Equipment

-Goggles (Training + Races)

• Basic set of goggles to see when swimming
• Big brands are Arena, TYR, Speedo

-Towel (Training + Races)

• Basic beach/swim towel

-Swimsuit (Training)

• Any swimsuit is fine ranging from boardshorts to speedos
• Jammers are the most common
• Big brands are Speedo, Arena, TYR, Nike

-Wetsuit (Races)

• Wetsuits are often required for open-water swims. They are not worn in the pool, but instead worn only during races.Triathlon-specific wetsuits are designed for range of motion and flexibility. Triathlon wetsuits come in sleeveless and  full-sleeved models. The Pacific Ocean is cold! We recommend full-sleeved wetsuits for warmth.
• Big brands are ROKA, Blueseventy, Xterra, Orca
• Xterra commonly holds ~70% sales + Jared can get Xterra products at a 60% discount if not on sale

-Cap (Training + Races)

• Required to be worn at races
• Sometimes provided by the event organizers
• Can also help during practice for people with long hair

-Anti-Chafing Products (Races)

• Used to solve chafing issues and help for getting the wetsuit on and off
• Most popular product is Body Glide

-Bike (Training + Races)

• There are two major types of bikes used in triathlons: road and time-trial bikes
• Road bikes are more versatile, easier to control, and lighter
• Time trial bikes are for speed at the cost of comfort, utility, and are often more expensive.
• We recommend getting a road bike as they are better for training on most roads and can be retrofitted with clip-on aero bars to mimic a time trial bike
• Major differences found between bikes
• Rim Brake vs Disc Brake
• Rim brakes are easier to service, cheaper, and lighter
• Disc brakes are newer and have more stopping power as well as improved braking performance in adverse conditions
• Aluminum vs Carbon Fiber
• Aluminum is cheaper and more robust
• Carbon is lighter and stiffer, generally considered more high-end: bikes come fitted with better technology/components
• Aero vs Climbing vs Endurance
• Aero bikes are designed for speed and prioritize aerodynamics over comfort and weight
• Climbing bikes are designed for going uphill and prioritize weight savings over comfort and aerodynamics
• Endurance bikes are designed for long distances and prioritize comfort over aerodynamics and weight
• Buying a good used bike is often a better choice than a cheap new bike when under a budget constraint
• Resources - Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Bicyclebluebook
• FIT IS KEY
• A bike should always be prioritized in terms of a good fit rather than value 
• Big brands are Trek, Specialized, Canyon, Cannondale, Fuji, Giant, Scott, Felt
• There are other good brands such as Bianchi, Pinarello, BMC, and Cervelo but these are often going to be harder to find at a good deal
• Groupsets are also important when looking at a bike
• Shimano- Most common on road bikes
• Sora->Tiagra->105->Ultegra->Dura-Ace
• 105 is the most common and is also considered the entry-level performance grade with Dura-Ace being pro
• SRAM- Lesser used than Shimano but still commonly found
• Apex->Rival->Force->Red
• Rival is the equivalent of 105 and Red the equivalent of Dura-Ace
• Campagnolo- Rare and often only found on Italian bikes
• Centaur->Chorus->Record->Super Record
• Centaur is the equivalent of 105 and Super Record is the equivalent of Dura-Ace

-Water bottles (Training + Races)

• Cycling-specific water bottles designed to fit in bottle cages and be easily drinkable with one hand

-Spares/Maintenance Equipment

• Saddlebag (Stuff carried on every ride)
• Tire levers, spare tubes, patch kit, multitool, mini pump or CO2+inflator
• Bike pump
• Tires will lose air over time even without punctures and need to be reinflated occasionally. (Every week or two)

-Clipless pedals (Training + Races)

• Locks the foot into the pedals allowing for more stability and better power transfer
• Three major brands, LOOK, Shimano, and Speedplay
• All three types of pedals have different cleat systems and are not intercompatible
• LOOK- the original creators of clipless pedals
• Shimano- Very good and reliable pedals
• Speedplay- Unique feature that allows for clipping in on either side of the pedal

-Cycling shoes (Training + Races)

• Work with clipless pedals to secure the foot while riding
• Sizing and fit vary between brands so recommended to try out a pair before purchasing
• Triathlon-specific shoes do exist with the major differences being bigger vents for water drainage and an easier/quicker fastening system
• Big brands are Giro, Shimano, Bontrager, Specialized, Fizik

-Helmet (Training + Races)

• Required when training and racing
• Keep in mind that helmets should be replaced after 5 years or after a crash
• Big brands are Giro, POC, MET, Lazer, Kask

-Glasses (Training + Races)

• Optional
• Regular sunglasses can be used but there are also cycling-specific glasses made to wrap around the eyes
• Used for both sun protection and keeping wind and dust out of eyes
• Big brands are Oakley, Smith, 100%, Rudy Project, Pit Viper

-Cycling kit (Training)

• Designed to enhance a rider’s aerodynamics and comfort
• Bike shorts/bibs
• Bike shorts- elastic shorts with padding near the crotch designed to reduce discomfort and pain during rides
• Bibs- Bike shorts but instead of having an elastic waistband, has shoulder straps
• Big brands are Rapha, Castelli, Pearl Izumi, MAAP, Assos, and The Black Bibs
• Jerseys
• Usually a light breathable material with 3 or more pockets at the back
• Big brands are Rapha, Castelli, Pearl Izumi, MAAP, Assos, and The Black Bibs
• Optional
• Gilet- tightly foldable wind vest
• Gloves- padding can help reduce hand fatigue + keeps fingers warm
• Arm/leg warmers- Keeps limbs warm
• Baselayer- Keeps the body warm and can help with upper body chafing
• When looking at brands look for a potential crash replacement/repair service
• Usually found on higher-end brands such as Rapha and MAAP

-Running shoes (Training + Races)

• A comfortable pair of running shoes used for training and racing
• Big brands are Nike, Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Saucony, Hoka One One

-Running clothes (Training)

• Lightweight clothes used for running practice
• Try to avoid cotton or other fabrics that are non-breathable
• Use whatever is most comfortable and works for you

-Race belt (Races)

• Sometimes required at races to hold a bib number during the run portion

-Nutrition (Training + Races)

• Most real food works great for nutrition, but many specific types of nutrition products are easier to consume while exercising
• Bars, gels, energy chews
• Bars are used during training to provide lasting energy
• Most popular brand is Clif, many more exist
• Gels are used during training but also during races to replenish energy stores mid-race quickly
• Big brands are Gu, SIS, Clif, Maurten
• Energy chews serve the same purpose as gels but are gummies instead of a syrupy consistency
• Big brands are Gu, Clif
• Electrolytes/drink mixes
• Often fit into one of two categories: electrolyte replenishment or caloric fuel
• Big brands are Skratch, Nuun, Hammer Nutrition
• The team is sponsored by Skratch and gets a discount