Clothing/Gear "must-have" list
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315 days
diluzio123 posted 23 weeks ago.
I'm a beginner as well and this is my list that kept me within the budget my wife set for me :)
1. one short sleeved jersey ($70)\
2. two pair or cycling shorts ($70 each)
3. Hydration wing ($60 with all the bells and whistles)
4. Fuel Belt (Maybe not a must, but my first tri ran out of water at the aid stations and I decided I should carry my own during a race)
5. Running shoes from Khols ($40 I think, Nike has always worked for me so this is an easy buy)
This is my basic list. My wish list is about a mile long, but for now my only goal is to finish. Next year when I'm trying to improve my times I'll look to upgrade to better cycling shoes, pedals, wheels and so on.
D
"To some extent, we are all labeled by what we're able to achieve. But more importantly, we are defined by what we attempt." --Scott Tinley
http://ddtriathlon.blogspot.com/
558
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TryScott posted 23 weeks ago.
I bought my bike last Aug, and just recently ticked 1,000 miles. Last week I got my first bike jersey ($21.06 after tax and shipping). Until then, I was riding in a cotton t-shirt, a technical shirt that came with a race, or maybe a Under Armor / Nike shirt from Dick's Sporting Goods.
I'd say go tomorrow in your new tri shorts, gym rat gear and Asics, then see what you feel like you need. If your hands go numb, pick up some gloves. If your getting thirsty, buy a CamelBak, and if you run out of pockets, get a bike jersey.
63
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217 days
WillbIM1Day posted 23 weeks ago.
I come from a running background, so like you I had a bunch of stuff already (mostly synthetic running clothes and obviously running sneaks).
If you have a good technical/synthetic running shirt, I would say you can totally ride with that. Bike jerseys are not necessarily better in the material department than a solid running shirt. The benefit of a bike jersey though is pockets pockets pockets...tri bikes aren't exactly built for book baskets on the front if you know what I mean. Bike jerseys also obviously have zippers in front for ventilation.
If you're going for the bare minimum here are the things you don't NEED and why:
Wetsuit - Unless you're doing open-water swims in COLD water, you can save at least a couple hundred bucks by not buying one.
Bike shorts - I'm reluctant to say you don't need these, but you can get by on just a pair of tri shorts. Bike shorts have more padding and are key on long rides, but you can survive on just tri shorts.
Bike Shoes & clip-in pedals - You get a HUGE bang for your buck in terms of productivity gains on the bike if you have bike shoes, but again, it's totally possible to race on a bike with "Huffy" pedals and running shoes (plus your transition times will be faster hehe).
"High tech" foods - Before there was Gu and Clif bars, there was PB&J and Chewy granola bars
Disc wheels
Bike computer/Watch/Power meter
Aerobars/X-Wing/Aerobottle
Things you absolutely cannot do without:
Helmet, running shoes, swimsuit - if you need an explanation why, you should probably stop coming to Trifuel :)
Water bottle
Bodyglide
Goggles
Swim cap
Spare tubes
Hand pump or CO2 cartridges + CO2 inflator
Pretty basic huh?
1190
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TriSooner posted 23 weeks ago.
WillbIM1Day wrote:
Things you absolutely cannot do without:
Helmet, running shoes, swimsuit
Water bottle
Bodyglide
Goggles
Swim cap
Spare tubes
Hand pump or CO2 cartridges + CO2 inflator
tubes and tools
144
Member
203 days
azmojo804 posted 23 weeks ago.
+1 TryScott. dwpear, Give it a try tomorrow and see what you may need.
I just bought my first bike jersey...just plain color. I got 2 of them, for $5 a piece! Down from $40 at a LBS. Nice deal, so I needed them. Prior, I'd be in cotton or a nice breathing UA shirt. I also just bought my first Trishorts about a month ago. Wow, nice!
