Triathlon Gear Upgrades for the Seasoned Athlete

Once you’ve got a few triathlons under your belt, you’ll need to take your gear game to the next level. Upgraded, specialized equipment can make you faster, which will make your triathlon experience more enjoyable. Read on to see our top triathlon gear upgrades for the experienced triathlete.

The Tri Bike

Triathlon bikes, also known as time trial bikes, are specifically designed to maximize speed, aerodynamics, and efficiency in a time trial.

How do they stack up against road bikes?

Triathlon bikes are designed with a steeper seat tube angle. This design propels you further forward.

Tri bikes create a more aerodynamic position that reduces wind resistance, which increases speed. This position also helps preserve the leg muscles for the run leg, since it engages different muscle groups compared to a traditional road bike.

You’ll Be More Aerodynamic

Triathlon bikes come with aerobars. Aerobars are handlebars designed to allow you to lean forward and rest your elbows, which makes you more aerodynamic.

This position can lead to significant energy savings over longer distances, which will make you faster. In other words, you’d be using less energy to get the same result.

You Might Not Be As Comfortable

The aerodynamic position on a triathlon bike can be less comfortable than the more upright position on a road bike. This is especially relevant during longer rides. It can also put more strain on the back and neck. Make sure you invest in a proper bike fit fi you decide to buy a TT bike.

Additionally, triathlon bikes are less versatile than road bikes. The forward-leaning position and aerobars are not well-suited to group rides, sharp turns, or hilly terrain.

For athletes who want a versatile bike that they can use for different types of training and racing, a road bike is a more practical choice.

It’s Pricey

Your bank account is going to feel the difference just as much as your body will. Triathlon bikes tend to be more expensive than road bikes due to their specialized design and technology. For beginners or those on a tighter budget, a road bike can often serve as a more affordable entry point to the sport.

Consider Improving Your Transition Game By Getting a Tri Suit

At this stage in your triathlon journey, your next purchase should be a triathlon suit. These suits are designed to be worn for the entire race, from the swim to the bike to the run.

They’re quick-drying, aerodynamic, and come with a small amount of padding for the bike ride.

A triathlon suit will improve your transitions, making them smoother and more comfortable. This will save you valuable seconds in the process.

Wetsuits

If you’re competing in col water, a wetsuit can be a game-changer.

Wetsuits add buoyancy due to their neoprene composition. The added buoyancy can save you over 2 minutes in a 1 mile swim.

Aero Helmet To Reduce Drag

When every second counts, an aero helmet can help you gain a big edge. These helmets are designed to be more aerodynamic than regular helmets. The improved aerodynamics reduces drag and makes you a faster cyclist. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your overall time.

Bike Shoes and Clipless Pedals To Increase Power Output

Bike shoes and clipless pedals offer big advantages over regular athletic shoes and platform pedals.

1. They allow for a more efficient transfer of power from your legs to your bike.

Because your foot is firmly attached to the pedal, you can push down and pull up during each pedal stroke, engaging more of your leg muscles and increase your pedaling efficiency.

2. Bike shoes have a stiff sole.

This enhances power transfer and reduces the risk of foot discomfort during longer rides. The locked-in position provides better stability and control over your bike, particularly at higher speeds or technical descents.

Make Sure You Practice Before Race Day

Clipless pedals have a steep learning curve involved. Getting used to clipping in and out of the pedals can take some practice, and there’s always the risk of falling over when coming to a stop if you forget to unclip.

Multi Sport Smart Watch

A GPS watch will let you track your distance and speed in real-time. This information is invaluable for a triathlete. It will allow you to monitor your pace during the race and adjust accordingly.

It’s an immediate feedback loop that can help you train more effectively and compete strategically.

Smart watches also offer heart rate monitoring. By tracking your heart rate, you can ensure you’re training in the right zones, balancing hard efforts with easier recovery periods. This can lead to more effective training, better recovery, and ultimately, improved performance.

GPS watches let you track elevation gain and loss. For triathletes who compete on hilly courses, understanding how elevation changes affect your pace and effort can be a crucial part of your race strategy.

As you grow in your triathlon journey, your gear can grow with you. Upgrading your equipment can not only enhance your performance but also make your triathlon experience more enjoyable.

Traveling for you next triathlon? Check out the top Bike Bag recommended by the pros.