Triathlon Kit

There is a huge array of triathlon kit available to suit all budgets and abilities. In this guide we provide an overview of the kit available, as well as setting out each items relative importance and how to get the best deal.

Bicycle - this is likely to be the most expensive piece of kit, however to start out in the sport your existing mountain or road bike will probably do. A road or racing bike will significantly improve your cycling speed over using a mountain bike, however even a mountain bike will allow you to take part in the sport, and before rushing out to buy a new bike, make sure you are sure that triathlon is for you. If you do buy a new bike, set your budget first and try out as many bikes as possible - in fact the fit and the level of training you do, is more important to your performance than the bike itself. Once you have found a bike that is comfortable do check out online stores to get a more competitive price. If your budget is to tight to allow you to buy a new bike, do consider buying second hand, however it is important to check that the frame is undamaged. Essential - new £200 to £2,000+, second hand £50+

Bike helmet - every reputable race will require the use of a helmet, and you are playing with your life if you do not wear one when training. Always ensure that the helmet meets UK safety standards and fit is important. It should be level on your head and should not be able to be moved in such a way to expose the front or back of your head. Essential - new £15 to £125+

Bike shoes - you can either wear your running shoes with toe clip pedals or you can use clipless pedals and cycle shoes. Clipless pedals effectively lock the cycle shoe to the pedal, giving additional leverage and power. There are definite benefits to switching, but it is not necessary for the beginner. Useful - new £50 to £200+

Running shoes - if there is one area of kit where you are prepared to spend a little more, running shoes should be it. A good, well fitting pair of running shoes will improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury. You should go to a specialist running shop where the staff will be able to watch your running style and make recommendations as to the best shoes for you. Once you have found a shoe that suits your style, you may be able to save money by shopping online. Essential - new £30 to £150+

Clothing - there are a variety of options open to you. The cheapest race option for men is a Speedo style swimsuit, together with a t-shirt for the run and cycle, together with shorts if your modest. The same approach can be used for women, although many female triathletes will wear only the swimsuit for the whole race.

I would however recommend a multisport / trisuit. For men this is usually a one piece lycra suit which can be used for all the disciplines without any changing or additional clothing (you will find that it is otherwise very difficult to pull dry clothes onto a wet body after the swim!). A trisuit will usually also have light padding for improved comfort on the bike leg and they can also be used for strength training in the gym. They are also very comfortable. Similar suits are available for women, however look for a specific ladies trisuit rather than a unisex suit. Womens trisuits are also commonly worn as a two piece, which can offer greater support.

A trisuit can be used for both racing and all your training, although you can of course use normal shorts and t-shirt for run and cycle training. However trisuits are more comfortable and you may as well get used to training in what you will use in a race.

Many beginners don't like the thought of lycra, and your own feelings are paramount - it is much better to train in shorts and a t-shirt than miss a training session because you don't want to be seen in lycra. However over time, triathlon training will result in a much better physique, and if you have got it you may as well flaunt it! Essential - tri suits new £20 to £150+ or swimsuits new £5 to £30+

Goggles - goggles are highly recommended for swimming to protect your eyes and offer clear vision in the water. Fit is vital so that they don't leak, and when trying them on they should stick to your face for a few seconds without the strap. Normal goggles are fine for most swims, however scuba-mask style goggles are more comfortable for longer open water swims. Essential - new £5 to £35

Wetsuit - a wetsuit is only required if you are taking part in open water swims (as opposed to pool based swims). Where a triathlon event does contain an open water swim, a wetsuit is often mandatory (depending on sea temperatures). However a wetsuit nearly always increases swim speed, particularly for poor swimmers due to the added bouyancy of the suit. Therefore if you have a choice of whether to wear a wetsuit, it is usually best to do so. Look to buy a wetsuit specifically designed for triathlons or at least for swimming, rather than a wetsuit for body boarding / watersports etc. The former offer much better movement around the arms and shoulders, than a water sports wetsuit. May be required - new £50 to £300+

Other useful items include:

• Sunglasses - will protect your eyes particularly on the bike like. Buy shatterproof glasses with UVA and UVB protection - there is no need to spend a fortune on a designer brand.
• Cycle shorts - include significant padding which increases comfort on the bike. They are not essential for shorter cycle rides, but are recommended particularly for long endurance training. Buy a good quality pair which should last for several years and be cheaper in the long run. They should have antibacterial padding and higher quality shorts usually have a multi panel design.
• Cycle gloves - these will protect your hands in the event of a crash.
• Heart rate monitor - these are now available fairly cheaply, and involve wearing a chest band which transmits your heartbeat to a wrist watch. When used together with a good training book, you will learn how to set heart rate training zones, and this can significantly improve your training and help you to monitor your performance. The basic models are more than adequate for most triathletes.