Triathlons require a lot of equipment that can be confusing for those new to the sport. Here is a simple guide to help you when looking to purchase new gear.
We know the gear list can be intimidating! You do not need to buy everything at the same time! For specific questions, the following members of the team are happy to help!
Swiming: Eugene, Daniel
Biking: Eugene, Jared, Aris
Running: Charlie, Berkeley
Sponsor Discounts: (ask leadership for discount codes)
- Finis, 30% off store
- Skratch, 40% off store
- Xterra, 60% off store
- Zealios, 25% off store
- Upshift Cycles, 15% off accessories, bikes negotiable
-Goggles (Training + Races)
- Basic set of goggles to see when swimming
- Big brands are Arena, TYR, Speedo
-Towel (Training + Races)
- Basic beach/swim towel
-Swimsuit (Training)
- Any swimsuit is fine ranging from boardshorts to speedos
- Jammers are the most common
- Big brands are Speedo, Arena, TYR, Nike
-Wetsuit (Races)
- Wetsuits are often required for open-water swims. They are not worn in the pool, but instead worn only during races.Triathlon-specific wetsuits are designed for range of motion and flexibility. Triathlon wetsuits come in sleeveless and full-sleeved models. The Pacific Ocean is cold! We recommend full-sleeved wetsuits for warmth.
- Big brands are ROKA, Blueseventy, Xterra, Orca
- Xterra commonly holds ~70% sales + Jared can get Xterra products at a 60% discount if not on sale
-Cap (Training + Races)
- Required to be worn at races
- Sometimes provided by the event organizers
- Can also help during practice for people with long hair
-Anti-Chafing Products (Races)
- Used to solve chafing issues and help for getting the wetsuit on and off
- Most popular product is Body Glide
-Bike (Training + Races)
- There are two major types of bikes used in triathlons: road and time-trial bikes
- Road bikes are more versatile, easier to control, and lighter
- Time trial bikes are for speed at the cost of comfort, utility, and are often more expensive.
- We recommend getting a road bike as they are better for training on most roads and can be retrofitted with clip-on aero bars to mimic a time trial bike
- Major differences found between bikes
- Rim Brake vs Disc Brake
- Rim brakes are easier to service, cheaper, and lighter
- Disc brakes are newer and have more stopping power as well as improved braking performance in adverse conditions
- Aluminum vs Carbon Fiber
- Aluminum is cheaper and more robust
- Carbon is lighter and stiffer, generally considered more high-end: bikes come fitted with better technology/components
- Aero vs Climbing vs Endurance
- Aero bikes are designed for speed and prioritize aerodynamics over comfort and weight
- Climbing bikes are designed for going uphill and prioritize weight savings over comfort and aerodynamics
- Endurance bikes are designed for long distances and prioritize comfort over aerodynamics and weight
- Buying a good used bike is often a better choice than a cheap new bike when under a budget constraint
- Resources - Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Bicyclebluebook
- FIT IS KEY
- A bike should always be prioritized in terms of a good fit rather than value
- Big brands are Trek, Specialized, Canyon, Cannondale, Fuji, Giant, Scott, Felt
- There are other good brands such as Bianchi, Pinarello, BMC, and Cervelo but these are often going to be harder to find at a good deal
- Groupsets are also important when looking at a bike
- Shimano- Most common on road bikes
- Sora->Tiagra->105->Ultegra->Dura-Ace
- 105 is the most common and is also considered the entry-level performance grade with Dura-Ace being pro
- SRAM- Lesser used than Shimano but still commonly found
- Apex->Rival->Force->Red
- Rival is the equivalent of 105 and Red the equivalent of Dura-Ace
- Campagnolo- Rare and often only found on Italian bikes
- Centaur->Chorus->Record->Super Record
- Centaur is the equivalent of 105 and Super Record is the equivalent of Dura-Ace
-Water bottles (Training + Races)
- Cycling-specific water bottles designed to fit in bottle cages and be easily drinkable with one hand
-Spares/Maintenance Equipment
- Saddlebag (Stuff carried on every ride)
- Tire levers, spare tubes, patch kit, multitool, mini pump or CO2+inflator
- Bike pump
- Tires will lose air over time even without punctures and need to be reinflated occasionally. (Every week or two)
-Clipless pedals (Training + Races)
- Locks the foot into the pedals allowing for more stability and better power transfer
- Three major brands, LOOK, Shimano, and Speedplay
- All three types of pedals have different cleat systems and are not intercompatible
- LOOK- the original creators of clipless pedals
- Shimano- Very good and reliable pedals
- Speedplay- Unique feature that allows for clipping in on either side of the pedal
-Cycling shoes (Training + Races)
- Work with clipless pedals to secure the foot while riding
- Sizing and fit vary between brands so recommended to try out a pair before purchasing
- Triathlon-specific shoes do exist with the major differences being bigger vents for water drainage and an easier/quicker fastening system
- Big brands are Giro, Shimano, Bontrager, Specialized, Fizik
-Helmet (Training + Races)
- Required when training and racing
- Keep in mind that helmets should be replaced after 5 years or after a crash
- Big brands are Giro, POC, MET, Lazer, Kask
-Glasses (Training + Races)
- Optional
- Regular sunglasses can be used but there are also cycling-specific glasses made to wrap around the eyes
- Used for both sun protection and keeping wind and dust out of eyes
- Big brands are Oakley, Smith, 100%, Rudy Project, Pit Viper
-Cycling kit (Training)
- Designed to enhance a rider’s aerodynamics and comfort
- Bike shorts/bibs
- Bike shorts- elastic shorts with padding near the crotch designed to reduce discomfort and pain during rides
- Bibs- Bike shorts but instead of having an elastic waistband, has shoulder straps
- Big brands are Rapha, Castelli, Pearl Izumi, MAAP, Assos, and The Black Bibs
- Jerseys
- Usually a light breathable material with 3 or more pockets at the back
- Big brands are Rapha, Castelli, Pearl Izumi, MAAP, Assos, and The Black Bibs
- Optional
- Gilet- tightly foldable wind vest
- Gloves- padding can help reduce hand fatigue + keeps fingers warm
- Arm/leg warmers- Keeps limbs warm
- Baselayer- Keeps the body warm and can help with upper body chafing
- When looking at brands look for a potential crash replacement/repair service
- Usually found on higher-end brands such as Rapha and MAAP
-Running shoes (Training + Races)
- A comfortable pair of running shoes used for training and racing
- Big brands are Nike, Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Saucony, Hoka One One
-Running clothes (Training)
- Lightweight clothes used for running practice
- Try to avoid cotton or other fabrics that are non-breathable
- Use whatever is most comfortable and works for you
-Race belt (Races)
- Sometimes required at races to hold a bib number during the run portion
-Nutrition (Training + Races)
- Most real food works great for nutrition, but many specific types of nutrition products are easier to consume while exercising
- Bars, gels, energy chews
- Bars are used during training to provide lasting energy
- Most popular brand is Clif, many more exist
- Gels are used during training but also during races to replenish energy stores mid-race quickly
- Big brands are Gu, SIS, Clif, Maurten
- Energy chews serve the same purpose as gels but are gummies instead of a syrupy consistency
- Big brands are Gu, Clif
- Electrolytes/drink mixes
- Often fit into one of two categories: electrolyte replenishment or caloric fuel
- Big brands are Skratch, Nuun, Hammer Nutrition
- The team is sponsored by Skratch and gets a discount