TRIATHLON EQUIPMENT...FIVE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

For the beginner triathlete and first-time Ironman it can be quite confusing trying to figure out exactly what they should be buying in the way of equipment. It wasn't too hard to figure out when I started my Ironman career, because it was a struggle just to find a pair of tri-shorts. As a matter of fact, back in 1984 I never did find a pair at home in Canada and bought a cool pair from some guy from California who was selling them out of his hotel room. As far as bikes "FORGET ABOUT IT" because there were no bikes back then that were equipped for Ironman racing. By that I mean, there were no aero-bars, snap-in pedals, titanium, or bike computers. Basically, bikes were steel-framed monstrosities that weighed about as much as a small car. My piece of crap bike cost a total of $300 brand new and someone had stuck a triathlon sticker on it. That made my day.



Here are five things to remember when hunting down the equipment you will need as you begin your triathlon career.

1) There are certain pieces of tri equipment one should avoid skimping on. Running shoes are a good example. It might cost a bit more to ensure the shoes you buy give you proper support, but it's vitally important when it comes to preventing injury. It's also important to make sure you replace them when they begin to wear down and that support diminishes. It would also be wise to ensure that you have a good pair of swimming goggles that are fog resistant and leak-proof. Everyone has a different face-shape and requires the right goggles to fit that shape. Both these factors are important when it comes to open water swimming.

2)It's important to decide what direction you think your triathlon career will take. Is it your goal to reach that Ironman finish line once, or do you plan on making it a career? Do you plan on doing lots of shorter races as you work your way up to the Ironman distance or are you just going for the big one with no stops along the way? These are important considerations when deciding on your triathlon equipment. Many people are not sure what will happen in the future. It makes sense because they have never experienced the training and racing situations that evolve from the sport of triathon. My best advice to any beginner triathlete/ironman is to not go crazy on equipment early on in their career. At least not until they decide how long that career is going to be.

3)When it comes to road bikes there is something to always keep in mind. There is a point of diminishing returns. By that I mean, some people buy bikes that are so high tech that the bike is way ahead of their ability level. By high tech I mean they buy the bike with the most expensive and lightest components on the market. There is no bike magic. It cannot pedal for you if you have an energy bonk from not eating and hydrating properly or if you lack the years of training and experience that warrants a high-end bike. Most bike manufacturer's build excellent products and a mid-priced bike will do you nicely. If your career carries on for years, you can always upgrade to another bike as your ability improves.

4)If money is scarce, there is no reason you cannot buy much of your equipment used. Keep in mind as I just mentioned, that triathletes often upgrade the equipment they use as their career moves forward. Depending where you live, there can be a lot of good quality used triathlon equipment available. Often it's a buyers market and that's good for triathletes who are on a budget and just starting out. Wetsuits are good for years and countless training and event swims, but often you will find used wetsuits that have only been used a handful of times as most triathletes tend to do the majority of their swim training in a pool.

5)The single most important consideration when purchasing any of your triathlon equipment is the "fit." Regardless if equipment is new or used, it's important that the fit is just right for you. A wetsuit that is too tight will constrict you and make your swimming much more difficult that it has to be. A bike helmet that is too loose will not protect you properly should you be in an accident. If you are not fitted properly to your bike you will not be efficient, will not develop a proper "economical spin," and your large muscle groups will not be properly utilized. Whatever amount you spend on your bike, make sure that a professional tweaks it so you fit on the bike properly. The bike seat, the handle-bars, or the stem can all be adjusted even if the frame is not quite perfect for you.