Triathlon & Ultrarunning Gear Recommendations
Below is a list of swim/bike/run/recovery gear we use and recommend. These are practical and often the most economical products for those entering the sport. (We have no affiliation with these links or brands unless otherwise noted.) Any questions, we’re happy to help.
Swim Gear:
Finis Agility Paddles - good for beginner swimmers
Synergy Hand Paddles for Swim Training - for advanced, stronger swimmers
Speedo Snorkel
Pull buoy (many pools have them available)
Finis Fins
Arena Cobra Ultra Mirror Swim Goggles - Jim’s favorite pool goggles
Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles - men’s and women’s style, great for open water swimming/racing
TYR Big Mesh Mummy Backpack - a swim bag to carry your swim gear and dry it out
Wetsuits:
Roka - our favorite brand, excellent fit/performance
Triathlon Race Suits:
Castelli FREE SANREMO SUIT SHORT SLEEVE (men & women versions available)
Bike gear:
XLAB X-Large Rocket Pocket Bag - bento box for fuel/snacks. Critical for half/full (IRONMAN) triathletes
Saddle bag for tools, spare tubes and CO2 cartridges/inflator:
Topeak seat pack Aero Wedge Packs saddle bag - medium or large or;
Topeak Aero Wedge Pack Expandable Quick Release Clip-On 27.3-34.9mm Seatpost Bag (more secure than one above)
In your saddle bag, you will need the following:
Tire lever: Pedro’s Tire Levers
CO2 cartridges and cap:
Genuine Innovations Innovations G20315 Microflate Nano CO2 Tire Inflator (this one comes with the cap)Extra cartridges: Innovations 16 Gram Threaded CO2 Cartridges for Bicycle Tires (6-Pack)
Spare Bike tube(s) - check for proper sizes for your tire width and stem length
At home, you will want the following:
Spare tires & tubes: ensure you’re getting the right type/size by using your tire specifications.
Continental Grand Prix 5000s II Cycling Tire, Set of 2 Tires size 700 x 28 - this is our favorite training and racing tireBike tools: Pro Bike Tool Allen Key, Hex Wrench, Ball End Set
Chain lube: Rock N Roll 135816 Gold Chain Lubricant, 4-Ounce
Bike cleaner: Simple Green Bike Cleaner/Degreaser - 24 oz. Trigger Bottle or Simple Green Cleaner, 20-Ounce
On your bike, we recommend:
Water bottle cages and bottles (ideal to have 2 on your bike):
Carbon Fiber Bicycle Bike Water Bottle Cage HolderPedals:
Look Cycle Keo & Look Cycle Keo Grip Road Cleat or
Shimano Pedals & Shimano CleatsGarmin Varia - this is a radar unit and our favorite rear light. It will display cars approaching from the rear on your bike computer. While expensive, we believe this is a critical cycling item.
ISM Saddles - most bike seats are horrific. This will save your a**.
Bike electronics / computer:
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor - for bike and run. Wrist HR monitors are not reliable during exercise.
Garmin 520 Bike Computer - Best value, functionality for triathletes / cyclists.
Stages Power Meter - A power meter will fundamentally change your relationship with your bike training and racing. OR Assioma Uno pedal power meter (you only need one-sided power).
Bike trainers:
Wahoo Snap
Wahoo Kickr
Or check DC Rainmaker’s latest trainer reviews.
Race Gear:
Race belt (for your race number)
Quick laces for running shoes
Finally, here is a consolidated list of our weekly gear picks of the week from our podcast:
Katie: SEAL SwimRun Paddles and Finis Swim Buoy
Jim: Continental GP 5000 tires
Katie: Women’s CONCEPT Merino Wool Jersey (Velocio)
Jim: Koia - favorite recovery drink
Katie: TRIHARD shampoo/conditioner/body wash for chlorine
Elena: Nathan exoshot handflask for hydration while running in the heat!
Laura: Shokz bone conduction headphones
Jim: Salomon 12L pack
Katie: Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag
Katie: Hypervolt Massage Gun with Heated Head Attachment
Jim: Roka Sim shorts - not for the pool but for OWS when the water warms up and it’s too hot for a wetsuit.
Kevin: foam roller and bands
Katie: Scicon bike bag for travel
Jim: Aquasphere Kayenne swim goggles for open water
Katie: Ornot Cargo Bib shorts
Katie: Nathan ExoDraw & ExoShot 2.0 Flask
Jim: Race Belt
Katie: Supergoop Sunscreen
Elena: Smith Sunglasses
Justine: O.W.L. Energy Bars
Colleen: Manta sleep mask
Elena: Naked running band
Katie: ON women’s running shorts
Katie: Polar Verity sense HRM
Jim: Nathan Zipster Max
Jim: Assos MILLE GT BIB SHORTS C2
Katie: Large skinny resistance bands for simulating cable strength workouts while traveling (a rec from my strength trainer)
Katie: Oura ring
Jim: The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance by George Mumford.
Jim: LL Bean Boat and Tote®, Open-Top - canvas bag for gear storage and transport
Katie: Peanut Massage Ball Roller for upper back and neck
Kevin: ON Cloudboom running shoes
Katie: Julbo Edge sunglasses
Jim: Darn Tough Men's Fastpack Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock
Katie: Skida headbands/hats/buffs
Katie: Darn Tough Women's Stride Micro Crew Ultra Lightweight
Jim: Gore Tex Overshoes - I size up to ensure an easy fit over cycling shoe.
Katie: Patagonia Houdini jacket (mens or womens)
Jim: Staying with the trainer and bike theme, I use ISM saddles on all of my bikes - road, tri, gravel, snow and mountain bike.
Katie: Indura Athletic Square Neck sports bra
Jim: Capilene Air Hoody (get it while you can! Available in limited quantities/sizes as of Jan 2024).
Jim: 1927KW™ LINED PREMIUM GRAIN PIGSKIN PALM WITH KNIT WRIST. Best $35 you can spend on warm winter gloves for biking, walking, hiking.
Katie: Black Diamond Distance Spikes: best traction for winter trail running. Note that these are not the most durable and should not be used on mixed rock/ice terrain (ice or snow only). For a more durable pick for hiking only, consider Kahtoola.
Elena’s Canyons 100 Mile Gear Picks of the Week:
Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra
Garmin inReach for backcountry adventures