I just decided yesterday that I want another bottle cage for my bike. It's getting 100+ here in AZ, and when I commute to work, once a week via bike, I don't want to dehydrate and die on the ride home. :)
63
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217 days
WillbIM1Day posted 23 weeks ago.
Ok on second thought I guess I agree with Trisooner. You can do without the Body glide (although I hate to imagine the horrible things that would happen to me without it). Household Vaseline will work, but it's likely to ruin your clothes.
The only reason I would say the Swim cap is a necessity is that some races require you to wear one, but then they do not provide it for free in your race packet.
2936
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1358 days
Anton posted 23 weeks ago.
Tri shorts ARE swim shorts. That's a savings. I shop sales at a local LBS or LRS or ask folks you know...they might have stuff that's collecting dust...I've NEVER spent $70 bucks on a shirt or shorts for that matter! In fact, now that technical shirts are common at races, you'd be surprised how often you can find them at Goodwill.
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
My Blog: http://agingsuperhero.blogspot.com
193
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Nutty posted 23 weeks ago.
TriSooner wrote:
WillbIM1Day wrote:Things you absolutely cannot do without:
Helmet, running shoes, swimsuit
Water bottle
Bodyglide
Goggles
Swim cap
Spare tubes
Hand pump or CO2 cartridges + CO2 inflator
tubes and tools
I would also nix the spare tubes and inflator for the beginner. If i got a flat in a sprint i would likely run out of time before the run started from taking so long changing the tire. I dont carry these things for oly or shorter, i would have them along for half iron + though.
My first season was spent on a 25 year old bike without clip ins, shorts that i had left over from cross country 5 years ago, an old tennis jersey, and a pair of running shoes so old the cusions in them popped in my last race.
What im saying is as a beginner, just go with what you already have as much as possible. Then when youre an addict like i am now you can buy the nice bike, tri gear, and all sorts of crazy stuff.
-Alan
My fancy new blogitty blog.
http://therunningfridge.blogspot.com/
275
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fastdog5 posted 23 weeks ago.
Anton wrote:
Tri shorts ARE swim shorts. That's a savings.
Unless you are training in a pool. It would be a shame for the chlorine to ruin those expensive tri shorts; plus if these are doubling as bike shorts, you'll be washing them twice a day. Pick up a cheap pair of swim trunks.
275
Member
798 days
fastdog5 posted 23 weeks ago.
Nutty wrote:
TriSooner wrote:WillbIM1Day wrote:Things you absolutely cannot do without:
Helmet, running shoes, swimsuit
Water bottle
Bodyglide
Goggles
Swim cap
Spare tubes
Hand pump or CO2 cartridges + CO2 inflator
tubes and tools
I would also nix the spare tubes and inflator for the beginner. If i got a flat in a sprint i would likely run out of time before the run started from taking so long changing the tire.
You'd want these for training rides. Cheap insurance to prevent a long walk home.
1768
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1396 days
brittda posted 23 weeks ago.
Anton wrote:
Tri shorts ARE swim shorts. That's a savings. I shop sales at a local LBS or LRS or ask folks you know...they might have stuff that's collecting dust...I've NEVER spent $70 bucks on a shirt or shorts for that matter! In fact, now that technical shirts are common at races, you'd be surprised how often you can find them at Goodwill.
Yes but if you are swimming in a pool, the chlorene will kill your tri shorts pretty quickly. Better to invest in a good polyester suit that you will never be able to destroy by swimming in it. You will get sick of it before it wears out.
TOTALLY agree with the $70 shorts/shirt. I can't bring my self to spend that much on something I am just going to sweat in. Waste of money in my opinion.
173
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297 days
chekmarks posted 23 weeks ago.
cotton, i believe it has been called, is death fabric. once it's wet, it stays wet, so if the temp drops you'll be really really cold (granted, this view comes from a backpackers point of view). i'd recommend only using it when absolutely necessary. that being said, my essential items are synthetic socks. nothing worse than water logged feet that won't dry.
