The Triathlon Gear Thread

MCOS

Questions, thoughts and advice about Triathlon gear. Everyone has something to say about the latest Triathlon gear or something to ask about what you need to do your first Traithlon

This is one of a couple of threads to test the popularity of Triathon chat on Boards.ie

liamo

You don't actually need a lot for your first tri.

Swim
You need a wetsuit but you can hire one.

Bike
If you haven't got one (any kind) you can probably borrow one.

Run
A good pair of runners is the only thing that you really need to spend money on. Not just for the race, of course, but for the training leading up to the race.

If I had to pick one thing to spend money on (besides the runners) it would be tri-shorts. You wear them for the swim, bike and run. They have a small amount of padding for the bike but not so much that it will interfere with your running or retain much water after the swim.

MCOS

I must look those up so. I was wondering what to wear actually. I've seen photos of Triathletes with their swim togs on and my OH would not approve of me baring that much!

What are the tri shorts made of and how do they feel on the run?

liamo

MCOS wrote: »

What are the tri shorts made of and how do they feel on the run?

I just checked my Zoot shorts and there is no label on them to indicate their composition however it's most definitely a nylon/polyester-like man-made fibre.

They feel just fine. I'd prefer if they had a little more support but next year I might wear some underarmour shorts under them. They're very comfortable and I'd recommend them over any other single thing to get (apart, of course, from the running shoes)

Oh .... and BodyGlide, of course. Don't forget the BodyGlide !!

MCOS

Thanks Liamo. Is there padding on those Tri shorts? I need to get proper shorts before he weekend. Are Tri short the same/similar to Cycling shorts? I'm getting a few bits off wiggle so any recommendations hugely appreciated.

Are Zoot the ones to get?

Thanks

liamo

Yes, there is padding. Enough to help on the bike but not hinder on the run.

They're similar to cycling shorts. Lighter with less padding.

As for Zoot, they're a well known brand but I'm not in the sport long enough to know which brand is better than another so I can't make a recommendation one way or another except to say that I'm happy with the Zoot shorts (and Zoot top and Zoot wetsuit and Zoot running cap ......)

Regards,

Liam

hunnymonster

Wiggle have good percentages off orca tri shorts at the moment which would be worth a look. Tri shorts are not that cheap but a very worthwhile investment. I've gotten a couple of pairs in TK maxx as well so worth a look there if you have one nearby.

Bambaata

what ones did you get in TK Maxx?! Must pop up and have a look sometime. make sure you get some bodyglide! and johnsons baby oil was recommended to me for around the legs to help getting out of the wetsuit. i tried it for the Dublin City tri and it definitely helped. Whether i causes damage to the suit i'm not sure but i don't believe so?

hunnymonster

re TKmaxx: I got some Louis Garneau, Sugoi and TYR. It's not something you'll find every time you go in but I tend to be in there a lot so usually look at the sports stuff.

MCOS

Is the bodyglide just for under the wetsuit?

Thanks HM, ordered some orca tri shorts, leggings, gloves and overshoes so I should be ready for the cold next weekend if I can get out for my second group spin. Hopefully they arrive by Friday now! I must have looked like such a novice last weekend on my first spin with bare knees, bare knuckles and no padding or glasses. Shiny new Bike and white new shoes!

I had ordered so many bits n pieces for the Bike but didn't think about how much stuff you need for cycling!

Bambaata

i use it for those spots where skin rubs skin ;-) i haven't had to put it anywhere else. i got on fine at the marathon with it just there and some Vaseline and plasters on the nipples.

It can be pricey but i managed to get two of the really big tubes of it for something like 12 euro each from irishfit.eu

jenc

pretty pricey on irishfit.eu?

The same tube is cheaper on wiggle

griffin100

I have used bodyglide a couple of times and given that I am, ahem, of the more hairy variety I have found it pretty useless as it gets matted in the hair and doesn't stop chaffing for me.

I use KY jelly on the areas likely to get chaffed during a cycle and on those bits which rub on my wetsuit (backs of knees, neck, etc). I also rub a litte bit where the tags off my shorts or top is liklely to rub off my skin. I find that this works really well and have no chaffing problems.

Only problem with KY jelly is that for some reason in most shops its kept with the condoms and its list of uses as detailed on the pack relate to its ability to lubriacte certain body parts. I will admit that this can be embarrassing as the last time I bought KY jelly I also bought some baby oil (for getting in and out of wetsuit) and a 6 pack of poweraid and nothing else. Cashier must have thought that I was planning a wild weekend:D

MCOS

What kind of watch are you Triathlon guys wearing at the moment?

