Your Triathlon Minimum Gear
You can piece together a serviceable race-day setup for a few hundred pounds. Although you can spend a lot of money on the sport of triathlon, you don’t have to. Many athletes spend hundreds or thousands of dollars annually to keep their triathlon times fast and to feed their gear addiction, but you can participate in a triathlon without spending a lot of money. You can put together a workable race-day setup for a few hundred dollars.
If you’re thinking about trying a triathlon or doing one to raise money for charity, we’re happy to have you in the sport! You don’t need a lot of equipment to do a triathlon, especially if you’re not worried about your time or placement.
Minimum gear for a triathlon
Bike helmet
Most USAT-certified races require participants to wear a bike helmet. If you don’t own a bike helmet, this is a good opportunity to buy one. Wearing a bike helmet is important, even if we weren’t talking about triathlons.
Triathlon shorts
They should also be made of a lightweight fabric that won’t absorb too much water during the swim. Tri shorts are a vital piece of equipment for a successful triathlon, as they can be worn during all three legs of the race. They are quick-drying, have a seat pad for comfort during the bike leg, and are made of a lightweight fabric that won’t absorb too much water during the swim.
Even though you might want to just wear padded bike shorts, don’t do it. They aren’t designed to dry quickly, so if they get wet, you could end up chafing on the bike or while running. Also, the seat chamois on regular bike shorts is too bulky to run comfortably in.
T-Shirt, or workout shirt
While you will see many people competing in triathlons wearing specialized and often expensive tri tops, you can actually do just as well by wearing a regular old t-shirt or cycling shirt, as long as it is made of moisture-wicking material. Put your shirt on after you finish the swimming portion of the race.
Sunglasses
This text is discussing the importance of wearing sunglasses when cycling. It is not as important to worry about the sun, but more so to keep things like debris and bugs from getting into your eyes. You can find a decent pair of sunglasses for under £30. It is important to have a backup pair in case something happens to the first pair.
Bike
While it is possible to complete a triathlon on an old mountain bike, it will likely be slower than if you were to use a road bike. If you can borrow a road bike for the race, it is recommended that you do so, as the features will help you to race more effectively. However, if you are unable to borrow a road bike, the fit is more important than the features when it comes to the bike you use.
Sports bra or swim top
You can just do a shorter swim in a sports bra or swim top if you don’t want to spend money on a triathlon top or singlet. However, make sure it isn’t cotton, and it should dry pretty quickly on your bike ride.
A good pair of running shoes is all you really need for the bike or running legs. Most experienced triathletes will be using cycling shoes with SPD or clipless pedals for the bike ride, but you certainly do not have to. Just be sure your bike has pedals compatible with your shoes. If you use running shoes, you will want regular, plain pedals or pedals with cages.
What to consider adding to your tri-gear list
Wetsuit
A triathlon wetsuit will help you swim more easily and keep you warmer. You can either buy one, rent one, or borrow one from someone. Just be sure that the wetsuit is specifically designed for triathlons; all-purpose wetsuits won’t provide the range of motion you need. A good triathlon wetsuit will make the swim more enjoyable, and we’re always looking for ways to help you find wetsuits at clearance prices to save you some money.
Road bike or tri bike
If you’re looking for a faster and more fun ride, consider a road bike or a triathlon bike. The gearing and positioning of these bikes make them ideal for speed and endurance.
Cycling shoes
If you have a road or tri bike, you should get shoes that match the pedals. This will help you pedal more powerfully and quickly.
Triathlon or bike top
If you want to look more streamlined during your bike and run legs, wear a more form-fitting top that is easy to put on while wet. You don’t need to buy a triathlon singlet if it’s not in your budget.
Use speed laces in your shoes
Triathlon laces are designed to help you quickly transition between activities without getting slowed down by tying your shoelaces. They can help you save time and improve your results.
Your smartwatch or wearable
You don’t need to go out and buy a Garmin watch just to do one triathlon, but if you own one, it can be helpful to keep track of your distance and speed.
If you want to get serious about triathlons, there are many things you could buy, but this article is about keeping it basic. We don’t want you to spend a lot of money on what we think is the best sport on the planet.
What to look for a triathlon gear
Men’s Wetsuit – Patagonia R1 Lite Yulex Long John Wetsuit
The Patagonia R1 Lite Yulex Long John Wetsuit is made from natural rubber and is only 2mm thick, making it a great option for warmer weather swims (think temperatures in the 60s and 70s). The suit’s Yulex rubber provides similar warmth and buoyancy as neoprene, but with 80 per cent less C02 emissions during manufacturing, making it a much more eco-friendly option.
The neoprene rubber outer and recycled polyester lining make the wetsuit flexible and quick drying. The long john style of the wetsuit allows for easy movement of the upper body, while the back zipper makes it easy to take on and off.
Women’s Wetsuit – Patagonia R1 Lite Yulex Long Jane Wetsuit
The Patagonia R1 Lite Yulex Long Jane Wetsuit is also made of environmentally friendly neoprene. The Patagonia R1 Lite Yulex Long Jane Wetsuit is a great option for swims in warmer weather, due to its 2mm thickness. This suit is very stretchy and comfortable and has flatlock seams to prevent chafing. It is also made of environmentally friendly neoprene.
