. Intermediate Road: Cannondale CAAD-8

Cannondale pioneered aluminum bikes, and the performance you'll get from even one of their midrange models will rival the carbon-fiber-crazed competitor. Its perfectly sculpted seatstays (the tubing between the rear wheel and the seatpost) put aluminum's typically harsh ride in the backseat without sacrificing any rigidity. That means you'll get a more comfortable ride than you'd expect and you'll maintain this bike's lightning-quick abilities.
($1450; cannondale.com)

7. Hybrid, High-Performance: Raleigh Cadent I11

Don't want to go all Lance Armstrong but want a top-tier two-wheeler? That's fine. Raleigh's Cadent I11 is a light, stiff-enough ride for bombing around town. For speeding (and easy maintenance) its 11-speed internal hub will get you anywhere you've got to go. For stopping, you don't get better than its Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. It's even outfitted with full fender and rack mounts, so it's a perfect commuter during your triathlon off-season. This is your bulldog of bikes.
($1549; raleighusa.com)

8. Tri-Specific: Specialized Transition Elite AL

If you're really going for the gold-or just an age group award-aero will help you get there. That doesn't just mean your stance on the bike; that'll be handled by the aero bars that come standard on this model. Every bit, down to the joining of the frame and fork are built to be as aerodynamic as possible. This is a performance machine. Our favorite part? It comes in 6 sizes (most bikes come in 3 to 5), which will ensure you get a perfect fit.
($1550; specialized.com)

9. Advanced Road: Cervelo R3 Team

Steel is real, sure, but carbon is . . . well, it's magic. With a frame made of modular carbon and the pedigree of being a 3-time winner of the Paris-Roubaix-"crazy-ass race" in bike speak-you'll feel like you're floating on air. However, beware the price tag and the fragility-features of any carbon bike. Keep off the cobblestones.
($3800; cervelo.com)

10. Advanced Road: Cannondale Super Six DI2

The top of the pops, this Cannondale takes their engineer's methodology of "cut where it counts" to create one of the most responsive yet comfortable bikes we've seen. This, my friends, is a superbike. The usual warnings with carbon, of course, still apply here.
($5,000; cannondale.com)

No matter if you're a newbie triathlete or an experienced age grouper, The Triathlete's Training Bible has the workouts, tips, and insider tricks to help you have the best finish of your life.