Article written by Niki Jamieson
We get lots of questions coming in each week asking this very question, so we decided to put together a series of three articles outlining what you should wear during each leg of the triathlon. Triathlon Swimming was part one. Triathlon Biking is part two (read bleow). Triathlon Run is part three.
What to Wear During the Triathlon Bike Portion of the Race
Protect your Noggin: In order to participate in mini-triathlons, you must have an approved helmet that fits properly. Affix the bib number to the side of the helmet on race day before the race starts.
Dress for the Weather: Wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather. There are tank tops, short sleeved and long sleeved shirts as well as bike shorts and leggings. Wear clothing that wicks the moisture away from your skin. Cotton gets wet, heavy, cold/hot and really uncomfortable in long races. Clothing that wicks away the moisture will keep you more comfortable through your race. The tag will tell you whether it does or not. Wear a snug tank top, t-shirt or racing shirt to keep the air resistance down and pin your bib number to your chest before the race starts. Wear the same shirt during your run to keep your transition time down.
Protect your Backside: Choose bike shorts for padding on the backside. Not only will they keep the inside of your thighs from chaffing and your butt from aching, they also keep your backside moisture free.
For your Feet: There are all different types of shoes to wear on a triathlon bike. Some bikes require shoes that clip on. These shoes should not be worn for the run. Some peddles look like regular peddles, only they have straps over the tops or baskets that hold your feet in place. With these basket peddles, you can wear your running shoes and not have to worry about changing shoes for the run.
Suggestions for men:
- 2XU Men's Endurance 3 Pocket Tri Top
- MEN's Pro Bike Shorts Cycling Bicycle Biking
- ASICS Men's GT-2140 Running Shoe
(you can wear these during the bike if you don't have a bike with clips)
- Pearl iZUMi Men's X-Alp Seek Cycling Shoe
(shoes for bikes wirth clips)
Suggestions for women:
- TYR Women's Singlet
- Women's Padded Classic Bike Shorts Cycling Bicycle Biking
(you'll wear the same shorts you have on from the bike portion)
- DeFeet AirEator 2.5in White Top Cycling/Running Socks - AIRWHT
(these keep your feet dry and they don't move around inside your sneaker)
- ASICS Women's GT-2140 Running Shoe
(you can wear these during the run if you have a bike with clips)
- Pearl Izumi 2009 Women's Quest Road Cycling Shoe - Black/Diablo Red - 5720-512
(shoes for bikes wirth clips)
ID: You should always carry some type of ID and a small amount of money while training in case of an emergency.
For your Hands: Bike Gloves
Transition:
- Take off the helmet, bike gloves and bike shoes (if you’re wearing them)
- Put on your sneakers, if you don’t already have them on your feet
- Visit our Triathlon Bike Section to read more great tips!
Check out our Triathlon Run Gear Recommendations.
Learn More: Visit Race Day to learn more about what the actual day is like.
Swim - Get the low-down on wetsuits and swim suits, find info on safe water workouts and read tips for training and events.
Bike -Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Run - Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.
Transitions are the times between the swim and bike and the bike and run. Any time you are in the transition area, you need to know how to get through it without wasting time. Here are some suggestions:
- Setting Up Your Transition Spot
- Triathlon Swim Transition (T1)
- Triathlon Bike Transition (T2)
- Triathlon Run Transition - There is no Run Transition, just a Finish Line!
- My "First Triathlon" Story (hilarious)
- Iron Gifts
- Triathlon Race Day Checklist
- Find a Mini-Triathlon Event
- Mini-Triathlon FAQ
- Triathlon Race Day
- Swim Cap Troubles?
- Need to Change a Flat?
- Dealing with Blisters?
- Indoor Triathlon Swim (video)
- How to Avoid A Frightening Start:
Think Out of the Pack (video)
Music: TriathaNewbie.com discourages bikers from wearing any type of headphones for music while training or racing on a bicycle. It impairs a biker's senses and ability to detect potentially dangerous situations.There are too many crazy car-drivers on the road -- Leave the headphones at home.
Cell Phone: If you have a cell phone, you should bring it with you while you are training. You can buy a small pouch that fits on the underside of the seat of your bike and put it in there along with your patch kit and ID. Having a cell phone for emergencies can be a life saver when you break down or you run into a problem.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen
Protect your Eyes: Sun glasses make a huge difference on sunny days.
Good Tip: Never use new equipment in a race. Always try new equipment out during training sessions before using in a race. Specifically, do not use peddles that you have to clip your shoes into for the first time on race day -- you will wipe out!
There are NEWBIES Starting Triathlons Every Day.
Today Just Happens to be YOUR day!
