| Equipment needs and options |
The sport of Triathlon can be addicting and it can be expensive. Notice how I emphasized can be. You don't
have to buy all of the best equipment in order to be successful. I am going to give you a basic list of necessary
equipment to get started.
have to buy all of the best equipment in order to be successful. I am going to give you a basic list of necessary
equipment to get started.
Training and racing:
- Swim suit - $20 - $100
- Swim goggles - $10 - $50
I recommend purchasing a swim suit that is designed for swim training and racing, for both men and women. There are many
options available, the most common brands are Speedo & TYR. Make sure it fits and is comfortable as there are many different styles
and designs.
With goggles, try on multiple pairs at your favorite retailer to be sure they fit. Press them against your eyes and be sure of a good
suction without hurting. Like the swim suit, they should fir snug, but comfortable.
Subtotal: $30 - $150
Training and racing:
hybrid, road or triathlon bike. You can also borrow a bike from a friend or relative. The key is to make sure it is in proper working order.
If you are in need of a bike, determine your budget and find the nicest new or used road bike in your price range. This is by far the
most expensive piece of equipment for the sport and it is important as you will spend many hours riding and racing your bike. Prices
vary between brands and everyone has a different budget but you can get a very nice, race ready bike for $1200 - $2000. I know that
seems like a lot of money for a bicycle, but just like anything else, you get what you pay for. Nicer, more expensive bikes have nicer
components built to take the extended use and abuse of training and racing. A great option is to wait until the end of the season and
buy a "left over" or last year's bike. Typically there are few changes from year to year except color and maybe some component
changes.
The last piece about bike purchases is to (1) go to a bicycle shop and not to a large retail chain store and (2) test ride at least 3-4
different bikes before making a decision. Bicycle shops will help ensure you get the right bike for you, your size, your riding style, etc.
They typically offer free tune ups for the first 30 - 60 days and may even give discounts on accessories when you make the bike
purchase. The test ride is also important. Go for a long ride (15-30 min would be optimal if the shop is OK with that) and don't just
ride it around the parking lot. This is an important and expensive purchase so it needs to be the right one.
Also plan on spending $100 - $500 on accessories. The most important ones are:
Subtotal: $125 - $10,000
- Free to $10,000
hybrid, road or triathlon bike. You can also borrow a bike from a friend or relative. The key is to make sure it is in proper working order.
If you are in need of a bike, determine your budget and find the nicest new or used road bike in your price range. This is by far the
most expensive piece of equipment for the sport and it is important as you will spend many hours riding and racing your bike. Prices
vary between brands and everyone has a different budget but you can get a very nice, race ready bike for $1200 - $2000. I know that
seems like a lot of money for a bicycle, but just like anything else, you get what you pay for. Nicer, more expensive bikes have nicer
components built to take the extended use and abuse of training and racing. A great option is to wait until the end of the season and
buy a "left over" or last year's bike. Typically there are few changes from year to year except color and maybe some component
changes.
The last piece about bike purchases is to (1) go to a bicycle shop and not to a large retail chain store and (2) test ride at least 3-4
different bikes before making a decision. Bicycle shops will help ensure you get the right bike for you, your size, your riding style, etc.
They typically offer free tune ups for the first 30 - 60 days and may even give discounts on accessories when you make the bike
purchase. The test ride is also important. Go for a long ride (15-30 min would be optimal if the shop is OK with that) and don't just
ride it around the parking lot. This is an important and expensive purchase so it needs to be the right one.
Also plan on spending $100 - $500 on accessories. The most important ones are:
- Helmet - mandatory for triathlon racing - $30 - $250
- Spare tubes - $5 - $10 each (get 2)
- Tire levers - $2 - $10
- Pump for the bike $20 - $60
- Pump for the house - $30 - $100
- Seat bag (for tubes) - $10 - $30
- Water bottles - Free - $10
- Water bottle cages - $5 - $75
Subtotal: $125 - $10,000
Run
Training and racing:
Just like your bike purchase, running shoes are also extremely important to buy the correct type. There are many different types of
running styles: normal pronaters, under pronaters, over-pronaters, flat foot, high arches, etc. I also recommend (from experience) to
go to a running specific store and find shoes that fit. My local store knew just by looking at my feet that I am an over-pronater (which is
very common) and that I need a shoe with extra stability. The first pair of running shoes I purchased was from a large retail store and
I bought what the clerk recommended, not what was correct for my foot and running style. Running shoes typically last 300 miles so
plan on buying a few pairs a year.
