12 Essential Triathlon Gear Items Every Beginner Needs (And What to Skip)

Starting triathlon training? Don’t let gear overwhelm you. Here’s a list of 12 must-have items for beginners—and a few extras you might want to consider too. This guide will help you feel prepared and focus on enjoying your first race.

Essential Gear

1. Tri Suit

A good tri suit works for all three disciplines. It’s quick-drying, comfortable, and eliminates the need for clothing changes during transitions. One-piece or two-piece, choose what feels best. Even better if it is a TriDot tri suit…I heard they are proven to make you faster and look cool whilst doing so! 👀

2. Swim Gear

Invest in well-fitting goggles and, if swimming in open water, a wetsuit. Anti-fog and UV protection goggles are a must. A swim cap may be provided on race day but having one handy for training is useful too.

3. Road Bike

Start with a basic road bike. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Focus on a comfortable fit and quality tires. Add clip-on aero bars later if needed.

4. Bike Helmet

Safety first! Your helmet should meet safety standards and fit snugly. You can’t race without one and you certainly shouldn’t cycle on any roads without one.

5. Cycling Shoes

Clip-in shoes improve pedalling efficiency. Practice beforehand to feel comfortable clipping in and out and be prepared for a tumble or two (or three) when you first try them out.

6. Running Shoes

A solid pair of running shoes is crucial. Visit a running store for a gait analysis to find the best fit for your feet.

7. Hydration System

Stay hydrated with water bottles on your bike or a hydration vest or belt for running. Test it during training to avoid surprises on race day.

8. Nutrition Supplies

Energy gels, chews, drinks or bars are great for keeping energy up during longer workouts. Practice with the same brands you’ll use in the race.

9. Transition Mat

A small mat keeps your gear organized in the transition area. It helps you find your spot quickly and keeps items off the ground.

10. Fitness Tracker

A basic GPS watch or fitness tracker helps you monitor pace, distance, and heart rate. You don’t need top-of-the-line tech to get started.

11. Bike Repair Kit

Flat tires happen. A kit with spare tubes, tire levers, and a mini pump or CO2 inflator is essential. Practice using it before race day.

12. Foam Roller

Recovery is key. A foam roller helps reduce soreness and improve flexibility. Use it regularly to reduce the risk of injury.

Bonus Items:

• Talcum Powder (Baby Powder): Sprinkle it in your socks or shoes to make putting them on easier during transitions.
• A Training Plan: Structured training, like TriDot’s AI-powered plans, keeps you focused and improves performance. Following a plan tailored to your fitness level makes all the difference.
• Race Belt: I can’t tell you how many people I have seen turn up to a triathlon without one. A race belt allows you to clip your race or bib number securely without having to attach it to your clothes. Remember, race numbers should face backwards when you are cycling and forwards when you are running.

What to Skip (for now):

• High-End Aero Helmets: These can make a difference (albeit small) for more advanced racers, but they’re unnecessary for beginners. If your helmet is road worthy and fit for purpose, it will be more than adequate for your first triathlon.
• Top-of-the-Line Bikes: Focus on getting comfortable and confident on a basic road bike before investing in a high-performance model.
• Expensive Smart Trainers: Unless you’re training indoors extensively, a basic trainer or outdoor riding will suffice.
• Specialized Race Wheels: Save these upgrades for when you’re competing at higher levels as they can cost a significant amount of money for relatively little performance gain.

By starting with these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for your first triathlon without breaking the bank. As you gain experience, you’ll have a better sense of which upgrades will benefit you most. Happy training!