2023-06-26 15:30:10
Triathlon is a sport that has the wind or stern for many reasons.
This is an opportunity to meet up with friends, to challenge each other, and to practice several of your favorite disciplines if you love endurance.
Unfortunately, it’s a expensive hobby.
And for good reason, you must both equip yourself for: swimming in open water, cycling and running.
Added to this are registration fees, travel and specific triathlon equipment.
Do you want to try this sport for the first time, but do not have the possibility or the desire to put thousands of euros into it?
We show you how!
Do a triathlon without breaking the bank: overview
All the gear you need
Running shoes: 20 to 50 euros Bicycle helmet: 5 to 20 euros Wetsuit: 30 to 100 euros Trisuit: 20 to 100 euros Cycling shoes: 20 to 60 euros Bike: 100 to 250 euros Glasses, hat and swimsuit: 10 to 30 euros in total Race number belt: 1 to 10 euros Water bottle: 2 to 10 euros
And the budget 350 euros can be more than enough to have more than decent quality equipment for your first triathlon.
Take stock of what you already have and what we can lend you
Before you start buying the equipment you need, take stock of what you already have.
Maybe you have a garage with an old racing bike, a helmet, a pair of sneakers…
Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family if they have any equipment on this list to lend you.
Of course, the ideal would be to have acquaintances who also do triathlon.
Use your social circle to lend you equipment
The second-hand market is very developed in the world of triathlon.
In addition to comparing prices on different sites and in different shops, consider taking a tour on second-hand equipment resale sites.
We recommend that you go through Leboncoin, eBay or barter-bike.
The process of buying used products takes time: it’s up to you to see if the potential savings are worth it.
Choose your race well
Equipment aside, running can be expensive on its own.
For the more popular races, entry fees are usually higher.
Prefer a small local raceit is more than enough to discover this sport!
This will also limit your potential travel costs (and your carbon footprint).
Ideally, better to do an XS or S triathlon for the first time.
It’s unlikely that you’ll do a half Iron Man or an Iron Man in your first competition.
However, if that’s what you want to do, try to find a race outside of the “Iron Man” organization.
Some organizers offer races over the same distance, but cheaper, because they do not have the “Iron Man” label.
Equip yourself for the swimming part
Combination
If you do your triathlon in water at the right temperature, good news: you can save the price of a wetsuit!
That being said, if you want to get one, know that a second-hand model in your size, even if a little damaged, is often much more comfortable and efficient than a new model that is not the right one. size.
In occasion, you can hope to find less than fifty euros.
Trifonction
The trisuit is placed under the suit and allows you to continue on the cycling part then running, without having to change.
She is not not essentialbut can help you succeed in have the most complete triathlete experience possiblein addition to saving you several minutes and making you more comfortable (not always pleasant to change when you’re wet…).
Goggles, hat and swimsuit
Nothing special here.
Just remember to adjust your glasses so that they don’t fall off and don’t hurt you either.
In sunny conditions, prefer tinted glasses: they might save you from being disoriented.
A swimsuit under your trisuit can improve your support, but it doesn’t have to be.
The “extreme economy” mode
If you want to do your triathlon in a bathing suit, with your old mountain bike and your used pair of basketball shoes, nothing is stopping you!
However, be aware that it will impact your performanceyour comfort and your risk of injury, especially if your running shoes are not suitable for you.
It is also difficult to do a triathlon in a swimsuit in water at 10°C…
Equip yourself for the bike part
Bike
You can very well do your triathlon with your old bike.
Unfortunately, you will be much slower than with a suitable road bike.
If it is possible to find road bikes in good condition for just over 100 euros, count closer to 150 to 250 euros for a quality second-hand bike.
If you want a new model, it is possible to find some for 250 euros.
These models are a little heavier with wider than average tires: these are models that are also used for daily commuting.
Remember that on the flat, it’s the air resistance that slows you down the mostand that your body is more important than your bike to minimize the latter.
To perform, consider adopting an aero position on your bike!
Helmet
Never fear: all the helmets on sale in sports shops must comply with European safety standards.
A higher price tag is more regarding comfort, style and performance than safety.
If it is possible to find a good second-hand model, be careful: wear of the product might threaten your safety.
In the case of a second-hand purchase, therefore prefer a personal delivery in order to check the condition of the helmet.
Cycling shoes
Cycling shoes can last much longer than running shoes. It is therefore possible to find very good used models.
To save money, you can easily put on your running shoes during the first transition, before getting on your bike.
gourds
Getting a water bottle is not necessary.
However, it allows you to have your own hydration, so as not to be entirely dependent on supplies: this is a non-negligible point.
Number holder
To be correctly identified and timed at the finish, you must have your bib visible on you.
Belts specially designed for, to put on during the transition between swimming and cycling, can be found new for less than 10 euros.
A simple elastic band can be enough: it’s up to you to see how you want to use your budget!
Equip yourself for the running part
All you have to do is get a pair of running shoes and you’re done!
New models of reasonable quality exist around 30 to 50 euros.
Of course, the best thing would be to find a mid-range or high-end second-hand pair in good condition.
Do you have a little budget left? Here are affordable upgrades to consider
Aero bars; Elastic laces to put on your running shoes more easily; A colored towel to easily find your bike in the transition area; Better quality tires; A better quality cassette, adapted to the circuit: 11*28 for a fairly versatile course; 11*32 for a route with steep climbs; 11*25 for a flat course. An aero bottle; A better saddle, for more comfort and performance; Special triathlon cycling shoes.
Bonus: train for triathlon without breaking the bank
Have you tried it and did you like it?
Do you want to prepare well before your first triathlon?
Again, the costs can be high, but it is possible to do it without breaking the bank.
Access to the swimming pool is the only necessary expense.
Public establishments are often much cheaper than private ones. If you are lucky enough to have a lake in which it is possible to swim, take advantage of it!
As far as coaching is concerned, 3 main options are available to you:
Self-coach you; Join a club; Register on a platform; Hire a private trainer.
Self-coaching will take a bit of your time and increase your risk of making mistakes. Nevertheless, with a little willpower, you can quickly learn how to train correctly!
Books and YouTube videos are goldmines for beginners.
Here are some top-of-the-line channels:
Joining a club allows you to benefit from group emulation, good supervision and privileged access to infrastructures, in addition to access to competitions reserved for clubs and reduced registration fees.
There you go, you now have all the keys in hand to do a triathlon without breaking the bank!
Updated by Quentin on: 06/26/2023
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