GEAR!!!

Let's face it....the gear for triathlons is very expensive!! Time Trial (TT) bikes range anywhere from $1500 to $15,000. Yeah, that's right!! Fifteen thousand dollars. Not to mention, an athlete can spend up $4000 on carbon wheels! Then you need a wet suit ($150 to $500), a tri suit or shorts and top ($80 to $200), running shoes ($80 to $200), tri cycling shoes ($100 to $300), swim gear ($100), and other miscellaneous gear ($200). Not to mention the entry fees and travel expenses for the races, where you can pay up to $1200 and get a t-shirt and a medal if you finish! So I'm talking about spending a minimum of $2,200 and upwards of $20,000 just on gear!!! There is no doubt that this a rich/upper middle class sport! That's why the largest participating age groups are 40-44, 45-49, and 50-54. People late in their careers, who have established themselves with their companies, and have plenty of disposable income. Well, I'm here to tell you how to reduce gear expenses. Especially if you're like me, an average guy just trying to make ends meet.

The most expensive piece of equipment is the bike. There are a few ways to save money when shopping for a bike. First of all, buy a bike that's relative to your abilities. You don't need a $10,000 Cervelo P5 if you're just starting out. If you are new to the sport, buy a road bike and throw some clip on TT bars. That way you could use it for training and group rides, as well as races. When you improve, then you can purchase a TT bike that you can use specifically for racing and special workouts. But save your money for now and use it for other gear. You can also buy new, old inventory from your local bike shop (LBC). Your LBC will offer some good discounts on the previous year's models. The best time to buy is at the end of the season and right before the new season starts. Besides your LBC, scour the clearance sections of sites like Nytro.com, All3Sports.com, and trisports.com. The best deal I've seen on the web is the complete Tri Package that Nytro and All3Sports offer. Everything is included to get started in the sport for less than $3,000, except for running shoes. Hands down the most convenient, one-stop shopping deal you can find!


The absolute best deals that I've found are on Ebay. This is where I purchase most of my gear. If you have the patience, and know-how you'll get unbeatable deals. Buyer beware, that most of the gear is used or returned items, which doesn't make it bad. Just make sure you scan the pictures with a fine tooth comb and read the descriptions thoroughly before you bid. Also beware of snipers, bidders who will out bid you with just seconds left in the auction. One way to avoid them is to purchase items with the buy it now option.

I bought this wetsuit on Ebay for $106, shipping included.

Triathlons are expensive! Save money where you can, and use your savings for race entries, nutrition, and/or other smaller items that you might need for race day. Good luck!!