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Triathlon Cycling Gear: Bikes, Wetsuits, Clothing And Bike Shorts

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Published: July 11, 2007

A triathlon is one of the most grueling races to train for and complete, because it requires the athlete to excel in three separate areas: swimming, running, and biking. The swimming portion is approximately half a mile, the bike ride ranges between 8 to 15 miles, and the run is usually about 3 miles long. Those who sign up for the punishing Iron Man Race face a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, topped off with a full length marathon run of 26.2 miles.

In a triathlon, the swimming, biking, and running races are done back to back, and the race results are based on the total time it took to complete all three races. Because athletes have to transition between each event, they must also train to sprint seamlessly from one event to another. Triathlons require athletes to excel in three sports, not just one, to obtain the best time they possibly can. Although the triathlon can be a tough race to train for, the benefits of the intense cross training, as well as the excitement of completing the actual race, make all the effort worthwhile. Those interested in trying a triathlon can find valuable information and links at Usatriathlon.com.

In order to get the best results possible both prior to and during the race, the proper triathlon gear is essential. Athletes should research the best triathlon bike, triathlon clothing, triathlon wetsuits, and triathlon equipment most appropriate for their needs.

Probably the most important piece of triathlon gear is the triathlon bike. Triathlon bikes are a specialized type of road racing bike specifically designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. Therefore, everything from the oval frame tubes to the flat aerobars is engineered to create the least wind resistance possible.

Triathlon bikes can be custom built and sized according to the athlete's specifications. Sites such as Trisports.com provide several brands of triathlon bikes, including close out and pre-owned triathlon bikes at discounted prices. Costs of triathlon bikes can average approximately $1,000 to $6,000, depending on the type of bike. Since the triathlon bike is probably the most expensive and important piece of triathlon gear, participants should spend a bit of time researching and trying out the bike that will suit their specific needs and budget. An excellent, non-commercial website that provides tips on finding the right triathlon bike is Triathlon Ottawa's website.

Next to triathlon bikes, triathlon clothing is probably the second most important piece of triathlon gear. Triathlon Ottawa's website provides an excellent resource for choosing the proper triathlon gear. Triathlon clothing includes spandex shorts and shirts designed to wick away moisture, and can be worn under a wetsuit. Triathlon clothing also come in one piece options. This triathlon gear can be found at sites such as Triathlonlab.com, and range from $50 to $60, depending on style and type. Excellent Danskin triathlon gear for women can also be found at Danskin.com. Prices range from $50 to $100, depending on the style and type of triathlon gear.

A wetsuit is also another piece of triathlon gear an athlete may want to invest in. Wetsuits are usually worn by swimmers in cold water conditions. However, triathlon wetsuits are used by triathletes to increase speed and buoyancy. While this triathlon gear is not a required piece of triathlon gear, many racers find it protects them while swimming in open waters. Wetsuits can also be found at trathlonlab.com and average between $200 to $600, depending on style and type.

Anyone interested in a triathlon can find a wealth of information on triathlon gear online. Many sites offer invaluable information on the race as well as how to choose the best triathlon bikes and other triathlon gear. The exciting and grueling nature of this race makes it an exhilarating sport for athletes to participate in, no matter what their skill level. And with the proper triathlon gear, anyone can feel like a pro.


Sources:
Triathlon Information. Motion Sports Management. 2002. WSI. 23 June 2007. http://www.motionsportsmanagement.com/faq.asp
“Triathlon.” Wikipedia.  21 June 2007. 23 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triathlon.
Resources. USA Triathlon. 2007. 23 June 2007. http://www.usatriathlon.org/MultiSport101/Resource s.aspx
“Triathlon Equipment.” Wikipedia. 19 June 2007. 23 June 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triathlon_equipment#T riathlon-specific_cycling_equipment
The Triathlon Equipment Buyer's Guide for the Rest of Us. Triathlon Ottawa. 2007. 23 June 2007. http://home.cogeco.ca/~geordiem/triathlonottawa/eq uipment.htm
The Bike Buyer's Guide for the Rest of Us. Triathlon Ottowa. 2007. 23 June 2007. http://home.cogeco.ca/~geordiem/triathlonottawa/eq uipment_bikes.htm
Triathlon Collection. Danskin. 2007. 23 June 2007. http://www.danskin.com/triathlon-collection.html
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