Tim, listen to the man ^^^^! If you are planning on doing your first triathlon in August of next year, you have time to do some serious training. I agree a hybrid is not the way to go.
Check out the regional forums, there may be someone out there who's got the same idea as you, and perhaps you could find a training partner.
East Hill
__________________
___________________________________________________
TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...