Except for the tri goal, I was in your position about a year and a half ago. I had a hybrid I liked, used it to commute to work and run errands, but was thinkng about doing some longer rides purely for fun. I bought a road bike and love it. It is faster, I'd say by 2-3 mph for the same effort on the same roads vs my hybrid. Being able to change hand positions on a long ride is great. And it's just plain fun to ride. I still love my hybrid too, and need it for days I have to haul stuff (like groceries). I also prefer it for commuting on the rare rainy day here. So I agree - more bikes, more better!