I am new to this forum but am certainly happy to find you folks. I am a true novice. I am a former runner who has switched to biking on my ortho's suggestion. As my first big crossover event, my husband and I are participating in an international distance tri as a relay team. Most of my biking will be pretty recreational/fitness other than the occasional road event. Any suggestions? I have never owned a road bike, but am ready to upgrade from my 8 year old trek hybrid. I am also looking for a trainer to use indoors.

I'd recommend a decent road bike.
Since you'll be participating in tri events, why not ask the folks on the Triathlon (http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=191) forum?

Use your old Trek hybrid on some sort of indoor trainer and buy yourself a spanking new road bike. Either one especially for tri's, or one more generally used.

You will love it after the hybrid!

I really like the Hybrids. Your behind will too. I have the Trek 7100 I cant even look at my other bkes the same that I use too :D .

I recommend a road bike, even if you plan to do tri's. Unless you are looking for a tri-specific bike. You can't bring a tri-bike to a group-ride, and the set-up isn't as flexible as a road-bike setup. I advise against the hybrid, since they are usually heavier, and their upright riding style puts you at a serious disadvantage to those riding road-bikes. If you plan on riding mostly by yourself, and speed is not a concern, I suggest you get the one you feel more comfortable on.

As to the indoor trainer thing, just be aware that some trainers eat tires, and you need a slick-tire for the trainer. Trainer options are wind, magnetic and fluid (in that order of cost). Magnetic and fluid are quiet(er), and wind & fluid increase resistance as you push harder. There is also the option of getting rollers, but I don't know much about them.

Happy shopping!

I really like the Hybrids. Your behind will too. I have the Trek 7100 I cant even look at my other bkes the same that I use too :D .

I love my mtn bike with slicks, also. I have 8,500 miles on it. And my wife loves her hybrid.

But for both of us, a road bike gives a very different ride than either a hybrid or mtn bike with slicks. I compare it to a quick responding sports car.

What other bikes do you have that you can't look at the same as you used to?