All-in-one Gear Reviews and Annual Expenses for Triathlon Training
Comprehensive Gear Reviews and Yearly Training Costs for Triathletes
My journey into triathlon training began last year, driven by my tech-savvy and data-driven nature. Exploring new gear and technologies not only keeps me motivated but also enhances my training experience. I completed my first IRONMAN 70.3 within 5h30m.
1. Gears and Equipment
Most triathlon gear represents a one-time investment, typically lasting 2 to 5 years before needing an upgrade.
Starter Gears
In general, you would require a sports watch, and the cost can vary significantly, ranging from €200 up to €800 or €900. I personally use the Garmin Forerunner 255, which is a highly compatible watch for beginners in triathlon. Currently, it’s the only watch I use for racing.
As you delve deeper into triathlon training, you might discover the need for a heart rate belt. This accessory can offer much more accurate and comprehensive cardiovascular data. Understanding your heart rate zones is crucial for achieving better training results and preventing burnout. Common choices for a heart rate monitor include models from Polar or Garmin, which are typically priced around €100. (I have both)
Swimming
One standout gear is the FORM goggles, a revolutionary product incorporating AR technology. These goggles provide real-time data on your swimming pace, heart rate, and strokes, addressing a significant challenge for swimmers. The ability to import training programs and sync data with apps like TrainingPeaks makes FORM goggles a game-changer.
Another valuable addition to these goggles is compatible with the Polar Verity Sense Heart Rate Sensor (around €89), seamlessly measuring heart rate while swimming.
For various swimming drills, essentials like paddles, buoys, fins, and snorkels are indispensable.
Cycling
Besides the bike itself, an indoor trainer is crucial, especially for those unable to ride outdoors year-round. The Wahoo Kickr Trainer proves to be a superb selection for indoor cycling, providing year-round training versatility. The price varies from €600 to €1200, depending on the model.
For enhanced cycling performance, a power meter is essential, which costs you hundreds of bulks depending on the model.
You may then want to consider investing in a bike computer to help visualise your data and display maps during your cycling sessions. While a sports watch can serve a similar purpose, it can be risky to check your watch while riding a bike at speeds over 30km/h, making a dedicated bike computer a safer and more convenient option. Typically, the cost of a bike computer can range from €200 to €600, with the price varying depending on the specific model and its features.
Triathletes using non-triathlon bikes may benefit from aerobars, particularly during longer-distance races. This simple addition can save substantial energy.
Running
The Stryd pod stands out as a valuable running accessory, allowing runners to analyse their performance much like cyclists analyse power. This data becomes particularly relevant in hilly terrains, helping runners maintain consistent power output. Stryd also offers various training workouts tailored to individual needs.
Additional advanced data, including LSS and Form Power Ratio, can benefit serious runners and coaches. Stryd’s accuracy also proves advantageous when running indoors, eliminating GPS signal issues.
Now they just released the next Gen (the second version hardware, €269) and Stryd Duo, which according to Stryd is (€339)
…, a dual-sided running power meter delivering the new Stryd Footpath and new Stryd Duo left-right running balance metrics with Stryd’s leading accuracy to empower runners with deeper insights into their running than ever before.
2. Apparel and Footwear
Triathlon
A triathlon suit is a must-have, simplifying races and transitions. It’s even suitable for longer races, such as half-marathons or marathons. Prices may vary a lot, mine is around €100 to €200.
Swimming
Swimming caps can be obtained at triathlon events, and budget-friendly swimming pants like those from Decathlon work well for average swimmers.
Cycling
While a triathlon suit suffices for cycling, investing in cycling bibs with enhanced padding can provide added comfort during long, slow-distance (LSD) training rides.
Triathletes without dedicated cycling shoes may experience longer transition times while switching between disciplines.
Running
Carbon-plated running shoes are recommended, with choices depending on your pace. To speed up transitions, consider triathlon-specific speed laces for your running shoes.
3. Software and Subscriptions
Swimming
The FORM subscription offers access to training plans, workouts, and data syncing with TrainingPeaks. This subscription costs €16 per month after the free one-year trial included with goggle purchases. Now the price is 249$ sometimes with discount it can drop to 179$.
Cycling
Zwift and other gamified training apps can enhance indoor cycling experiences. Zwift’s subscription is priced at €15 per month and also supports TrainingPeaks data imports.
Running
Stryd’s app offers a subscription at €9.99 per month. Note that this subscription is separate from the use of the Stryd pod and its data, meaning you can still access all data, but not the training workouts import.
Training in general
TrainingPeaks is a comprehensive app for triathletes. It allows you to manage personal data and training programs. The annual subscription cost is approximately €120, depending on currency rates and bundled training plans. For dedicated athletes with clear goals, TrainingPeaks is indispensable. Even if you have a coach, it can help analyse training performance and inform adjustments based on your body’s condition.
I used to have a Strava subscription, but when I began my transition to triathlon, I switched to TrainingPeaks and now primarily use the free version.
4. Nutrition and Supplements
Energy Gels
Energy gels, priced between €1 and €3 each, are advisable for runs or rides lasting over 75 minutes to prevent fatigue and injury.
Nutritions
Nutritional needs vary among athletes. Post-training recovery drinks like milk and protein powders can help, especially after strength training.
Supplements such as vitamins, omega-3, and BCAAs are a personal choice and can provide various health benefits.
5. Other Expenses
Triathlon Club Membership
Club memberships for triathletes cost between €50 and €60 per year. Additional monthly training fees may range from €50 to €200, or even higher, depending on training preferences and whether you train individually or with a coach or group.
Insurances
Annual insurance costs for triathletes range from €50 to €150, with rates varying based on coverage type.
Indoor Facility Access
If your training package includes access to gyms, swimming pools, and other facilities, expenses remain relatively low. However, training independently can cost around €100-€150 per month, factoring in gym and pool membership fees.
Training for a triathlon is an investment in gear, subscriptions, and facilities, with costs varying depending on individual preferences and goals.
To calculate the annual cost, let’s add up the costs in each category:
Gears and Equipments:
- Bike, it really varies from €3000 to €20000.
- FORM Goggles: €200
- Indoor Bike Trainer: €800
- Watch €300–€700 depending on the model
- Heart rate belt €100
Apparel and Footwear:
- A pair of carbon-plated running shoes: €150
- Triathlon suit: €150
- Bike apparel and bike shoes: €500 (you may need several bibs and jerseys)
Software and Subscriptions:
- FORM goggles subscription: €16 * 12 = €192 per year
- Zwift subscription: €15 * 12 = €180 per year
- Stryd App subscription: €9.99 * 12 = €119.88 per year
- TrainingPeaks annual subscription: €120 per year
Nutrition and Supplements: Let’s put €20 per month, then it is around €240 per year.
Other Expenses:
- Triathlon club membership: €55 per year
- Insurance: €100 per year (assuming mid-range cost)
- Indoor facility access or training cost: €125 * 12 = €1500 per year
So, Total Annual Cost = €612.88 (Software and Subscriptions) + €240 (Nutrition and Supplements) + €1655 (Other Expenses) = €2507.88
In summary
Starting triathlon can involve a one-time investment of around €5000, primarily for the bike. The annual training cost can vary depending on factors such as subscriptions and coaching. If you cut all subscriptions and create your training plans, the minimum annual cost can be reduced to around a few hundred Euros. However, if you have multiple subscriptions, the annual training cost may increase to €2000 or more, especially if you upgrade your gear every year and have a one-on-one coach. Additionally, racing fees and commuting costs can add another €1000 to €2000 per race. So, the total cost of participating in triathlons can vary significantly based on individual preferences and choices.