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

What kind of watch are you Triathlon guys wearing at the moment?

Que the Garmin fan boys shouting "the GPS brick I were on my shoulder is excellent, I don't even notice its 1kg weight or huge dimensions any more".

Depends on your training ethos really.

I know those that simply were a 20 euro stopwatch, and those that have a 500 euro top of the range polar. Depends on how you train. Personally I'm a by-the-numbers person - HR when training by physiological metrics, Power and speed when training by performance metrics. Means I've a bag of toys. Polar S625x with foot pod or shoulder GPS, or SRMs.

MCOS

tunney wrote: »

Personally I'm a by-the-numbers person - HR when training by physiological metrics, Power and speed when training by performance metrics. Means I've a bag of toys. Polar S625x with foot pod or shoulder GPS, or SRMs.

If you had to use just one for the next month which one would it be?

MCOS

OK, I never thought I would have to get so much but here is the inventory for a bike ride so far

A road bike
Helmet
Clipless pedals
Bottle cages
Bottles
Clip on Tri bars
Computer
Multi tool
Spare tubes
Levers
Saddle bag
Cycling shoes
Pump
Socks
Cycling long sleeve tops
Cycling jacket
Cycling shorts
Leggings
Gloves
Overshoes
Sunglasses

Now for the swim part and run part...:D

kingQuez

Cheers for the inventory MCOS! I'm not going to be able to invest in the bike bits for a while.. For some reason I only had a bike and clipless pedals on my mental list. Sort of forgot about all the other accessories you need

MCOS

A lot of the stuff I didn't think about is for riding in the winter, but then I remember it snowing in April too this year!

pgibbo

Hi MCOS,
The tri shorts / suit is very similair to the one pieces that rowers use. They are slightly different but not much. I'm no expert but 2 of the key differences are the padding and the fact that a tri suit won't retain as much water as a one piece.

Bruce11

Hi there, some clubs are not happy for cyclists to use tri bars during the winter when they cycle in groups. Since groups can be big and cycling 2 a breast if a crash was to happen then the tri bars can cause more injury than just the drops.

As for the tri shorts, a smaller pad and one that retains less water, the lycra is one that dries off quick and is suitable for running.

As for the list, you have leggings listed, would say get bibbed cycling leggings that are thermal for winter use. Some base layers also for when exercising that wick away moisture would be helpful.

MCOS

pgibbo, hey I got a pair if Tri shorts last week. They are very light I have to say, the padded bit will take some getting used to, like wearing a nappy or something ! I used to get such a piss taking about my onepiec from my non rowing friends. I guess Triathlon is only going to fuel that fire!


Thanks Bruce11, by leggings I did mean the thermal bike ones. I got some of those too last week. Very light and quite different from my rowing or running leggings. The Tri bars or in a box in a room until the club do some TT specific sessions. Although since I am going out by myself this weekend I might put them on and try them out for a spin.

Bruce11

Worry about your fitness and building cycling stamina and ability than using tri bars. They will only be useful in a race, later from March on use them and then you can learn the balance and steering technique with the aero bars. If you put them on now you will hardly take them off after your cycle, and if you do alot of time on your hands. As for startin off you won't get any benefit from them on a training spin, leave them in the room.

911sc

I have only started cycling last April, and i am amazed at the number of punctures i have got so far (about a dozen in 700kms). Cycle lanes are rarely cleans and full of glass bits thrown off from the road.
So may be add Armadillo tyres to the bike list.
For race days, add co2 pump.

Regarding tri shorts & top versus tri suit, is the choice purely down to preferences?

I would think tri shorts & top are more appealing as you would only swim with the shorts under wetsuit and put on a dry top at T1, but i could be wrong. Never done a tri, my first one will be in 09.

tunney

911sc wrote: »

I would think tri shorts & top are more appealing as you would only swim with the shorts under wetsuit and put on a dry top at T1, but i could be wrong. Never done a tri, my first one will be in 09.

Don't underestimate the difficulty of putting on lyrca when wet. Its impossible and to be avoided.

For pool swims wear a one piece.
For OW swims with a wetsuit wear either a one piece or a two piece.

liamo

911sc wrote: »

So maybe add Armadillo tyres to the bike list.
For race days, add co2 pump.

On race days, I also carry a can of tube sealant. It's quicker than changing out a tube.
(This is in addition to a spare tube, CO2 pump and mini pump - bit of a belt and braces approach really)

911sc wrote: »

as you would only swim with the shorts under wetsuit and put on a dry top at T1

I wear everything under the wetsuit. Tri-top, HRM chest strap and race number. Apart from the difficulties involved in trying to drag lycra over wet skin (as pointed out by tunney), you should reduce as far as possible the things you have to do in transition.

