Best Triathlon Gear for 2020

Triathlon is a fashionable and fairly young sport. It combines swimming, cycling and running. This is a rather expensive sports discipline, professional training requires considerable financial costs. That is why it is important to understand how to choose the right equipment for you. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers you an overview of the best triathlon equipment for 2020.

Triathlon history

This sports discipline originated in France. In 1920, pioneer triathletes sailed across the Marne Canal, cycled 12 km and ran a 3 km distance. In 1977, the Ironman competition took place in the Hawaiian Islands. The program combined swimming (3.86 km), cycling (180 km) and running (42.2 km). In the modern world, this traditional championship is considered the most prestigious. Since 2000, triathlon has been one of the sports disciplines of the Summer Olympic Games.

Triathlon appeared in the Soviet Union in 1984. First, amateur competitions were held, then the Triathlon Federation arose, and finally, in 1990, the championship took place.

Triathlon stages

The race consists of three stages:

• Swimming. Participants start directly from the water, from the shore or a pontoon. The route is usually in the shape of a triangle. If the length of the path is shortened, the swimmer may be punished with a fine or disqualification. Any style of swimming is acceptable, but triathletes generally prefer the crawl as it is the fastest.
• Bicycle race. After completing the swim and changing clothes, a bicycle race follows. For short distances, ordinary road vehicles are used for group rides, while the Ironman race uses bikes for split races. Drafting (group driving) is allowed during the Olympic Games. In an Ironman race, each competitor must maintain a distance of approximately 10-15 meters from the others.
• Run. This is the last stage of the competition, ending with a finish. The athlete can move along the route by jogging or walking. It is forbidden to touch the ground with three or more limbs, to move with a naked torso, with a helmet on the head or without shoes.

Triathlon distances

There are five main distances in triathlon:

• Complete. This is the largest and most difficult route, which has many other names: "iron", long, Ironman, classic.
• Semi-classical.All distances have been cut in half, which is very convenient for intermediate athletes preparing to participate in the full distance and wanting to test their capabilities. Other names: "half", "half iron".
• Olympic. Athletes participating in the Olympic Games take part in this distance. Its other names are: "international", "standard", "short".
• Sprint and Super Sprint. These are independent distances that give beginners the opportunity to assess their strengths and understand whether it is worth continuing to engage in this sport or try themselves in something else.

Distance comparison table

Distance	Swimming	Bicycle race	Run
Full	3.8 km	180 km	42.2 km
Semiclassical	1.9 km	90 km	21.1 km
Olympic	1.5 km	40 km	10 km
Sprint	0.75 km	20 km	5 km
Super sprint	0.2 miles	8 kilometers	2 km

Equipment: list of required items and selection criteria

An athlete requires special equipment to participate in the competition. The minimum set includes a wetsuit, a bicycle, and cycling and running clothing and shoes. Without these things, a person cannot be allowed to compete.

A beginner triathlete can get confused, not knowing where to buy the necessary uniforms. It's quite simple: popular models and the latest equipment can be ordered online without any problems. Before making a purchase in an online store, it is important to find a rating of quality products, read advice and reviews from experienced consumers, study the recommendations for using different models and their descriptions. It is also useful to familiarize yourself with information about companies that produce sports goods in order to decide which equipment is better to buy. Currently, not only domestic products are presented on the market, but also Italian (AQUASPHERE), British (HUUB), American (Henderson, Scubapro) and Brazilian products (Mormaii).

Wetsuit

Short distances (less than 1.5 km) are allowed to be covered in swimming trunks. For long distances, as well as for swimming in cold water (below 25 degrees), special uniforms are required to provide thermoregulation. Properly fitted swimming equipment increases the athlete's speed and reduces body friction against the water. At first, clothes can cause inconvenience to a person, but over time, these sensations disappear, because it takes on the size of the body thanks to neoprene, a special stretching material. Before participating in a competition, it is recommended to do a few workouts with new equipment to make it more comfortable and more elastic.

To understand which wetsuit is better to buy, it is important to understand what models are and how they differ from each other.

