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This is it, it's decided: you're going to participate in your first triathlon! A great challenge ahead... But have you thought about getting properly equipped? Triathlon is a linked discipline that combines three sports in one and therefore requires three times more equipment. Between swimming, cycling and running, Ekoï offers you a top 10 of the must-have triathlon equipment. Let's get started!
1. The tri-function, the centerpiece of triathlon gear
If you've done any research on what triathlon is, you know that the trifunction is the must-have piece of the triathlete's wardrobe. It is a multipurpose suit, with or without sleeves, made of one piece. It thus avoids having to change between each event with the aim of maximizing time savings during transitions.
Here are the characteristics of a trifold:
- a hydrophobic membrane to maintain the feeling of gliding through the water;
- a fine integrated chamois, useful for the bike part, but not disruptive for running;
- a lightweight breathable fabric to quickly wick away perspiration and optimize drying.
We also cross the trifunction in the form of a set consisting of two garments: a singlet and a shorts. This triathlon outfit is favored during long-distance competitions. It offers more practicality for natural needs and more freedom to change tops during transitions.
2. The triathlon or road bike
Who says cycling component, says bike! Except for the cross-triathlon where you will need a mountain bike, you will be riding on a paved course. So this is a road cycling event requiring a mount suitable for tarmac.
Two options are available to you:
- The road bike, used by many triathletes, both beginners and seasoned.
- The triathlon bike, designed specifically for the chained discipline. It is similar to a time trial bike, more aerodynamic and rigid than the classic road bike, but less light and maneuverable. Ideal for rolling courses!
Keep in mind that the first solution is the one preferred by the majority of aspiring triathletes.
3. Extenders
At your first competition, you'll notice that your competitors' trusty steeds come with extenders, a bike component unique to triathlon gear. While these horizontal bars are usually built into the handlebars of time trial bikes, they can also be installed on the handlebars of road bikes. They allow you to gain aerodynamics and speed thanks to an even more forward leaning position, elbows close together. An interesting option for long distance, such as the Half Ironman, where you can thus vary positions while enjoying comfortable support on the bike with the foam armrests.
Beware, however: if you opt for extenders, be sure to adjust them properly or risk losing power and comfort. In addition, this new position requires a time of adaptation to learn to control stability, especially in turns.
Also, note that in events with authorized drafting, extensions should not extend beyond the handlebar caps. In this case, the alternative is to choose short, closed extensions (the two ends are connected by a bridge), specific to short distance triathlon.
4. The bike helmet
Bicycle helmets are required to participate in a triathlon. It is a safety feature in its own right designed to protect your skull in the event of a fall and impact.
A traditional road bike helmet will be more than enough for beginners, while seasoned triathletes will gravitate toward an aero helmet, such as two-time Ironman World Champion Patrick Lange's time helmet.
One key point to keep in mind: you must absolutely fasten the chinstrap before touching your bike during the first transition. For the second transition, the strap can only be removed after you put the bike down.
5. Triathlon bike shoes
Also essential: bike shoes that are compatible with your automatic pedals. Be aware that there are two types of shoes for triathlon riding:
- road bike shoes;
- the triathlon bike shoes, made specifically for the discipline chained.
Depending on your level of requirement and performance, the choice will not be the same. If a road shoe will perfectly match a triathlete apprentice, the triathlon shoe is required when you want to improve your transition times. Indeed, the latter is designed to meet the needs of triathletes: slip on at lightning speed and without socks.
Concretely, triathlon cycling shoes are:
- more flexible;
- better ventilated;
- featuring a rear tongue to be attached to the pedals and shod once on the bike;
- provided with a clamping system facilitating foot insertion while pedaling.
6. The triathlon suit
The tri suit replaces the swimsuit, but it is not the only piece of triathlon gear for the open water swim event. The swim suit is also one of the must-have pieces!
Yes, because if the water temperature is below 16 degrees, you will be forced to wear one to be allowed to participate. Conversely, the French Triathlon Federation (FFTRI) rules state that a triathlon wetsuit is not allowed above 24.5 degrees.
They are not allowed to wear a wetsuit
Most of the time, then, the choice is yours. Note that while the neoprene wetsuit takes longer to remove during the first transition, it provides welcome thermal protection and a not insignificant increase in buoyancy. A great ally for triathletes dreading the water part! Besides, good swimmers are often delighted when the wetsuit is outlawed, because it allows them to express all their talent and to dig significant gaps with the other competitors.
You will, of course, need your pair of swimming goggles. The cap is usually provided on race day with your bib number written on it.
7. Running shoes
There are no triathlon shoes per se for the running event. It is simply a pair of runnings, but still it must be adapted to your morphology.
How to choose it? Bet on the lightness of the shoe, its dynamism, its cushioning and its comfort! Remember to select a model that matches your corpulence and the shape of your foot. Also, keep in mind that a shoe that's ideal for an S-size triathlon may not be ideal for an Ironman...
The particularity of triathlon shoes is mostly found in the lacing. Always with an eye toward saving precious time during transitions, it's customary to replace traditional laces with a pair of self-locking laces. You set them to your liking before the race, then just slip your shoes on directly without tying any knots or other manipulations at the time of the transition. Magic, right?
8. The backstrap belt
Far from being an accessory, the backrest belt allows to avoid damaging your trifold by sparing it from pinpricks. A solution moreover unthinkable given that the bib must be worn in front during the cycling part and behind during the run.
Easy to turn, the bib belt also has small compartments to hold a few gels. Make sure it has three attachment points, it's mandatory.
9. The GPS watch
A primary travel companion to be able to track your performance during the competition. There are connected watches called triathlon, which allow you to chain together the three events of swimming, cycling and running, while including transition times. Distance, time, pace, max HR... it's up to you to set the indicators of your choice to help you manage your effort and reach your goals!
Bonus: you will be able to visualize your track at the end of the competition.
10. The transition bag
Yes, you'll need a container to carry all your triathlon gear! While a classic backpack will do just fine, a transition bag offers more practicality with dedicated compartments and storage pockets. So much for being well organized to tackle your triathlon with peace of mind.
