What you really need to Tri

Created On: 15 January 2010

What do you really need to complete a triathlon?

So you've signed up for your first triathlon and you need to get the right kit to ensure you're ready.

You may feel like you need an amazing bike and the best trainers but what do you really need?

To ensure you finish all you need is the following:

• Swimming trunks/swim suit
• Goggles
• Wetsuit (if it's an open water swim)
• A bike…any bike, lots of people use mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, it really doesn't matter if it's not the latest carbon fibre road bike as long as it works.
• A helmet which meets either the EN1078 standard or displays the Snell sticker
• Socks (optional but running without could prove uncomfortable)
• Trainers (to both cycle and run in) ensure they're a good fit and suit your running style.
• T-shirt

And these basics are really all you need to complete a triathlon.

But what about taking it to the next level?

So you know what you need but what else might you want to help you gain some advantages over the competition?  You may want to consider these:

• Tri suit - this means you can wear the same outfit for the whole event saving vital time in transition
• Sunglasses - just a comfort item, but minimises road debris and glare from the sun in your eyes making for a smoother race.
• Shorts - may prove more comfortable than running in your swimwear
• Hybrid bike/road bike or even a tri bike - there are many advantages and disadvantages to a road bike or tri bike
• Clipless pedals/cycling shoes - the shoes are attached to the pedal meaning you gain extra power from the upstroke as well as the downstroke.
• Aerobars - this should increase how aerodynamic you become resulting in reduced wind resistance and therefore an increase in speed.
• A proper bike fit - if you haven't had one already, get one, it really could change the way you ride for good.

You shouldn't feel pressured to have the best bike or the best running shoes, buy what you need to start with and purchase new products when it's the right time for you. Unfortunately your biggest limiting factor will probably always be you, no matter how much you spend on equipment there will always be a bit more training you could do to improve. Hopefully you'll be competing in triathlons for many years so you can add to your equipment as and when the time is right for you.

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