The 24 Best Triathlon Gear Pieces 2018

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Best triathlon gear for beginners, including wet suits, tri tops, tri shorts, swim caps, and goggles for the swim; bikes and helmets for cycling; and running shoes, laces, hats, and sunglasses for the run.
Runners may be used to just pinning their race bib on their clothing, but this isn’t convenient for triathletes who may be changing outfits mid-race or putting their number on for the first time after the swim. Attach your number to a race belt for a quick and easy transition. This one has space to store energy gels or bars for longer races.
“Worth the money! No more trying to hold together the loose ends of the towel while trying to get dressed in the locker room. The material is good quality, the Velcro closure works wonderfully. Size XXL is perfect for plus size. Just right!”
Goggles, Frietchen said, are “probably the cheapest piece of tri gear. As long as they fit, anything will do. Consider going with tinted lenses, as you’ll likely be swimming in early morning sun. It seems like just about everybody starts with a pair of Speedo Vanquisher goggles.” To find the right fit, Hammond said, “look for ones that don’t put too much pressure on your head, but have the ability to stay on your eyes without the straps for five or more seconds. This means water shouldn’t seep though.”
Popular among triathletes who compete primarily in open water, Aqua Sphere’s goggles offer a slim design and an easily adjustable buckle strap. Stupp said they have “a great fit and a nice wide scope of vision. In particular, I like the smoked lens to provide some darkening from the sun.”
If you stick with triathlons, you’ll quickly acquire a cache of free swim caps. Races give out color-coded ones to help officials identify swimmers in the water. Until then, “you can get away with any cap for training,” according to Kreideweis, like this $5 one from Speedo.
Frietchen said she prefers silicone caps — here’s one for only $3 — over latex because they snag less on long hair. They’re also an option if you’re allergic to latex.
“There are two types of cyclists,” said Walton. “Those who have crashed and those who will.” Therefore, helmets are one of those items where it’s worth spending a little more. To ensure that your helmet is the right size, Hammond said, “it should stay put unstrapped when you tilt your head down and shake it a little. If it falls off, it’s too big.” Kreideweis said the Rudy Project Rush model “is a great entry-level helmet. Safe, ventilated, and with adjustable straps to ensure a perfect fit.”
A hat or visor will keep the sun off your face while running, and can come in handy on a rainy day. Headsweats are a favorite among athletes because the terry-cloth band around the brim absorbs sweat before it can drip into your eyes.