Creative Commons
What To Look For
When starting your triathlon career, you will need some highly specialized and more general gear. The basic gear is a wetsuit, swim cap and goggles, time trial or triathlon bike, time trial cycling shoes, and running shoes. Wetsuits are meant to not only insulate against the cold of open water but add a level of buoyancy that does not come from a traditional swimsuit. Depending on the season, these wetsuits will be full-length (down to the ankle) or "shorties" (stopping midthigh). The leg coverage is important as it will provide protection during the bike portion. Most trisuits also have a built-in chamois for protection during the biking leg. Bikes designed for triathlons differ from traditional road bikes. The aerobars are designed to reduce a rider's profile and make him more aerodynamic. Overall, the frames are designed to be more aerodynamic than a typical road bike with an oval shape to all the tubing. The seat tube angle is steeper, allowing for the aggressive forward posture onto the aerobars that let the rider rest while pedaling. Cycling shoes are referred to as time trial shoes. They will most commonly have only two velcro straps instead of three and are designed to be put on and removed quickly at the transition points.
Common Pitfalls
The most common pitfall is purchasing cycling shorts, then trying to swim in them. The reason this doesn't work is that a trisuit is designed to dry quickly and will have a minimal chamois, which also will dry quicker than a standard cycling chamois.
Where To Buy
Outdoor retailers and online specialty retailers will have the widest selection of triathlon-specific gear. They will also be staffed with employees who are triathletes or have extensive knowledge about the manufacturers. Trisuits and time trial shoes should always be tried on before purchase. Triathlon bikes can be purchased at many specialty cycling shops. Buying your tri bike from a retail outlet also gives you the advantage of having a dedicated cycling shop to manage your fit, repairs and ongoing maintenance. The employees are most likely riders and/or competitors and can make first-hand recommendations to a beginning tri bike rider, from bike selection to the right time trial shoes to fit your foot and budget.
Cost
As of September 2009, trisuits can range from $100 to $600. Pricing depends on the length of the suit, material and the brand name. Trisuits designed for colder water with full legs and sleeves will be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Time trial shoes can range from $125 to more than $350 depending on sole materials (nylon vs. carbon) and brand name. Time trial or triathlon bikes begin around $1,500 for a lower-end bike and run in excess of $10,000 for a carbon fiber bike with high-end components.
Comparison Shopping
When comparing triathlon gear, make sure you are comparing your selections to other gear specifically made for the triathlete. A trisuit will look flimsy in comparison to standard wetsuits, yet a wetsuit will not have an integrated chamois to protect you during your bike sessions. Comparing a road bike to a triathlon bike will yield significant weight and construction differences. If you are going to make the commitment to invest in triathlon-specific gear, you owe it to yourself to take the time to find out what's comfortable, suits your swimming and riding styles, gets you through the transitions, and lets you run a race without worrying about something that does not feel right. When comparing triathlon bikes, make sure you ride several models. Seat tube angles vary as does frame geometry among brands. Fit and feel is the most important factor for your bike, as an ill-fitting bike will make you enjoy your triathlon much less. If shopping at a bike shop, be sure to ask if a fitting is included with a bike purchase and how many tune-ups they give a year.
Insider Tips
If you're new to triathlons, invest in your trisuit or wetsuit first. Because it serves you throughout the race, new cycling shoes and a specialized triathlon bike can wait. You can also research to see if there are local triathlon training groups. Such groups often have gear swaps where you can pick up gear at a big discount.