A type

There are the following types of wetsuits:

• Dry. This jumpsuit is absolutely waterproof, it is the most expensive of all types. It is used by divers and spear hunters.
• Semi-dry. This outfit is 3 to 6 mm thick and has long sleeves and legs, as well as welded seams, zippers and seals to prevent large amounts of water from getting inside. Such equipment is mainly used for spearfishing.
• Wet. They are most common among triathletes. The water that gets between the body and the suit is warmed by the person's body and does not allow him to freeze.

Cut

The suits differ in the length of sleeves and legs, as well as the location of the zipper. Sleeveless clothing is more suitable for tourists: it is easier to remove and does not hinder movement. For swimming, it is preferable to purchase equipment with long legs and sleeves; the popularity of such models is explained by their versatility and good glide through the water.

The zipper on the suit can be located on the belly, back and neck. The zipper on the belly and neck allows the swimmer to unfasten it without the need for assistance. There is also a significant disadvantage of such models: the lightning can bulge, while the contact of the tissue with the human body decreases, and the load on the muscles increases. It is problematic to cope with a zipper on the back on your own, however, such a suit fits snugly to the body and does not puff up.

Thickness

To avoid mistakes when choosing, you should take into account the temperature of the water in which the competition will be held. Slim models (3 mm) are suitable for warm water (about 21-24 degrees). For temperatures from 18 to 21 degrees, uniforms with a thickness of 5 mm are suitable. If the water is colder than 18 degrees, it is worth buying equipment from the thickest fabric (6-7 mm).

The size

When choosing a suit size, it is important to know what to look for when trying on:

• The shape should fit snugly around the body without folds, but at the same time it should be easy to take off and put on. In tight clothes, the athlete will not be able to move freely, and too loose will not retain water and will help to cool the body.
• Compared to casual wear, the legs and sleeves of the wetsuit should be 5 cm shorter.
• In the neck area, the shape should not fit closely to the body.

Starter suit

Starting equipment is worn on a naked body. You can swim in it or use it under a wetsuit. The functionality of the starting equipment is very wide: the athlete can be in it throughout all stages of the competition, which saves time.

The choice of trisuit should be based on the expected weather during the competition, the duration of the race and personal preference. There are several important criteria that you need to pay special attention to:

• Seams. In a trisuit, an athlete swims, runs, and rides a bicycle, so it is important that it is seamless, otherwise being in it will cause discomfort.
• Weather. During the competition, the body experiences enormous physical exertion and overheats. If cold weather is expected, sleeveless clothing should be used. In hot weather, so as not to get burnt, it is advisable to wear a trisuit with sleeves.
• Pockets. For a short distance competitor, pockets are optional. If the competition promises to be long, pockets will be useful: they can store medicine and food.
• View. Trisuits are available in one piece and separate. It is convenient to swim in piecework uniforms if there is no wetsuit. Models with bicycle ramps are very convenient, making cycling easier. One piece trisuit is usually equipped with a zipper in the front. In hot weather, it can be slightly unfastened without exposing the torso completely (this is prohibited by the rules). Separate package includes T-shirt and shorts. The advantage of this outfit is the ability to combine colors and go to the toilet without any problems. However, there is also a significant drawback: the T-shirt can bulge while running and when putting on a wetsuit.

Swimming cap

Manufacturers offer hats made of different materials: latex, silicone, neoprene. A neoprene accessory is best for swimming in cold water. When choosing a latex hat, you should take into account that you will most likely need to wear two hats at the same time, since this material is the cheapest and least durable. Spandex Lycra accessories are the most expensive, but they do not protect the hair from moisture. At major events, hats are usually given by the organizers. However, it doesn't hurt to have a spare with you, because it can break at any time.

Goggles

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of swimming goggles for every taste, but it is still better to purchase specialized triathlon goggles. This accessory reduces water resistance and has a wide viewing angle. More often, there are models with light lenses, which provide the athlete with excellent visibility, even if the water is cloudy. The best manufacturers offer interesting novelties: glasses with mirrored or polarized glasses with the function of protecting the eyes from glare of water and ultraviolet radiation.

