Again and again we hear: “Triathlon is an expensive battle of materials!” Given the images of an Ironman Hawaii, one could actually come to this conclusion. And yes, you can spend a lot of money on materials. But it doesn’t have to. Because especially for the first triathlon you don’t need expensive high-tech.

Here’s a tiered checklist.

Material list «Minimum»:

Absolutely necessary material for your first triathlon (partly also prescribed by the regulations):

  • Swimming goggles, swimming trunks
  • Bicycle (can also be your city or mountain bike for short beginner triathlons, but e-bikes are not allowed)
  • Shorts, T-Shirt
  • Helmet (mandatory for all triathlons)
  • Running

That’s it. This equipment can be found in almost all reasonably sporty Swiss households.

Material list «Recommended upgrades»:

If you want to spice up your triathlon a bit, then these supplements are recommended:

  • Bib number band: To make it easier to rotate the bib number from the back (bike) to the front (run). This can also be a simple rubber band.
  • Triathlon one-piece or tritop/trihose (breathable and quick-drying): to be able to complete all three disciplines without time-consuming clothing changes
  • Road bike (preferably with aero attachment): To save a lot of energy on the bike and to get over the distance much faster
  • Cycling shoes incl. Click pedals: To be able to cycle more efficiently
  • Neoprene: To be able to start in case of neoprene obligatorium (temperature-dependent) and/or to swim faster and easier when neoprene is released

Material list «Upgrades for ambitious athletes»:

Has it definitely pulled your sleeve in and you can’t imagine your life without triathlon anymore? Then these supplements can be interesting for you:

  • High-tech triathlon suit for less water and, above all, less air resistance
  • Time trial/triathlon bike for faster cycling times
  • High-profile rims or even a disc wheel for even higher speed
  • Aero helmet for the ultimate speed
  • Competition running shoes for that extra kick in the third discipline

Triathlon will probably only become a bit more expensive financially with the third of these packages. Upgrades, especially on balance bikes, aero helmets, clothing, etc., are made by most triathletes gradually.

Conclusion

No matter at what level and with what ambitions you go to the start of a triathlon. The fun and the shared experience are in the foreground for most of them. And you don’t need any priceless special material for that. Everyone is welcome, everyone starts in the same competition, whether professional or beginner. That’s the genius and probably unique thing about triathlon.

SWIM, BIKE, RUN – AND MORE

Sport is emotion. Whether you go jogging once a week or prepare an Ironman: sport always gives you something in return. Especially in the times of online shopping, we are convinced that these emotions can only be shared from person to person, athlete to athlete. In our stores you breathe real sports air. But above all, you will receive the advice you can expect on site.

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