1821
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tri-ac posted 23 weeks ago.
Nutty wrote:
I would also nix the spare tubes and inflator for the beginner. If i got a flat in a sprint i would likely run out of time before the run started from taking so long changing the tire. I dont carry these things for oly or shorter, i would have them along for half iron + though.-Alan
Totally disagree...
1) Everyone should know how to change their own flats and relatively quickly. All it takes is practice (that's free).
2) My Oly PR came in a race where I flatted and had to change the tube (being a relative noob, my PR was not the remarkable part; it was inevitable... but you get the point of it being worthwhile to change your flats during a race).
I guess elite levels may disagree, tho
Adam
Tri-ac
112
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437 days
Toothless posted 23 weeks ago.
If you're putting in any kind of decent bike mileage you need a proper bike jersey with pockets, rain jacket, and quality bike shorts or bibs. And chamois cream, vaseline, or Bag Baum to reduce friction and saddle sores. After the first time I did a century in cheap bike shorts I couldn't sit on my saddle for a week. A lesson learned the hard way.
And without bike shirt pockets, where do you keep your food, ID, rain jacket, keys, etc? I'm also a HUGE fan of arm warmers, but these are by no means necessary. I live in Colorado where the weather can change dramatically during the course of a single ride.
1768
Member
1396 days
brittda posted 23 weeks ago.
Toothless wrote:
And without bike shirt pockets, where do you keep your food, ID, rain jacket, keys, etc? I'm also a HUGE fan of arm warmers, but these are by no means necessary. I live in Colorado where the weather can change dramatically during the course of a single ride.
Bento box....and actually a good investment. I keep my phone (in a baggie to stay dry in our wonderful wet weather) ,keys, gu in there and it's all accessable and in front of you. 15$ Then I can wear ANY shirt I want and don't have to worry about my only cylcing shirt being in the wash.
112
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437 days
Toothless posted 23 weeks ago.
Bento boxes can be useful, and I especially like them for discarding sticky food wrappers, but there's no way you can fit a spare jacket in one.
453
Member
495 days
stewarba posted 23 weeks ago.
diluzio123 wrote:
I'm a beginner as well and this is my list that kept me within the budget my wife set for me :)1. one short sleeved jersey ($70)\
2. two pair or cycling shorts ($70 each)
3. Hydration wing ($60 with all the bells and whistles)
4. Fuel Belt (Maybe not a must, but my first tri ran out of water at the aid stations and I decided I should carry my own during a race)
5. Running shoes from Khols ($40 I think, Nike has always worked for me so this is an easy buy)This is my basic list. My wish list is about a mile long, but for now my only goal is to finish. Next year when I'm trying to improve my times I'll look to upgrade to better cycling shoes, pedals, wheels and so on.
D
Personally, I would have nixed the extra pair of cycling shorts and gone to a running shoe store and bought a shoe that you know is designed for you. With a pair you pulled off the shelf at Kohl's, it is hit or miss even though one brand has "seemingly" been good to you.
Pain is the sensation of weakness leaving the body!
13
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tribrane posted 23 weeks ago.
FLASHLIGHT!
if you're doing a race in september or later and you are prepping your bike at 4-5:00Am then you need a flashlight. A small one will do, but I regret not having one on my first race. I was stressing over not being able to see all my sh%t.
i think you'll manage without it but your brain will thank you.
718
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1028 days
gfd posted 23 weeks ago.
[quote=stewarba
Personally, I would have nixed the extra pair of cycling shorts and gone to a running shoe store and bought a shoe that you know is designed for you. With a pair you pulled off the shelf at Kohl's, it is hit or miss even though one brand has "seemingly" been good to you.
+1 Get in the right type of running shoes and save yourself a lot of problems down the road.
