If you want to compete in your local sprint/olympic triathlon, sure. You can get by with that - I even said as much in my post above. But if you want to compe

If you want to compete in your local sprint/olympic triathlon, sure. You can get by with that - I even said as much in my post above. But if you want to compete in Ironman events, like the article's subject.. you're looking at 650 and up just for registration fees (with a pay to win lottery system I won't even get into). You will have a lot of trouble in longer distance events without a wetsuit (another 500 bucks). 1500$ will get you an OK entry level aluminum road bike, with low end parts and heavy wheels. Now you need to figure out how to train for the time commitment of the race (12ish hours for a decent amateur). You're looking at around 20 hours a week training. Who has that kind of time? Established adults. Most Ironman events require you to qualify by doing a half ironman in some set time as well. That means travel, more race fees, etc. People who do this devote a large portion of their life - money, time, and emotional energy - into doing it. I've raced bicycles for many years and these circles overlap a bit. I know a lot of triathletes, but I don't know many triathletes on a budget. Bike racers, sure - plenty of broke bike racers out there, kids, stay at home moms, hipsters.. but not in triathlon. It's not a cheap sport by any stretch.