Jiffer, just concentrate on your riding & training... I wouldn't compare yourself to your friends - especially from the point of view of weight loss. Did she suddenly lose 10 lbs before she considerably improved recently? I doubt it - so I wouldn't make weight loss your goal for riding better - on your bike or you. Train more, do intervals, and the weight loss will probably come on its own.

As for your husband's bike, I'd be pretty furious if this is going to put you guys furhter into financial hardship, but I couldn't quite tell if you guys are a couple that keeps your money separate, and that you're having some issues, and he's not or if you're jointly having issues.