Bicycle and cycling accessories

A racing bike must be lightweight, agile and aerodynamic. Its task is to develop high speed, but at the same time maintain controllability. For beginners, you can purchase a regular road bike. In this case, the vehicle itself and accessories for it will not require significant financial investments. But advanced athletes cannot do without a specialized vehicle.You should know that the prices for the items that top the rating of professional bikes are measured in hundreds of thousands of rubles.

Expensive bicycles are usually made of carbon fiber, while the cheapest ones are made of aluminum. It is important to select a model with clipless pedals that are compatible with your triathlon shoe. This is necessary for full transfer of rotational energy to the pedals and better control over the vehicle while driving.

It is worth paying attention to the steering wheel: it should have ram-type horns. Some models are equipped with special loungers that allow the athlete to lie down with their elbows on the steering wheel and drive the vehicle without much effort.

To successfully participate in competitions, it is not enough to buy a good bike; an athlete will need an extensive list of special accessories:

• Helmet. This is a mandatory piece of equipment, moreover, the participant faces a penalty if he touches the bike while he is not wearing or fastening a helmet.
• Glasses. It is an indispensable item for protecting your eyes from dust and debris.
• Cycling shoes. These shoes can be secured to the pedals in advance, which saves time.
• Repair kit, portable pump for pumping the chamber, water bottle.

Sneakers & Running Accessories

The success of an athlete in running is directly dependent on shoes. You should not save on it, you need to choose specialized running shoes. You should not go out on a distance in newly purchased shoes, at the risk of rubbing a corn or getting tired quickly.

For protection from the sun, dust and wind, a triathlete will need glasses, a cap or a visor. A useful thing that helps to save time is special laces for running shoes. They tighten quickly and do not come loose while driving.

Best Triathlon Suits for 2020

The most inexpensive models

For those who only dream of testing their capabilities in triathlon, the question of how much the equipment costs is quite significant. According to buyers, it is not at all necessary for beginners to immediately purchase premium equipment; budget models are also quite suitable for training at the initial stage.

Wetsuit short man's Joss, 2,5 mm

Joss is a young budget brand owned by Sportmaster. The company's products are manufactured in China, however, they have excellent characteristics. The Joss wetsuit is suitable for all outdoor activities and water sports. It retains heat and protects the athlete's body from mechanical damage. Double seams provide strength and durability to the gear. Manufacturer's warranty: 6 months. Sizes: 48, 50, 52, 54.

Cost: 2549 rubles.

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Wetsuit female Joss, 1,5 mm

Comfortable and affordable equipment for women, designed for beginners and intermediate levels. Available in black and blue and black and pink. The suit is 1.5 mm thick, so it can only be used in warm water. Sizes: 40, 42, 44, 46.

Cost: 1759 rubles.

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HUUB Essentials Trisuit Men's Trisuit Triathlon Starter Suit with Cycling Bike

Comfortable one-piece trisuit from the Essential series for men from a renowned British manufacturer. The suit is made of elastic material and has a fleece lining, which guarantees comfort during the cycling phase. Wide shoulder straps do not constrain movement or pressure. Convenient zipper allows you to easily take off and put on your gear. Designed for water temperatures above 24 degrees. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.

Cost: 6970 rubles.

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Mad Wave MW Revolution Women Kneeskin Swimsuit Open Back Starter Suit

Beautiful and feminine Russian-made swimming equipment. The new REVOLUTION line of triathlon clothing meets all the requirements of both beginners and experienced swimmers. The fabric contains a special fiber XtraLifeLycra, which makes the suit resistant to chlorinated water and wear resistance. The structure of the material allows the athlete to develop high speed due to good gliding in the water. You can choose from red, yellow, pink or blue. The wide size chart (3XS, L, M, S, XS, XXS) includes models for both very slim and plump women.

Cost: 4341 rubles.

