WHAT YOU NEED TO START TRAINING
Start with the GPS watch. Your TriDot training plan sends each workout to your watch or phone, and your watch records every swim, bike and run so your plan adjusts to you. Then work through each list below.
SWIM
Goggles: a pair that seals without pressing hard. Keep a clear pair for the pool and a tinted pair for sunny open water.
Swim cap: silicone lasts longer. Wear a bright color in open water so boats and people on shore can see you.
Jammers (men): knee-length swim shorts. Much less drag than board shorts.
Training swimsuit (women): a one-piece made for swimming laps, chlorine resistant so it lasts.
Wetsuit: a triathlon wetsuit, not a surf or dive suit. Snug at the shoulders without limiting your breathing. Open water is often cold early in the season.
Pull buoy, paddles and fins: for drills and technique sets in the pool. Start with small paddles to protect your shoulders, and short training fins.
OWS buoy: an open water swim buoy, bright colored, that floats behind you on a leash. It makes you visible and gives you something to hold if you need a rest. Never swim open water alone.
BIKE
Road or tri bike: a road bike is the best first bike for most athletes. Getting the right frame size matters more than the price.
Helmet: required for every ride. Replace it after any crash, even if it looks fine.
Bike shoes: clipless shoes and pedals. Practice clipping in and out before your first group ride.
Bike shorts: padded shorts for comfort on longer rides. Wear them without underwear.
Smart trainer: for indoor rides in fall and winter, and for structured workouts any time of year.
Flat kit: spare tube, tire levers and a mini pump or CO2. Learn to fix a flat before you need to.
Bottle cages: two for short rides, three or more for long rides. Extra cages can mount behind your saddle.
RUN
Running shoes: get fitted at a running store, where they can look at your stride. Replace them every 300 to 500 miles.
Layers: light, moisture-wicking layers and a light rain shell. In rain or cold, several light layers work better than one heavy jacket.
RACE DAY
Tri suit: one suit you wear to swim, bike and run. A thin pad, and it dries fast. Strong2thefinishline tri suits are available for purchase from our Jakroo team store.
Race nutrition: the drinks, gels and electrolytes you practiced with in training. Nothing new on race day.
Race belt: an elastic belt that holds your race number. Wear it on your back for the bike and turn it to the front for the run, with no pinning.
LATER
After your first season: a power meter, aero bars once you're comfortable on the bike, and a second pair of running shoes to rotate.
TRIATHLON GEAR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Do I need all of this before I start?
No. Start with a GPS watch, goggles, a swim cap, a swimsuit or jammers, a bike that fits, a helmet and good running shoes. Add the rest as your training and races call for it.
Do I need a triathlon bike?
No. Most new triathletes race their first season on a road bike, and many never switch. A road bike is easier to handle on group rides and hills.
Do I need a wetsuit?
For most open water swims, yes, especially early in the season when the water is cold. A wetsuit keeps you warm and adds buoyancy. Check your race rules too, since some races don't allow wetsuits when the water is warm.
What do I need for online coaching?
A GPS watch and a smart trainer. Your plan and workouts come through the TriDot app, and your watch and trainer record your training so your plan adapts to you.