How Much does Triathlon Gear Cost?

Are you interested in competing in a triathlon, but worried about what it will cost you?

Well, you may be surprised to find that you can compete in a triathlon very well, while still being on a budget.

Ultimately, it’s not about how much you spend on the gear. It’s about your training and determination.

Having said that, you do need to have the gear to accompany you. If you’re interested to get a better idea of what triathlon gear may cost you, take a look below.

Swimming Kit

The swimming gear is important to get right. Depending on the event, it may or may not be compulsory. But even if it’s not, you should still wear one.

Swimming in very low temperatures requires more energy expenditure from your body. Furthermore, be sure to wear a swimsuit that has a tight fit. You don’t want there to be any extra material dragging you down.

A full body wetsuit can be picked up for under $200. Alternatively, if you just wanted triathlon swimming shorts, you could spend under $80.

Goggles are another vital part of your swimming gear. Be sure to test them properly during your training weeks to ensure they fit right. An excellent pair of goggles that will keep your eyes shielded from water are the Nest Pro Nano goggles – they’re just $20!

Biking

When it comes to the biking portion of a triathlon, it’s often the area that scares most people away. This is because the prices for bikes can vary wildly. However, there’s no need to immediately search for the bikes that cost thousands.
Despite the fact that the middle-priced bikes will be worth the investment for some, you can pick a cheaper one up for $300.

A standard road bike can be easily modified into a bike that you can use for triathlons. Simply pick up an aero bar, and you’re good to go! A solid pair of aerobars will cost you around $100. However, it will still save you money compared to purchasing a higher end bike.

What’s the benefit of an aero bar? It simply works to increase the speed your bike.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for triathlons. Unless you’re after a helmet that’s constructed with aerodynamic features, you can grab one for under $30. Be sure to try the helmet on before race day to make sure it fits well.

Running

Having suitable running shoes is compulsory for triathlons. It’s also a good idea to accompany them with socks to avoid blisters…

A large chunk of the triathlon involves your feet hitting the ground. Therefore, picking out the correct pair will play a crucial role in how successful your race will go.

Therefore, we advise trying on various running shoes well in advance. This gives you the chance to try different ones out and return the ones that don’t feel so great.

There’s no reason to be spending more than $100 on a pair of running shoes. Especially if you’re on a budget.

Other Gear

If you’re armed with those pieces of equipment, you’re ready to go. However, there are some other items that you should also consider that could improve your race times and overall experience.

Elastic lock laces could decrease the time spent transitioning. They are much faster than having to tie regular shoe laces. These elastic laces will fit easily onto most running shoes. So, be sure to test them out beforehand.

Those will cost you just $5.

Sunglasses can be a crucial and inexpensive part of your gear – especially if it’s sunny. You’ll be able to clearly see everything while running and cycling. So, pick up a cheap pair for under $10 just in case.

In addition to the swim suit (or swim shorts) and goggles, you may find a swim cap to beneficial too. This is particularly the case if you have longer hair. You can pick up a swimming cap for under $10.

Again, like all the gear, make sure to try it on prior to race day. If it doesn’t fit as well, simply replace it for a size that fits better.

Conclusion

So, the essential kit includes: