Important Bike Equipment for First-Time Triathletes

Many new triathletes, newbies for short, think all they need for the bike portion of a triathlon is a bike, a helmet, and a strong set of legs. However, whether you are training or racing, you will need to purchase a considerable amount more than the bare minimum. Without doing so, you will perform worse, risk injury or accident, and, as a result, ruin your experience with the sport of triathlon. The rush you get following the completion of a triathlon, from a sprint tri to an ironman, no matter what your fitness level is, fills you with a true sense of accomplishment. The last thing you need is to feel the pain of a poorly prepared bike session to put a damper on your success.

Like purchasing a bike, the quality and price varies, so try to buy the best piece of equipment that properly fits your budget. Do remember that you often get what you pay for, so do your research ahead of time. Keep safety and comfort as guidelines, and then blend in the need to maximize performance. As a new triathlete, you must care about the experience and not get too interested in the end result.

Assuming you already have your bike, the following list offers first-time triathletes a detailed inventory to follow when preparing for their first triathlon.

1.

Helmet: Possibly an obvious statement, but you need to have a quality helmet. Take the time to try on multiple types. See which one best fits your head, and check the side straps, as some can become tangled rather easily. Also, think about how your sunglasses will fit while wearing the helmet. The color and style are up to you, yet make sure no part slides much and that it is not too tight. You do not want your head to begin throbbing at mile twenty-two because your helmet is acting like an oversized boa constrictor.

2.

Sunglasses: Unless you are riding on a dismally cloudy day and at a pace that could not pass an elderly walker, you'll need a good pair of these. Sport-style glasses are a must. Regular driving glasses will never work. You need full coverage to protect you from random small objects as well as the sun. Pick a pair that you can also run while wearing-less to worry about during the transition. Also, bring them with you to the store when buying your helmet to insure they work well together.

3.

Shoes and Pedals: While you could use basic flat pedals, or even put straps on those, deciding to utilize clipless pedals and the accompanying shoes will certainly help both your overall performance and your confidence. The efficiency in your pedal stroke and the consistency and control of your cadence will improve with the clipless style. While they run considerably more than the basic pedals, the investment is worth it.

4.

Socks: Quality socks, not Walmart specials, need to adorn your feet during the ride. You want moisture fighting socks that will wick away sweat. Make sure they are thin and cut low on the ankle. Do not skimp here. Your feet will pay the price dearly in the end if you try to save a couple bucks. Buy a good pair for race day at least.

5.

Shorts: Although biking shorts don't exactly carry with them a flattering fashion statement, they represent an essential to comfort and performance. Not only will they reduce wind friction, but also they will compress and support your legs during the ride. Skin-tight bike shorts can be worn directly under you wet suit during the swim, so you can make the first transition much easier if you are already wearing the next stage's clothing. Also, the padding built into these shorts will give you increased comfort over long rides while sitting on thin racing saddles.

6.

Jersey: Some choose to buy the real racing jerseys seen on the riders whisking through the mountains during the Tour de France, but you do not have to go that far if you don't want to. Instead, find a quality moisture-wicking shirt that is slim-fitting. Doing so will decrease wind drag, and, like the shorts, the slight compression will feel better on your muscles during competition.

7.

Body Glide: Body lubrication is a must for all triathletes, and you should apply it prior to the race itself. Placing it on any surface of your body that will potentially rub on itself or against tight clothing, this lubrication will save you tremendous post-race pain. Buy a couple sticks and keep them in your training bag.

8.

Gloves: Many riders elect not to wear them, but some find the extra padding in the palms helpful, as it helps to avoid the muscle soreness that develops from placing your body weight on your hands while they hold onto the handlebars. Gloves will also assist you in avoiding blisters, especially for those people whose hands are less worn or ones that are blister-prone. Also, on cold or rainy days, gloves can be an obvious asset.

9.

Bike Maintenance Supplies: Stocked inside a small saddle pouch should be all the emergency tools and accessories you need to handle a sudden problem. Carry additional bike lubricant, an extra tube in case of a blowout, a patch kit for small punctures, a hex wrench, a CO2 cartridge for inflating tires after repair, a small air pump (could be mounted to the bike's frame), and some cleaning solutions. You may want to slide your cell phone in the pouch for safety, especially on long training rides.

10.

On-board bike computer: Normally attached to the handlebars, the computer will allow you to evaluate your distance, speed, splits, revolutions, etc. Useful in both training and competition, these computers range in price from very affordable to expensive. Again, you get what you pay for. The more pricey computers will accomplish more and provide you with valuable feedback. If you feel you do not need that much in-depth statistical analysis, then opt for a lower end one. Either way, having one will help your over performance and enjoyment.

11.

Aerobars: Designed to allow you to get into the aero position comfortably, the aerobars connect to the front of the handlebars with the twist of a screw. Like computers, they come in varying levels and qualities. Some allow you to thread the gear shifts to the top and remove them from the brake handles on road bikes. Whichever way is more comfortable for you is what to choose. Using these aerobars will permit you to rest your hands and reduce air resistance, as your body will remain lower and closer to the frame, thus creating a more aerodynamic posture. You may wish to add these after you have grown comfortable on your road bike and understand what it can do.

12.

Foul Weather Gear: In your travel bag, always pack such items as long sleeve shirts, tights, extra socks, a wind jacket, extra gloves, etc. Triathlons race in virtually any weather conditions, so prepare yourself for anything. Also store in there a warm-up suit for before and after the race.

13.

Water Containers: Hydration represents one of the most critical parts of finishing a triathlon in a healthy manner. Having water cages mounted to the bike will give you generally two spaces for ample liquids. Some riders like to have a dual bottle mount on the back of their seat, and still others like to have a large bottle with a straw strapped to the front between the aerobars. A few triathletes will have small water bottles that easily slip into pockets on the back of their shirts; this way the same hydration system can be used on the run portion. Some, although few because of its bulkier size, wear fluid bladders on their backs that have a hose snaked to the mouth.

The bike stage can represent a grueling challenge, especially if you do not have the right equipment to supplement your strength. All the training you do will not reach its full potential if your body runs out of water, if you cannot repair a flat, if you get a bug in your eye, if you have the wind endlessly slamming into your chest, if you begin to chafe, if your sneakers slip off your pedals, or if your XL t-shirt flaps away in the breeze. Making good decisions about the equipment you use will unquestionably help the first-time triathlete adjust to and enjoy the sport more than he or she could ever imagine.

Sources:

Fitzegerald, Matt. Triathlete Magazine's Complete Triathlon Book. Warner Books. New York. 2003.