"If you set a goal for yourself and are able to achieve it you have won your race." -Dave Scott
~Garen~
1768
Member
1396 days
brittda posted 23 weeks ago.
tribrane wrote:
FLASHLIGHT!if you're doing a race in september or later and you are prepping your bike at 4-5:00Am then you need a flashlight. A small one will do, but I regret not having one on my first race. I was stressing over not being able to see all my sh%t.
i think you'll manage without it but your brain will thank you.
oooh yes. Although I use a little headlight I got at REI. It was less than $20 and works great. Then I don't have to carry it in my hands and have those avail. if I am to trip and fall (likely since I am a klutz)
1768
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1396 days
brittda posted 23 weeks ago.
Toothless wrote:
Bento boxes can be useful, and I especially like them for discarding sticky food wrappers, but there's no way you can fit a spare jacket in one.
Well no. But if I need a jacket personally I would be in armwarmers instead, unless it is raining, then rain jacket. If it is just spitting then I usually go out in the jersey/shirt/armwarmer attire. Have never tried to put a jacket in my pocket so that would never have occured to me. Probably depends on climate. Here if its RAINING, you can bet it will probably stay like that. If its spitting, I take my chances :)
229
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xc800runner posted 23 weeks ago.
These are the only things you must have:
Bike
Helmet
Swimming suit/Tri Shorts (Though I did my first in a speedo and took 7th on a trek 700)
Goggles
Running Shoes
Everything else is a bonus.
You'll likely lat at some point so you'd want a couple spare tubes and patch kit and a pump. Most practical/versatile will be a hand pump, though it will be difficult to get ideal pressure in your tubes.
You can always use duct tape to affix spare gear to your bike. I use it for my gels when racing.
80
Member
210 days
overcome posted 23 weeks ago.
I use sleeveless underarmour compression shirts for my bike rides all year round (the only good thing about phoenix). I have a bento box and a saddle pack and that carries everything I need. For longer rides I take a camelpack and extra powder to mix in my watter bottles. I use all liquid nutrition so food storage is not an issue for me. In the winter I just put a pair of running tights over my bike shorts. I personally like to run wearing compression shorts because I think it is more comfortable but that is a personal choice.
632
Member
722 days
Ironmom posted 23 weeks ago.
I've gotten most of my jerseys and bike shorts at thrift stores. You just have to keep looking. That way I've picked up 5 - 6 pairs of good shorts and some tops without breaking my budget. You can't beat a brand-new pair of Pearl Izumi's for $5. Once I went to Goodwill and someone who rode tandems obviously emptied their closet. I got a ton of jersey's with tandem race names on them, and several pairs of matching shorts. The only pair of shorts I've bought new were my tri shorts, and I got those on sale for $27 at the end of the season.
Blue Skies, -Robin-
http://ironmom.blogspot.com/
106
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509 days
rebekahliz posted 22 weeks ago.
gfd wrote:
[quote=stewarbaPersonally, I would have nixed the extra pair of cycling shorts and gone to a running shoe store and bought a shoe that you know is designed for you. With a pair you pulled off the shelf at Kohl's, it is hit or miss even though one brand has "seemingly" been good to you.
+1 Get in the right type of running shoes and save yourself a lot of problems down the road.
Count me in, too. Would you rather pay for the doctor's visits from an injury from putting in a bunch of miles in a crappy shoe? Seriously. Protect your feet and legs! They do so much for you!
Di mana ada kemauan, di situ ada jalan (Where there is desire, there is a road). – Indonesian proverb
I'm going out for my first ride tomorrow. Got the Trek 310 special. And I just go back from a triathlon store and bought a $50 pair of tri-shorts. I know sky's the limit on the amount of gear that's available - but my budget is certainly not. What is enough to get by with as a beginner? Shirts, shoes, shorts. I'd love to be as comfortable as possible - but not poor. I have a nice pair of Asic running shoes - but most of my fitness clothes is typical "gym rat" stuff. Please help me compile a list of "must haves" to get started (or lead me to the right place). A triathlete "Starter Package" if you will.
Thanks