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Models of the middle price segment

AQUASPHERE X Presso starter suit for women

The wetsuit of the Italian brand, in the development of which the famous swimmer Michael Phelps took part, is specially designed for competitions. Created using the unique Exo-Core technology, the essence of which is to combine two fabrics in one model. ExoFoil's signature 3-D stretch fabric provides the athlete with freedom of movement and superior flexibility. AquaCore fabric inserts improve blood circulation and relax muscles. Sizes: 34 - 44.

Cost: 20,400 rubles.

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Thermoprene PRO Shorty 3mm wetsuit, women

Henderson is a renowned American wetsuit manufacturer. The exclusive cropped model has a minimum number of seams, each of which is stitched and glued 2 times. The material is very lightweight and pleasant to the touch. The outfit perfectly follows every curve of the body, ensuring minimal water movement under the suit. Manufacturer's warranty: 1 year. Henderson Size Chart - 42 to 52.

Cost: 17,140 rubles.

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Scubapro Sport wetsuit (5 mm, men)

The product of the cult American company Scubapro, which has existed since 1963. A simple classic 5 mm suit suitable for beginner triathletes and intermediate athletes, as well as for diving and rafting. The special cut provides the person with maximum freedom of movement. Sizes: 48 to 58.

Cost: 19450 rubles.

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Sharkskin Chillproof Rear Zip Suit (men)

The outfit is an innovative development of Australian engineers. It is made of three types of fabric and looks like shark skin. The first layer is a fleece-like material that keeps the body as dry as possible. The second breathable layer acts as a temperature regulator. The outer cover is a unique blend of Lycra and nylon to provide abrasion resistance and UV protection. The uniform is very popular with divers, surfers and triathletes.It can be used in warm water or used as insulation under an existing wetsuit at lower temperatures. Sizes: 46-56.

Cost: 23450 rubles.

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Premium models

AquaSphere Phantom 2.0 Wetsuit, 5/4 / 3.5 / 2 / 1.5 / 1 mm triathlon wetsuit

A branded product made in Italy, made of 8 types of SCS neoprene of different thickness. The suit is designed for professional triathletes, suitable for swimming in cold water (16 degrees and below). The mold is made using the special Thermo-Guard technology, thanks to which the material has a porous structure and perfectly retains heat. The zipper has a special leash for quick release and time saving. The suit is recommended for triathletes who want to achieve high results. Sizes: XXS - XXL.

Cost: 67880 rubles.

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Women's triathlon wetsuit AquaSphere Phantom 2.0 Wetsuit, 5/4 / 3.5 / 2 / 1.5 / 1 mm

High-quality equipment with specialized inserts for the female figure. Designed for professional cold water training and competition. The suit is made of neoprene of different thickness for the most effective sports activities. In the area of ​​the hands, the material is only 1 mm thick, which provides the woman with freedom of movement. 5mm Aerodome insert on abdomen and thighs helps stabilize body position in the water. The CorePower support system improves posture. Sizes: XXS - XL.

Cost: 59,990 rubles.

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HUUB Agilis Brownlee Wetsuit, 3/5 mm Triathlon Wetsuit

The equipment was developed by the HUUB company together with the Brownlee brothers - world famous triathletes. The suit is designed for swimming in cold water (maximum 16 degrees). The model is made of exclusive elastic neoprene, which has no analogues among other brands. Thanks to the unique material, buoyancy is increased by 43% compared to other wetsuits. The suit features a convenient Breakaway Zipper to save time. The uniform is recommended for experienced swimmers to participate in competitions and achieve high results. Sizes: XS - SS.

Cost: 50,000 rubles.

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Women's 2XU GHST Wetsuit (Lightweight) Triathlon Wetsuit, 3/2/1 mm

An Australian brand product made from high quality Yamamoto neoprene. The lightweight model is designed for experienced professional athletes with a focus on success. The exclusive technology of closed inner cells gives the outfit the best properties: it is especially light and floatable compared to conventional suits. 520% elasticity provides a flawless, comfortable fit. Sizes: XS - XL.

Cost: 46,100 rubles.

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The choice of equipment for a triathlon is not an easy question and it must be done based on the selected distance, the conditions for passing the race and your financial capabilities.