Thanks for all of your input!

Honestly, money isn't tight, but my life sort of gets wrapped
up into fitness (marathon training, teaching fitness classes,
now cycling, and possibly swimming) and my husband is
just a tad bit tired of it. I am sure some of you know how I must
feel. I haven't ever purchased a piece of equipment worth much $$
for running, as running is such a cheap sport. As soon as I mentioned
tri training he immediately started griping about me wanting to
go out and buy a bike since many of our other friends have done
the same. I am just sensible and like to spend our $$ wisely,
especially since I am only doing the tri IF I learn to swim
somewhat well. I am not much of a "just do it to complete it"
person. Like you said, do that the first time, but thereafter I
couldn't handle that! I am too competitive and he knows that.
So, I think I will try to get different tires (slicks) and then try
it like that. I am hoping I can do one before September.
A quarter mile swim is doable. I may be floating on my
back periodically, but I will train until I can do it.

Your comments give me more motivation and confidence to
just do it on my bike.

But, my main worry is keeping up with my training buddies
in the meantime when they all have road bikes and one of
them is an avid cyclist. Hopefully they will cut me some slack.

Thanks! What if I teach cycling (very intense class) at my
fitness center twice per week?? Should I only be going
out on the road occasionally for a slower, steady bike ride?
I am nervous about that, as I teach 4-6 fitness classes per
week and really cannot cut these back due to staffing right now.

I run 3 evenings per week, too, and plan to swim only 1-2
times per week for 15-20 minutes to start with and then
add time/distance from there. That will be a push for me right
now! I am a beginner for proper technique.