The suit is both comfortable and useful, and you can be confident that you are making an environmentally friendly choice. The suit is made with materials and methods that meet several eco-conscious certifications. The suit is also very durable and has a lifetime warranty.
Cervelo P-Series Ultegra Road Bike
This bike is a good choice for cyclists who are looking for a combination of speed and affordability. The carbon frame and aerodynamic design make it a fast bike, but it is also easy to turn and climb thanks to the increased torsional stiffness and strong bottom bracket.
Cervelo has managed to create a bike that takes the best aspects of its high-end models and combines them with a more affordable mid-range price. The Shimano Ultegra drivetrain is designed for speed and outperforms many entry-level bikes. If you’re into time trials, you’ll be happy to know that this bike model is UCI-legal.
Lazer Z1 MIPS Helmet
The Lazer Z1 helmet also includes an extension of the shell to protect the vulnerable temple area, as well as a final layer of MIPS technology to protect against rotational impact. MIPS is a Swedish technology that relies on an inner basket that rotates upon impact, to absorb some of the rotational energy that can be particularly damaging to the brain.
To help cyclists get the perfect snug fit, the Lazer Z1 has a top-mounted Advanced Rollsys retention system to allow for horizontal and vertical size adjustments. If you’ll be riding in warm weather, the 31 vents will increase airflow. It weighs 190 grams, which isn’t the lightest or most aerodynamic option, but its safety and fit features make up for it.
Cycling Shoes – Pearl Izumi Tri Fly Pro
This premium shoe is a combination of a carbon plate road shoe and a triathlon-specific shoe, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of performance and comfort. It’s on the pricey side, but it could help you set a new personal record.
The upper part of this shoe is made from a lightweight and quick-drying mesh and synthetic leather, while the sole is made of carbon (just like the brand’s signature road shoe). The shoe also features the BOA Fit System, which minimizes blisters and discomfort, and allows for two-way adjustments while riding.
Smartwatch – Garmin ForeRunner 745
The Forerunner 745 is an extra special stopwatch that takes into consideration your heart rate, recent activity, heart rate variability, and sleep history to calculate things like training effects, predicted race times, and recovery time.
The Forerunner 745 is a more sophisticated version of Garmin’s entry-level models and provides text and email notifications. This watch is perfect for triathletes who want quick access to data.
Transition Bag – Zoot Ultra Tri Bag
This 45-litre triathlon-specific bag is made of durable and lightweight nylon and is designed to carry everything you need for training and race day. It has plenty of storage, including an EVA moulded helmet compartment, a wet clothing bag, and water bottle holders.
The bag has some thoughtful extras like an ID holder and a printed race day triathlon checklist on the inside.
TYR Wrinkle-Free Silicone Cap
If you are looking for a swim cap that is durable, tear-resistant and smooth, the TYR wrinkle-free silicone cap is a great option.
This cap is good for both recreational and competitive swimmers, and it comes in a variety of colours. It won’t irritate your skin and the non-slip interior won’t pull your hair.
Tifosi Jet Sunglasses
TR-90 frame construction provides durability and comfort while being resistant to UV damage and chemicals. Polycarbonate lenses provide 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection while improving on-the-go peripheral vision.
This text is discussing the features of a pair of sunglasses. The sunglasses have a fully integrated hinge, which is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Additionally, the hydrophilic rubber temple and nose pads improve the grip of the sunglasses, especially when sweating.
Souke Sports Cycling Gloves
These gloves are great for moderate temperatures because they improve grip and increase shock absorption.
This glove has many features that are great for athletes. The fabric is stretchy and breathable, wipes away moisture and is water resistant. There is also a soft microsuede on the thumb for wiping.
Amphipod Hydraform Thermal-Lite Handheld
The Amphipod Hydraform Thermal-Lite Handheld water bottle is the best choice for your needs. It holds 20 ounces of water, so you won’t have to stop to refill as often. The ergonomic design lets you hold it more comfortably, and the quick-adjust no-slip strap keeps it in place.
Men’s Triathlon Shorts – Pearl Izumi Quest Short
The Pearl Izumi Quest Short is made of Transfer fabric that gently compresses your muscles while wicking away sweat. The fabric hugs and supports your legs without being too restrictive. The Levitate chamois keeps sensitive areas comfortable even on the longest rides. And thoughtful details like silicone leg grippers and reflective detailing make these shorts a real winner.
The men’s version of these bike shorts features a stretchy waistband that is 1 inch wide and the inseam is 9 inches long. This is the perfect length for bike shorts.
Women’s Triathlon Shorts – Pearl Izumi Quest Short
The Pearl iZumi Quest Short is designed for women with a stretchy yoga-inspired wide waistband and 8.5-inch inseam. Like the men’s version, these shorts are made to be comfortable with Levitate chamois, compressive and moisture-wicking fabric, and silicone leg grippers for an all-day stay.
What are your goals
The first question you should ask yourself before beginning to find triathlon gear is what your goals are. If you believe you want to do 20 triathlons or train for an Ironman, it would be beneficial for you to invest in some better-quality gear from the start. However, if you only want to do one race to see if you like it, you shouldn’t spend as much money initially. If you end up enjoying it, you can gradually add to your collection of gear.