Get a race belt for securing your number. No pins necessary for securing to your expensive tri top. Also, you can move the number round so that it faces to the rear for the back and to the front for the run section.
(Apologies for the foreign link - I couldn't find it on CycleSuperstore's website, although they do sell it)


Regards,

Liam

MCOS

911sc wrote: »

I have only started cycling last April, and i am amazed at the number of punctures i have got so far (about a dozen in 700kms). Cycle lanes are rarely cleans and full of glass bits thrown off from the road.
So may be add Armadillo tyres to the bike list.
For race days, add co2 pump.

Regarding tri shorts & top versus tri suit, is the choice purely down to preferences?

I would think tri shorts & top are more appealing as you would only swim with the shorts under wetsuit and put on a dry top at T1, but i could be wrong. Never done a tri, my first one will be in 09.

Find some routes on Dual Carriage-ways and Country (non moon surfaced type) roads if you can But then I've only started cycling since Dublin and only about 300k done so far

hunnymonster

The advantages of the one piece are that there are less seams to potentially rum, less pressure on your mid section and no potential to ride up but (and for longer races it's a major but) a one piece is a pain to get off for a pee or more likely a poo.

tunney

hunnymonster wrote: »

The advantages of the one piece are that there are less seams to potentially rum, less pressure on your mid section and no potential to ride up but (and for longer races it's a major but) a one piece is a pain to get off for a pee or more likely a poo.

The advantages of a two piece are they aren't as warm, there is less restriction on the torso and you are less likely to have running form affected by a two piece. I've yet to find a one piece that did affect my stance. Also you are less likely to forgot to engage your core muscles in a two piece further helping running form.

Downside is unless your BF% is 5% you look like a fat f*ck.

tri111

tunney wrote: »

Also you are less likely to forgot to engage your core muscles in a two piece further helping running form.

I'm curious to know what you mean by this statement - engaging your core muscles??

MCOS

tri111 wrote: »

I'm curious to know what you mean by this statement - engaging your core muscles??

+1

And aside from that question 5% BF is very ripped looking for anyone with a bit of muscle on their bones. Swimmers usually have great shapes (the competitive ones) how low would their BF be?

pgibbo

Engaging your core muscles when running helps with your posture -

http://www.outdoorsnw.com/c_editorial/Pursuits/Running/0507_Running_ChiRunning.cfm

Both Chi Running and POSE advocate this.

http://www.posetech.com/

http://www.chirunning.com/

MCOS

tunney wrote: »

I've yet to find a one piece that did affect my stance. Also you are less likely to forgot to engage your core muscles in a two piece further helping running form..

What significant gains in times have you made from focussing on form, specifically engaging your core?

pgibbo

Hi MCOS,
Personally I found a huge improvement after I did a Chi Running. For the last 5 years or so I have run an average of twice a week to supplement other sports. I always found starting back after a few weeks off really tough. Since doing the 1 day course I now find that my times are consistent, even after a few weeks lay off. For example, I hurt my ankle 2 months ago and couldn't run for 4 weeks. On my first run back I ran to the level I was at before the injury. Obviously everyone is different and a lot depends on your own level, but I definitely find it easier to get back to where I was after a break.

I usually do 2 runs a week - 6 miles & 5 miles @ seven and a half to eight minute mile pace. With less training than last year, I did the streets of Galway in 33 minutes (8km) this year - a minute and a half quicker than the previous attempt. Maybe the swimming and small bit of cycling for the 2 sprint triathlons I did helped, but I also think the Chi Running course played it's part too.

MCOS

What was involved with the course?

pgibbo

MCOS wrote: »

What was involved with the course?

It was a one day course with Catherina McKiernan. It involved an intro to Chi Running, Video Analysis, posture drills, etc. A lot of the material is in the book.

MCOS

Got a hi vis cycling jacket yesterday from Wiggle, nice but it was too big Grrr... ah well it was a bit too nasty to go out on the bike before work this morning anyway! Anyone else do cycling sessions in the dark?

MCOS

OK, I never thought I would have to get so much but here is the inventory for a bike ride so far

A road bike
Helmet
Clipless pedals
Bottle cages
Bottles
Clip on Tri bars
Computer
Multi tool
Spare tubes
Levers
Saddle bag
Cycling shoes
Pump
Socks
Cycling long sleeve tops
Cycling jacket
Cycling shorts
Leggings
Gloves
Overshoes
Sunglasses
Hi Visibility Waterproof jacket
Set of Lights

Pretty much set for winter spins now:D

liamo

And just in case you felt like spending some more, for this time of year when it might be too dark or icy to go out you might want to consider a turbo trainer and training tyre.

