Within each section you will see "Essential" and "Additional".
With that being said, you can do a whole triathlon in jeans, ride a beach cruiser, and run barefoot.
Swim
"Essential"
"Essential"
Tri Suit / Bottoms/Top - I'm a fan of the one piece Tri Suit, because it limits the things you have to do in Transition.
Goggles - I use Aquasphere Kayan (Tinted for bright swims)
"Additional"
Wetsuit - depending on where you live, you may or may not need a wetsuit. Wetsuits are only allowed when the water is 78 degrees or lower. They also help you float. So if you are a poor swimmer, it will really help you. (Note: Most Triathlon Clubs have discounts arranged on gear. Find a club before you buy.)
You may also find a rental facility that is associated with the race you have entered.
You may also find a rental facility that is associated with the race you have entered.
Bike
"Essential"
Bike - When you are just starting (and don't have a road bike already) look for a used road bike. First step is to determine your bike size (Online Calculator) . If you use this calculator look for a bike in the middle of the range it gives you. Look for a bike your size with all Shimano 105 components and expect to pay $300-$600. You may have to look for a month. In the mean time, borrow a bike or ride a spin bike at the gym. Have a bike nerd friend help you, they love to shop for bikes.
Helmet - You just need a bicycling specific helmet. The more money you spend the more comfortable it will fit (for the most part).
"Additional"
Pedals & Shoes - I'm partial to Speedplay pedals. I have regular Road shoes right now and will update when I have tri specific bike shoes.
Sunglasses - When you are in the aero-position you are looking up with your eyes. Be sure to buy a pair without a frame along the top (Frameless). This will let you see and still protect your eyes from debris and the wind.
Aerobars - When you are sitting up riding on the hoods, your body acts as a sail. When you are down in the aero position, you are more like a missile. You can get bars that just clip on to your road handlebars. These work just fine until you are ready to drop some serious cash for a Tri-Bike.
AeroHelmet- Once you have trained really well, have a nice bike, good wheels, practiced your transition over and over, then you are ready to pay $250 to shave 3 seconds off your time by purchasing an AeroHelmet.
Compact Saddlebag & CO2 System - Most of the races you will be doing will not have wheel support on the road. If you get a flat you will have to fix it. Get the most compact bag and CO2 pump you can find and learn how to use it. Here's a video I found on YouTube of how to install a new tube. http://youtu.be/N87fIxVZ_jE
I could go on and on about bike stuff. Let me know in the comments of what you think I should add.
Run
"Essential"
Shoes - Unless you are from West Virginia, you are going to want to wear shoes for your run. Some descent racing flats that are light are a great choice for a Sprint or Olympic distance race.
"Additional"
Speed Laces - These are elastic laces that you don't have to tie or adjust. You just spread your shoe open and insert your foot. Check them out here. I have these and they work great!
Hat - A running hat is really light weight, absorbs sweat, and blocks the sun from burning your scalp/face.
Race Belt - A convenient way to attach your race number to yourself.
More to come...
Sunglasses - When you are in the aero-position you are looking up with your eyes. Be sure to buy a pair without a frame along the top (Frameless). This will let you see and still protect your eyes from debris and the wind.
Aerobars - When you are sitting up riding on the hoods, your body acts as a sail. When you are down in the aero position, you are more like a missile. You can get bars that just clip on to your road handlebars. These work just fine until you are ready to drop some serious cash for a Tri-Bike.
AeroHelmet- Once you have trained really well, have a nice bike, good wheels, practiced your transition over and over, then you are ready to pay $250 to shave 3 seconds off your time by purchasing an AeroHelmet.
Compact Saddlebag & CO2 System - Most of the races you will be doing will not have wheel support on the road. If you get a flat you will have to fix it. Get the most compact bag and CO2 pump you can find and learn how to use it. Here's a video I found on YouTube of how to install a new tube. http://youtu.be/N87fIxVZ_jE
I could go on and on about bike stuff. Let me know in the comments of what you think I should add.
Run
"Essential"
Shoes - Unless you are from West Virginia, you are going to want to wear shoes for your run. Some descent racing flats that are light are a great choice for a Sprint or Olympic distance race.
"Additional"
Speed Laces - These are elastic laces that you don't have to tie or adjust. You just spread your shoe open and insert your foot. Check them out here. I have these and they work great!
Hat - A running hat is really light weight, absorbs sweat, and blocks the sun from burning your scalp/face.
Race Belt - A convenient way to attach your race number to yourself.
More to come...
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