Check http://www.usatriathlon.org/ (if you're from the US) for the official rules regarding bikes. As for tri-suits I don't think you need one unless you're a hardcore triathlete. I'm running my first triathlon in August so I'm pretty much in the same boat. I think I'm just going to wear a regular swim suit and throw quick drying running clothes over it for the bike and the run

A "regular" bike is fine, as long as you plug the handlebars. Drop bars and aero bars make you more aerodynamic, but will only provide minimal benefit for the cost for a beginner. Though, you can also get clip on aero bars which will attach to the top of your straight bars, on amazon you'll still spend 50-100 dollars, and they take a lot of practice to get used to, it changes the way the bike turns and how stable you feel on the bike.

For shorter distances a lot of people wear the same clothes for the whole race, since you don't want to get naked in the middle of a parking lot in front of 200 people (probably). So, you want something that will be tight fitting and that will prevent skin on skin contact - Maybe some spandex shorts? A lot of people don't recommend biking shorts since the butt pads will get water logged and heavy. I've also read that girls will sometimes wear a bikini top and then throw on a spandex tank top with a built in bra for the cycling and running portions. Also, as an FYI, the trisuits are actually not allowed if the air/water is going to be too warm. They are great for cooler water - to keep you warm, and they provide a little bit of flotation support, which is helpful if you don't have enough body fat to effectively keep yourself from sinking like a stone (I've never had this problem, but some folks do).

Good luck - hope this helps. I'll be doing my first sprint distance tri this summer also!

Tri suit or tri top/bottom are well worth the investment IMO. I have female friends that will race sprints and Olympics in one piece bathing suits too.

You don't need a road bike for a sprint. I see folks out there on hybrids, cruisers, whatever. Make sure the bar ends are plugged and you should be good to go. If down the road you decide to pursue this seriously than you can look at road/tri bikes.

I'd wait until after the bike, chaffing, but I'm not a girl so.......... The girls I know who go with the swimsuit just rock it for all 3 disciplines.

I'll be honest, I hate gels. They taste funny and make me feel funky. But that's just me. I actually love the GU chomps. They're gummies and I'll eat one every thirty to forty five minutes.

As for the original question...as everyone has already mentioned, you don't need a fancy bike. But I also wanted to make sure you know that there are plenty of people at sprint triathlons using all varieties of bikes. So you won't stick out as a newbie or something. . Have fun!

I did my first tri last summer and managed to do alright without anything too fancy.

I wore a one piece swimsuit, then for the bike I threw on a pair of running shorts and a tank top (with my race number attached). My bike is a hybrid trek which worked just fine.

I’d definitely say to try some things out during training to make sure it will work for you… I did a short swim and bike set in the clothes I planned on wearing for the race to be sure that: a) I wasn’t completely uncomfortable b) I could actually get the shorts and tank on quickly in a wet bathing suit.

Also, I got the triathletes training bible and it has some really good information in there without having to hire a training coach. It's a great way to start out and get you headed in the right direction for training,

I also second the idea of testing things out (especially fuel) before race day. Everyone is different so it's best to see how your body will react before the actual race.