If you are thinking about “trying a tri” one of your concerns may be the equipment you will need to have a successful race. This overview aims to help you identify key pieces of gear and how to get by without breaking the bank.

Clothing: There a couple of approaches to clothing for Triathletes. For short triathlons, or if you want to have quicker transitions you can do the entire race in a swim suit. If you are concerned about comfort during the cycling leg you can easily pull a pair of bike shorts over your swimsuit during the transition. When considering a swimsuit for triathlon ladies may want to opt for a T-back one- or two-piece swimsuit to prevent any strap related wardrobe malfunctions.

Triathlon shorts are another great option for those who wish to save time during transitions. These shorts are similar to bike shorts but they have a thinner chamois (padding) that absorbs less water during the swim and also makes tri shorts more comfortable to run in than traditional bike shorts.

Another time saving tip is to go sockless throughout the race to save time during transitions. This is something you will want to try before race day, since you may find sockless running and cycling causes soreness and blistering. If you decide that socks are the way to go you will want to choose socks made of a good moisture wicking material such as merino wool or polyester (no cotton!).

If you are more concerned with comfort than losing some seconds in transition then you can make use of the change tents to wear different attire for each leg of the race.

Of course if style is your first priority TWIFT Athletics offers some of the classiest looking triathlon attire around. Such as this classic tuxedo tri suit:

Swim: Goggles are recommended for the swimming portion of the race since they allow you to comfortably keep your eyes open underwater. The most important consideration for a pair of goggles is to find a pair that fit well. You want to have a snug fit with no gaps around the edges, the straps are adjustable so the goggles should not be so tight they hurt. If you are concerned about keeping water out of your ears and nose you can pick up some earplugs and noseplugs.

Bike: Almost any bicycle will get the job done for the beginning triathlete. At this point there is no need to spend thousands of dollars on the latest carbon fibre triathlon specific bike. A road bike, mountain bike or that old steel 10-speed in the garage will work just fine. If you are going to use an urban or mountain bike for a triathlon you may want to swap the nobby tires for a pair of slick road tires. Slick tires run faster and more smoothly over the road than tires designed for trail use.

Most importantly your bike should be in good condition. Your local bike shop will be happy to provide a basic tune up to ensure your bike is running as smoothly as possible. You don’t want to be wasting energy on race day because your brakes are rubbing or your chain is worn and needs to be replaced.

A helmet is an absolute must (you can’t ride without one). Fit is the most important consideration when buying a helmet. Entry level helmets usually apply a “one size fits all” approach but mid to high end helmets will allow you to find a better fit depending on your head shape and size. In addition to fit, more expensive helmets will offer a more aerodynamic design and more ventilation.

Note: All helmets and bicycles must be inspected and approved before they will be permitted in the race. The bike inspection is mandatory. No bike or helmet will be allowed into cycle transition unless our bike inspection staff has certified it. The bike inspection can be completed before race day by visiting a Different Bikes Location during regular store hours from Feb 25 – Mar 10, 2012. Bike inspection will also be available at UBC on race day.

You will also want to bring some basic bike tools with you. Hopefully you won’t run into any technical difficulty on race day but it pays to be prepared. You will want to familiarize yourself with the process of repairing or replacing a flat tire, but the essential gear you will want to have with you is:
Bike tire levers
Extra tubes
Cycling Multitool
CO2 cartridges or a handpump
You can attach a small saddlebag beneath your bike saddle to hold these items, while a handpump should easily attach to the frame of your bike.

While not an absolutely essential purchase cycling shoes will improve your efficiency and power on the bike. “Clipless” pedals and shoes provide the most pedaling efficiency since you can generate power on the upstroke in addition to the downstroke. Cycling shoes also feature a very stiff sole which allows you to generate more power than a soft soled running shoe. If you decide to grab a pair of cycling shoes for a triathlon look for shoes that you will be able to get on and off quickly. Buckles or velcro straps will be faster than laces, and a pull tab on the heel of the shoe will help you pull the shoe on and off.

Photo: http://www.lakecycling.com/footwear.html

Cycling gloves are another item that are not absolutely necessary but can provide an added degree of comfort on long rides.

Run: Choosing the proper running shoe can seem like a daunting task. There is a seemingly endless list of technologies incorporated into modern running shoes and determining which shoes are best for you might be enough to induce a headache. The best advice is to go to a specialty store where knowledgeable staff will be on hand to help you with your selection. The staff will be able to analyze your gait and biomechanics to recommend the shoes that will work best for you. Some triathlon specific features to look for on a running shoe are stretch or toggle laces. Similar to velcro straps and buckles on cycling shoes, these will allow you to get your shoes on faster in transition.

Hopefully this guide has helped you figure out what gear you need, and what gear you already own! Happy training and we’ll see you at this year’s UBC Triathlon Duathlon on March 11th. Register by March 5th here.