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| *Vultures Knob>>>Mountain Bike |
Triathlon Equipment? |
I am training for my first triathlon in October. I was just wondering if anyone could give me information about triathlon equipment. For example, I only own a mountain bike and I dont know if those are allowed or if it has to be a racing bike. also, on the swim are goggles and swim caps and things like that required or can I just wear a regular bathing suit. Mainly Im just looking for basic information about equipment I need to have for my triathlon. Thanks If you're doing a sprint distance and just looking to get through it, go ahead and use your mountain bike. You're not going to win first time out, so speed isn't all that important. I shouldn't have to say it, but helmets are required. If you're accustomed to swimming in open water without goggles, I suppose you're OK without, although I would be awfully uncomfortable. Depending on water temperature, wetsuits are used by most competitors, again, more for speed than comfort unless the water is really cold. A regular swimsuit is fine, but remember that there is usually no place to change into bike clothes unless you're going Iron distance, so baggy trunks would be really uncomfortable to ride and run in. Don't know how you feel about speedo's, but that's what i generally race in. There are tri shorts available that are like bike shorts with shorter legs. Those aren't bad to swim in either. Swim caps are generally issued by race management in specific colors to identify start waves. Bottom line, I would suggest doing a half dozen or so races before you start spending big money. There are so many things you'll learn about equipment by just doing it and seeing the other competitors that I couldn't possibly explain here. USA triathlon is the governing body of the sport in the US. A visit to their website will provide a lot more information, including the rules. Yes, rules. Inside Triathlon and Triathlete are the major magazines devoted to the sport. Source(s): http://www.flickr.com/photos/silverbulle... http://www.usatriathlon.org/ Try bikesdirect.com fantastic prices, free delivery. All the bikes are new but may be a year out of date and about half price. Lots of Qs! I would strongly suggets finding a local cub, for training partners and advice, in the meantime here's the very basics General you need to wear something that will keep you warm/cool and dry quickly form the swim. I do not know what weather you are expecting, but the usual is either a one peice trisuit or trishorts and top. These dry fast and and have a thin quick drying cycling pad for the bike portions which is thin enough to allow you to run in them. People useed to race in swim wear but virtually no one does anymore Swim use goggles, you can get a good pair for $20, essential for open water if you are doing open water swim of the temp is below 78degF you are allowed to wear a wetsuit. If it is much lower than that it is highly recomended. Wear a tri specific suit as these are much easier to swim in (you can rent them) caps should be provided TOWEL have a towel handy to dry off and clean your feet after the swim Bike any bike will do, but it must have the handlbars plugged HELMET!! you will not be allowed to race without one sunglases Run decent pair of shoes see links below. http://www.usatriathlon.org/clubs/findac... http://www.triathletesports.com/category... http://www.wetsuitrental.com/cms/index.p... |
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