Triathlon Gear Guide: Essential Gear and Top Picks

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When it comes to triathlons, the gear you choose can be the difference between a personal best and a frustrating struggle. Triathletes invest considerable time, effort, and money into their training and races, making it crucial to select the right gear. However, with an abundance of brands and products available, determining which triathlon gear is genuinely worth the investment can be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll explore the top brands and products, including their pricing in both USD and PHP, to help you make informed decisions.

But as we always say, triathlon can be as cheap and as expensive as you like. It’s all up to you how much you want to pay for it (and how much having brand new gear matters to you).

1. The Triathlon Wetsuit Dilemma:

Although not applicable in the Philippines, triathlon wetsuits are essential for open water swims for international races, and various brands offer options to cater to diverse needs and budgets.

ROKA: ROKA offers a range of wetsuits, with prices starting at around $300 (approximately 15,000 PHP) for entry-level models. Premium options can reach up to $800 (around 40,000 PHP).
Zone3: Zone3’s wetsuits typically range from $250 to $600 (approximately 12,500 to 30,000 PHP), catering to different levels of swimmers.
Orca: Orca provides a wide selection of wetsuits, with prices starting at around $200 (approximately 10,000 PHP) and going up to $700 (around 35,000 PHP) for top-tier models.
HUUB: HUUB offers wetsuits starting at approximately $350 (around 17,500 PHP), with high-end options reaching up to $800 (approximately 40,000 PHP).
Blueseventy: Blueseventy’s wetsuits range from $200 to $650 (approximately 10,000 to 32,500 PHP), providing options for different levels of swimmers.

In the tropical climate of the Philippines, wetsuits may not always be the best choice due to the warm waters. Instead, triathletes often opt for speedsuits designed to provide the right balance of buoyancy and flexibility without causing overheating.

2. The Bike:

Choosing the right bike is paramount for triathletes, with numerous brands offering road bikes, triathlon bikes, and aero designs.

Cervélo: Cervélo’s triathlon bikes start at around $2,500 (approximately 125,000 PHP) and can go up to $10,000 (around 500,000 PHP) for high-end models.
Trek: Trek offers triathlon bikes with prices beginning at approximately $2,200 (around 110,000 PHP) and going up to $8,000 (approximately 400,000 PHP).
Specialized: Specialized’s triathlon bikes range from $2,200 to $9,000 (approximately 110,000 to 450,000 PHP), catering to different budgets.
Giant: Giant provides triathlon bikes with prices starting at around $1,800 (approximately 90,000 PHP) and reaching up to $8,000 (around 400,000 PHP) for top-tier models.
Felt: Felt offers triathlon bikes beginning at approximately $1,500 (around 75,000 PHP), with high-performance options priced up to $7,000 (approximately 350,000 PHP).

3. Running Shoes:

Selecting the right running shoes is crucial for triathletes, with brands offering various models to suit different running styles.

ASICS: ASICS offers running shoes ranging from $100 to $200 (approximately 5,000 to 10,000 PHP), providing options for various levels of cushioning and support.
Brooks: Brooks’ running shoes typically range from $100 to $160 (approximately 5,000 to 8,000 PHP), catering to different running needs.
Hoka One One: Hoka One One’s running shoes are priced between $130 and $180 (approximately 6,500 to 9,000 PHP), focusing on cushioning and comfort.
New Balance: New Balance provides running shoes starting at around $80 (approximately 4,000 PHP) and going up to $180 (around 9,000 PHP) for premium models.
Saucony: Saucony offers running shoes with prices ranging from $100 to $160 (approximately 5,000 to 8,000 PHP), tailored to different running preferences.

4. Aero Helmets and Race Kits:

Aero helmets and race kits are essential for those looking to optimize their race performance, and various brands offer products designed for improved aerodynamics.

Giro: Giro’s aero helmets typically range from $150 to $250 (approximately 7,500 to 12,500 PHP), with race kits priced between $100 and $200 (approximately 5,000 to 10,000 PHP).
Rudy Project: Rudy Project offers aero helmets starting at around $150 (approximately 7,500 PHP), with race kits priced similarly between $100 and $200 (approximately 5,000 to 10,000 PHP).
Louis Garneau: Louis Garneau’s aero helmets range from $100 to $250 (approximately 5,000 to 12,500 PHP), while their race kits typically cost between $80 and $150 (approximately 4,000 to 7,500 PHP).
Kask: Kask provides aero helmets starting at approximately $200 (around 10,000 PHP) and going up to $400 (approximately 20,000 PHP) for advanced models.
Bell: Bell offers aero helmets with prices ranging from $100 to $200 (approximately 5,000 to 10,000 PHP), with race kits starting at around $80 (approximately 4,000 PHP).

5. Accessories and Gadgets:

Triathlon gear extends beyond the major items to include accessories and gadgets that can enhance training and racing experiences.

Garmin: Garmin’s GPS watches range from $150 to $600 (approximately 7,500 to 30,000 PHP), offering various features for tracking and performance analysis.
Suunto: Suunto provides GPS watches starting at approximately $200 (around 10,000 PHP), with advanced models priced up to $600 (approximately 30,000 PHP).
Polar: Polar offers GPS watches with prices ranging from $150 to $400 (approximately 7,500 to 20,000 PHP), tailored to different athletic needs.
Nathan: Nathan’s hydration systems are priced from $20 to $60 (approximately 1,000 to 3,000 PHP), offering convenient options for staying hydrated during training and races.
Clif Bar: Clif Bar’s energy gels and nutrition products are typically priced at $1 to $2 (approximately 50 to 100 PHP) per packet, providing convenient nutrition for athletes.

The world of triathlon gear is vast and diverse, with numerous brands offering options to suit individual needs and budgets. When making investments in gear, it’s essential to consider your specific requirements, undergo proper fitting when applicable, and prioritize items that enhance your comfort and performance. Ultimately, the best gear is the one that supports your journey towards achieving your triathlon goals, helping you cross the finish line with a sense of accomplishment. Triathlon is not just about the gear you wear; it’s about your personal growth and achievements. Choose wisely, and may your gear propel you to new PRs and unforgettable race experiences. Happy racing!