Choosing the Right Triathlon Equipment Including a Triathlon Bike
Participating in a triathlon is a lifetime accomplishment for many people. Regardless of the level competing in or the number of years’ experience, choosing the right equipment is imperative. Not only will proper equipment give you an advantage for winning, it will also make the triathlon more comfortable and safer. Each of the three phases of a triathlon has a series of equipment considered mandatory. For instance, the triathlon bike would give you an edge for the biking portion.
The following are the basic types of equipment needed when training to compete in a triathlon. These items can be purchased through various sporting good or athlete stores, as well as from other athletes upgrading to different equipment. In fact, you might even luck out and find an amazing triathlon bike through Craig’s List or a private newspaper advertisement. Typically, triathlon participants will have two sets of equipment, one for training and one for racing.
Swimming
Each triathlon will begin with swimming. The distance varies depending on the specific event. Regardless the equipment needed for proper training includes:
- Swimsuits
- Goggles
- Fins
- Strength and stroke development paddles
- Towel
Biking
The next phase of a triathlon is biking. Since distance ranges from 10 miles to 56 miles, this equipment is considered the most important. For this reason, competitors will invest in a quality triathlon bike for training and an even better triathlon bike for the actual event. In addition to the triathlon bike, other equipment in includes:
- Helmet
- Padded seat bike shorts
- Jersey made with fabric to help resist moisture, has pockets for power bars, lip balm, sunglasses, and so on
- Gloves padded for better protection and comfort
- Shoes made specifically for a triathlon with a unique and stiff platform for more efficient peddling
- Pedals without clips that lock the show directly into the platform so power can be transferred for higher performance
Running
The final leg of a triathlon is running so the following equipment would be needed:
- Shoes made for endurance, support, and comfort
- Clothing to keep the body cool and dry
