Triathlon Gear... What You Need

Gear For Triathletes

The sport of triathlon requires gear. How much gear depends on the athlete and their goals. However, due to the nature of the sport (3 sports combined as 1).

If you're a new triathlete, there are likely things you'll want to purchase. It can be overwhelming and maybe a bit stressful when deciding what to spend your money on.

Obviously, you’ll need a bike (it doesn’t have to be a tri bike or even a road bike… hybrids and mountain bikes work just fine ;) and it’s also probably a good idea to buy a pair of running shoes and goggles.

However, apart from the obvious, below is a short list (in no order of importance) of what you may want to consider purchasing if it fits your budget.

1. Heart Rate Monitor/GPS
This will help monitor your heart rate and allow you to control your efforts. When it’s time to go hard you can go hard, but when it’s time to go easy and dial it back, this will be a very useful training tool. Check out heart rate monitors on Amazon. GPS watches and computers are also EXTREMELY helpful. They will let you know your speed/pace, distance and heart rate among many other things. We like Garmin and Wahoo Fitness products. If you're a triathlete, make sure you get a model that tracks swim, bike and run (and not just run) activities.

2. Bike Trainer
This is a training tool that will allow you to ride your bike indoors. This is invaluable when the weather does not allow you to ride outside and it is also a great way to really dial in your workout and get the most out of the time you have to train. There are a variety of bike trainers, but if it works for your budget, we highly recommend a "Smart" Trainer.

3. Wetsuit
It will keep you buoyant, warm, and you will swim faster than you ever thought possible!
A long sleeve suit is probably best, but if you have very large shoulders or if you’ve been swimming for years and prefer something with less restriction-you can go with a sleeveless. Or join TEAM RTA and save up to 60% OFF Xterra Wetsuits and 30% OFF ROKA Wetsuits.

4. Helmet
This is a non-negotiable.  In addition to being mandatory when you race, it will save your head if you should be in an accident.  Plus, if you ride without one, non-rookies will make fun of you! Team RTA Tri Club members save 35% on Rudy Project Helmets!

5. Sunglasses
Not only great for keeping your eyes protected from the sun, they will keep them protected from any stones or debris that can get kicked up by cars on the road. Team RTA Tri Club members save 35% on Rudy Project sunglasses and 30% on ROKA sunglasses.

6. Road ID
A very simple and smart way to carry your personal information.  It is a bracelet or an anklet, “dogtag style” that will be printed with your identification.  You can even have your medical insurance information engraved.  This is vital if you should find yourself in a crash. 

7. Nutrition
The fourth discipline!  Calories, water, and electrolytes are imperative when racing in triathlon.  Be sure you have all three on you at all times. Our RTA Tri Club offers multiple discounts on nutrition for endurance athletes.

8. Socks
Good socks are key to being blister free.  Stay away from the classic cotton tube socks that you wore in gym class.  They get soaked from sweat and the rain and will ruin your tootsies.

9. Transition Bag
You will need something to carry all this stuff in!  A good transition bad will house everything from your wetsuit to your shoes and helmet and even leave room for the kitchen sink! 

10. Coach
We may be biased, but if you don’t know what you are doing-you could be wasting your time doing the wrong thing and possibly putting yourself on a path to injury.  A coach is the best investment you could make.  From writing your daily workouts to answering your laundry list of questions, a coach becomes an extension of your journey and is well worth it.

11. Clipless Pedals & Cycling Shoes
They may be tricky at first, but they will make a world of difference.  You won’t slip off the pedals and you will really be able to maximize your pedal stroke.  Honestly, if you have interest in pursuing this sport-you should take the leap. 

12. Body Glide / Anti Chaf Agent
A product that is applied to the skin on areas that may run.  It will prevent chaffing.  It is especially helpful when applied around the neck and arm pit area when wearing a wetsuit.

13. Chamois Creme
A real savior.  It will protect your private parts.  Use it generously around your sensitive areas.

14. Race Belt
This can be worn around your waist-you would attach your race number to it.  MUCH easier than using safety pins.

15. Tri Shorts 
These have a thinner “pad” (aka chamois) than traditional bike shorts and you can swim in them.  They can be worn under your wetsuit.  Very comfortable and you will be able to wear them from start to finish of the race.