Training for your first triathlon/Ironman does not have to be an expensive proposition. For some people it's important to have the very best tri clothing and a top-of-the-line bike, but if it's not within your budget to have the very best don't worry about it. I did Ironman Hawaii in 1984 on a piece of crap bike with none of the tri-specific options like bike computers, titanium, aero-bars, and clipless pedals that are available today and survived the race and became an Ironman. Many others did as well, so don't let it deter you if you are on a tight budget.In the end, it's not so much the bike the triathlete is on as it is the triathlete on the bike that will go further toward determining how well you perform. For instance, the best bike in the world will do you little good if your intake of food, water, and energy drinks is insufficient and you end up with no energy left to turn the pedals.
The amount you spend on equipment also depends on the goals you set for yourself. There are those who have a dream of reaching the Ironman finish line just once. Perhaps they have family and career commitments that do not afford them the opportunity to train year after year and basically they have one shot at it. On the other hand there are others who eventually begin a triathlon career that will last for many years and it actually becomes a way of life for them.
Some people don't really know which direction their triathlon career will follow until they've given it a try and find out what it's all about.
I will discuss the different types of equipment I feel are very important to have and others that you can do without in more detail as I continue on with my blog, Ironstruck4triathletes.
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