I thought my lovely new Lapierre during the year was going to be the major purchase but it just seems to have opened the door to a whole new world of spending.

Even my Xmas list consists mostly of new gear and tools for my bike.

I'm also considering dropping a hint for a Garmin Edge for my birthday.

Sheesh.

Regards,

Liam

MCOS

Hopefully the hint works... A large box appeared under the tree last night and got me wondering ... would a turbo trainer fit in there? Does she even know what a turbo trainer is? I'd be impressed if it was! Its certainly not a watch. I clearly suck at dropping hints! Still though... I'm intrigued!

Do you need a training tyre for a turbo trainer? May seem like a silly question but I've never used a turbo trainer before

liamo

MCOS wrote: »

Do you need a training tyre for a turbo trainer? May seem like a silly question but I've never used a turbo trainer before

Not a silly question at all. Here's a quote from tacx's site :

Specially developed for riding on a home trainer. The rubber compound minimizes overheating, slippage and wear. The Tacx trainer tire is more silent than standard bicycle tires. Not suitable for outdoor cycling.

I won't go out for a training spin in the dark - too dangerous. And the recent icy weather at the weekend put paid to my Sunday spin. For me, the turbo trainer is great for this time of year. Booooring as F*** but it's gotta be done.

Regards,

Liam

tunney

liamo wrote: »

Not a silly question at all. Here's a quote from tacx's site :


I won't go out for a training spin in the dark - too dangerous. And the recent icy weather at the weekend put paid to my Sunday spin. For me, the turbo trainer is great for this time of year. Booooring as F*** but it's gotta be done.

Regards,

Liam

Sounds a bit wussy to me. Not going out at the weekend.

liamo

tunney wrote: »

Sounds a bit wussy to me. Not going out at the weekend.

Heh.

I went out the previous weekend and although it wasn't too bad I spent most of the ride being reeaaally careful and alert which took away from most of the enjoyment.

That experience, plus the reports of the two boards member who ended up with broken bones that same weekend, helped me to come to terms with my wussness.:p

Bambaata

Was out Saturday morning myself and yes it was slippy but not too bad on the main roads. Although out of a group of 10, 5 or 6 of us did take a tumble when we turned onto a road that was frozen solid! Everyone was fine thank god as we were turning onto the road from a T-junction so most had fallen from almost a stand-still. Great weather for spins though for this time of the year. There was next to no wind and nice and fresh

wellboss

Hi Guys,

Just wondering can anybody clarify some confusion I am having. Prob a bit of a silly question but here it goes.

When looking at a wheel set and it says (Gear Compatibility shamino/Sram) does this refer to the type of cogs/chainset on the back wheel or does it refer to the type of derailleur used? Or does it refer to something else?:cool:

tunney

wellboss wrote: »

Hi Guys,

Just wondering can anybody clarify some confusion I am having. Prob a bit of a silly question but here it goes.

When looking at a wheel set and it says (Gear Compatibility shamino/Sram) does this refer to the type of Cogs on the back wheel or does it refer to the type of derailleur used? Or does it refer to something else?:cool:

Refers to the freewheel.

if you take a cassette off the rear wheel you'll see a series of grooves on the freewheel. The design of these varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. So you can only fit a campgy cassette on a campy freewheel etc etc.

wellboss

tunney wrote: »

Refers to the freewheel.

if you take a cassette off the rear wheel you'll see a series of grooves on the freewheel. The design of these varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. So you can only fit a campgy cassette on a campy freewheel etc etc.

So do I have to take off my cassette to see which freewheel I have???, even then how will I know which manufacture it belongs to. My current wheels are Easton Vista 622-13 but they came with the bike and I have no idea what freewheel it has

tunney

a good indicator is the groupset you have, generally all from the same brand

wellboss

Cheers Tunney,

As I suspected,
Wiggle just got back to me and said shamino/sram wheelsets are ok.

I found Zipp 606 clinchers 2008 model online for £1050 and with the great exchange rate at the moment it works out at €1200, sound like a good deal to you?

I know the clinchers are 400g heavier but they have no Tubular versions left.

Bambaata

who was that with?

MCOS

€1,200 on a set of wheels :eek: Thats more than the 18" alloys I put on my car last year and I got 4 wheels for that! Are you already in the top 10% of national ranked Triathletes? I'm just wondering because I heard that you need to be doing a good speed on the bike already to start splashing out on something that will give you an edge. For us newbies, could you explain what €1,200 set of wheels is going to give you over a 40k TT?

Thanks