Preparing For your Triathlon With the Right Gear

bikingMost people who are facing the concept of their first triathlon are wondering what type of gear and equipment will best suit them. Depending on your skill level, your budget and what equipment you currently own, your needs for the right gear will certainly be difficult. Assuming that budget is a concern and you are dealing with a relatively short triathlon rather than an ironman competition, here are some considerations that you need to keep in mind:

Swimming –

You are definitely going to want to have a good pair of goggles, so do not be afraid to drop $20 or $30 dollars here. You do not want to go cheap when it comes to a nice pair of goggles, because these really go a long way. Visit a real sports store and buy a pair of rubber sealed goggles. As far as swimming attire goes, you can go the wetsuit route, or you can choose a triathlon in a climate that allows you to dress more casually. If you do decide to go the route of the wetsuit, then you are going to need to learn how to get in and out of the wetsuit quickly in order to perform well during the competition. If you own biking shorts that have a pad built in, then you may be able to swim in them, negating the need to purchase a separate swimsuit. Girls may aim to wear a one or two piece with a T-back, making sure to choose something that is light and comfortable.

Biking -

A bike can certainly blow a budget, so don’t worry about getting a good bike until after a few races. Right now, just worry about using whatever bike you can borrow, or already have stored in your garage. Road bikes, ten speed bikes and mountain bikes are all acceptable in these types of races. Make sure at the very least, however, that you have cage pedals. Biking helmets are also a complete must because you cannot participate without one. Padded bike shorts or a soft, gel pad seat are also vital so address these issues sooner rather than later.

Running -

Do not skimp when it comes to good shoes. Spend a little money here and it will certainly pay off in the end. Make sure that your shoes are being fitted properly. As far as running wear goes, make sure that you are choosing something comfortable, light and airy in order to best survive your run. Many people throw lightweight running clothes over the attire they wear for biking and swimming, and this makes the transition from one sport to the next much more fluid. You may want to consider this, but ultimately it is up to you what you choose.

There is also a lot of fun gear that you can buy to customize your experience during each triathlon race. Just don’t go too overboard at first until you know what you really need.

Photo Credits: envisionpublicidad

Originally posted 2009-06-14 12:26:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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What Type of Bike to Get for a Triathlon

tribikeThere are a number of really important considerations to make when it comes to preparing yourself for your triathlon. Fitness and strength are two of the most important factors that are going to influence your performance as a triathlete, but the next important area where improvements are capable of being made is your triathlon equipment. You are obviously going to complete your race a lot faster when you have a bicycle that is specialized for your triathlon. If you want to go faster and move further, no matter what your level of expertise is, a triathlon specific type of bicycle is going to benefit you significantly.

When it comes to money, you need to understand that a triathlon bike is going to require a larger investment from you. In general on average, the power that is produced in order to pedal a bike on a flat road will involve 60 percent worth of rider drag. This is a place where you can gain some truly awesome performance gains. If you are really serious about performing in a triathlon, then you are going to need to choose the right type of equipment, which should be the best and the most efficient and effective equipment that you can possibly afford for the purpose of your triathlon cycling needs.

Road bikes or road bicycles are typically going to be designed to allow for comfort for cyclists that want to compete over longer distances. The triathlon bicycle on the other hand is generally designed to suit other distances that are relatively shorter in nature, meaning that comfort is capable of being compromised in exchange for an increase in speed. This is one of the most fundamental differences that exists between bikes intended for triathlons and those that are intended for the road.

The shorter that the distance of the triathlon is, the more aerodynamics and weight will come into play. For a sprint triathlon, for example, or a 20k, comfort is going to be far less of a factor than if you are dealing with an Ironman which is significantly longer in terms of distance. When it comes to an Ironman triathlon, comfort is going to become significantly more important to offering you continual high quality performance over a longer period of time.

When you are looking for a bicycle to serve your triathlon needs, you should be considering the distances that you are going to be competing for and then correlate this number with the budget that you think you have available for this purpose. It is highly recommended that you consider purchasing a used bike for your triathlon needs if your budget is tight. You can choose a higher quality bike and buy it used, and get it for a much better deal. If you scrimp on a new bike you may end up with a bad choice, and a bike that simply is not meeting your needs on the course.

Photo Credits: jimmyharris

Originally posted 2009-09-03 03:46:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Choosing the Best Road Bike for You

One thing which cyclists can agree on is the idea that no two people agree on the best road bike. This worries many people who are in the market to buy a new bike. They want to choose a bike which is best suited to their needs. The only problem is finding out which bike is best for them. This is a big decision because good road bikes can cost thousands of dollars. Most people will have to ride the bike they purchase for years to come. It is possible to buy a road bike you will love if you keep a few different factors in mind.

Buy a Bike Your Size

A grown adult would never buy a children’s bike to ride. It is just as ridiculous to buy a full sized bike which is the wrong size for you. Buying the best road bike starts with having an expert measure you. Only by knowing your measurements can you find the bike which best suits your needs. This is because of the reach you have from the seat to the handle bars as well as from the seat to the pedals. Being measured only takes a few minutes and will help to save you from riding a bike which is all wrong for you.

Weighing Your Options

All bikes have a different weight. The weight of the best road bike will make a difference depending on how it is being used. Some people believe the lightest bike is always the best. This is not true if you are doing a lot of downhill riding. It is also not true if the weight of the bike is substituted for strength and durability. Pay attention to the weight of the bike, but always pay attention to what factors helped the bike to achieve the weight it has.

Ignore Everything but the Frame

When looking for the best road bike, it is important to remember everything but the frame can be replaced. Do not decide on a bike based on the gears which are used or the brakes. Do not even pay attention to the seat or the handle bars. The only thing which matters is the frame. All other components can be replaced if you do not like them. Many people will be strictly the frame and add on the components they like. While this is not always a possibility, check into it if you are particular about the components you use.

The Importance of Price

When searching for the best road bike, most people are not worried about the price. This is good seeing as you should be expecting to make a major investment. This attitude will prevent you from making a decision based more on economy than what will be the best decision for the way you ride. The only time price should enter the equation is if you find a few models which are similar in every way other than price. Then, by all means choose the one which will allow you to buy some new shoes while you are at it.

Photo Credits: Global Jet

Originally posted 2010-03-30 03:07:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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