I also put speed laces as a must have item. While it is technically not a required item, due to it's low cost I highly recommend these
as a must have. These laces have a dual purpose (1) they are elastic (think bungee cords) and allow for some flexibility in your shoe
and (2) allows for fast, smooth transitions and you don't have to tie your shoes and they won't come untied.
Subtotal: $84 - $215
Training and racing:
- Running shoes: $75 - $200
- Speed laces: $7 - $15
Just like your bike purchase, running shoes are also extremely important to buy the correct type. There are many different types of
running styles: normal pronaters, under pronaters, over-pronaters, flat foot, high arches, etc. I also recommend (from experience) to
go to a running specific store and find shoes that fit. My local store knew just by looking at my feet that I am an over-pronater (which is
very common) and that I need a shoe with extra stability. The first pair of running shoes I purchased was from a large retail store and
I bought what the clerk recommended, not what was correct for my foot and running style. Running shoes typically last 300 miles so
plan on buying a few pairs a year.
I also put speed laces as a must have item. While it is technically not a required item, due to it's low cost I highly recommend these
as a must have. These laces have a dual purpose (1) they are elastic (think bungee cords) and allow for some flexibility in your shoe
and (2) allows for fast, smooth transitions and you don't have to tie your shoes and they won't come untied.
Subtotal: $84 - $215
everything you need for under $2000.
I mentioned that it is a lot of money, the bike taking up approx 75% of the total cost. The bike, if taken care of, should last many years
and has multiple used outside of triathlon. You can ride with your family, bike to work and save some gas money, do charity bike
rides, etc. The good piece is once you pay the initial expense, you don't have to pay to go out and ride!
I mentioned that it is a lot of money, the bike taking up approx 75% of the total cost. The bike, if taken care of, should last many years
and has multiple used outside of triathlon. You can ride with your family, bike to work and save some gas money, do charity bike
rides, etc. The good piece is once you pay the initial expense, you don't have to pay to go out and ride!
This is where the sport can get really expensive. You can buy all types of parts and accessories for the sport.
Start with the swim. If you live in a colder climate, then I would highly recommend a triathlon wetsuit. Not only do they keep you warm,
they also make you faster in water. In my opinion, the less time in the water, the better. You can also buy accessories to help your
swim stroke, like hand paddles and swim fins, there are endless pools (think treadmill in the water), and MP3 players you can use
underwater. It is just a matter of what you think you need to help you improve.
For the bike, again this is the most expensive category. This is also where a little of the "keeping up with your neighbor" syndrome
can come into play. Just because your training partner has the lightest, newest and most aerodynamic components doesn't;t mean
he or she will be faster. It is all about the engine! If these parts didn't make a difference, then no one would buy them. You can buy
everything from $2 - $3,000 aero and disc wheels, carbon fiber components like shifters & brakes, aero bars, hydration systems,
seats, tires, aero helmets. You name it and I'm sure you can buy it. The best thing to do is ask people you know or at the bike shop
why something may or may not work for you. Also keep in mind your budget. Always remember in triathlon, it is you against the
clock and every second counts and these accessories can really help you save some precious minutes off your time.
Recommended items:
- Bike specific shoes and clipless pedals: $200 - $750. In my opinion, a necessary option as it will help your pedal stroke.
- Bike computer: $30 - $200. Another important option as it will help you track your progress in training and on race day.
- Lights: $30 - $500. Good choice if you plan on riding early or late in the day, especially late in the year.
- Multi tool: $15 - $100. In case of emergency on road repairs.
- Heart Rate monitor: $50 - $500. Your body won't lie and this is an easy way to tell if you are truly working hard or not.
Other options:
- Aero helmet $100 - $300. The most bang for the buck when it comes to saving time. You can save a few minutes by
changing helmets. - Aero or disc racing wheels. $1500 - $3000. This is the ultimate accessory as they are extremely high tech, light weight and
expensive! They do make a difference and will also save you several minutes on a race.
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