In order to participate in a triathlon, you need the right kind of equipment, and you need to be sure that equipment is working properly and in good shape. How do you know if it is? When does it need to be replaced?
Here’s a list of the essentials you need to get yourself from the starting line to the finish line and how to check to make sure it’s safe to do so.
Bike Chain and Tires
You obviously need a bike to participate in a triathlon. Bike frames can last a very long time if they are taken care of. The question is, how many miles can you get out of your bike chain and tires?
A simple way to check whether your chain is worn is a simple finger test. Use your finger to try and lift the chain away from the chain ring. If it can be pushed away quite a bit, that is a sign that the chain needs to be changed. You can also buy a chain measuring tool which will tell you how worn a chain is; or you can simply measure with a ruler. At 12 inches, a new chain will be exactly at the center of the pin. If the center of the pin is 1/8 inch past 12 inches, it’s time for a new chain. Many bikers never measure their chain and just change it every 800-1000 miles. Whatever your method, keep track of when you change your chain and note the mileage. This will give you a good guide as to when you need to change it next.
When to change your tires can’t be figured out by measuring. Most tires should last between 1,000 and 3,000 miles. Higher end tires should last at least 2,500 miles. To lengthen the life of your tire use puncture-resistance tires and add a tire liner between your rim and tube.
When is it time to get new tires? When you’re fixing more flats than you care to; if the tread is entirely gone; if you see tears, slits or small chunks missing from the tread surface; or if there is any type of deterioration of the tire. Any wear or tear on the tire is dangerous to the rider.
Bike Helmet
Bike helmets have one of the most important jobs – to protect your skull. There are a variety of things to consider when deciding when your bike helmet needs to be replaced. Most helmet manufacturers say helmets should be replaced every three to five years. A lot of this depends on the chemicals it has been exposed to (sun screen, lotion, insect repellent, etc). Another factor is the temperature – where are you keeping your helmet – in a garage that gets cold in winter or in a hot car trunk over the summer? Those drastic temperature changes significantly impact the life of the helmet. The most important rule to remember is that if the helmet has had any sort of impact, it needs to be replaced.
Goggles
Goggles are like bike tubes – you never know how long they’re going to last. What you can do to extend the life of the googles is keep them in your gym bag after a swim – never let them see the light of day. They actually deteriorate if you let them dry out causing the rubber to get brittle and rigid. They may get looser, so you’ll have to tighten them, but the elastic shouldn’t break.
Wetsuit
How long a wetsuit lasts really depends on the quality of the suit and how well you take care of it. Usually a good quality suit should last you between 2 and 7 years depending on how often you’re using it. In order to extend the life of your suit, here are some tips:
- Don’t use your suit in pools. The chlorine is bad and will cause the suit to become brittle, old and stiff. If you must use it in a pool, rinse the suit inside and out afterward.
- If you swim in salt water, rinse your suit often. The salt water compromises the neoprene and it to become weak. After rinsing the suit with fresh water, soak it in a tub of cool water.
- Transport and store your suit carefully to be sure it does not get damaged or punctured. If your suit does get punctured, repair it with a wetsuit repair cream.
- Store your suit inside out in a cool, dark, dry place out of the sun. Having a wetsuit directly in the sun will break down the neoprene and make it more susceptible to tearing and cracking.
Running shoes
How do you know if your shoes need to be replaced? There is no general rule of thumb when to replace your running shoes because many factors figure into the lifespan of a shoe. Most running shoes will last between 300 and 500 miles. Here are some signs to look for to know when it’s time for a new pair:
- First, listen to your body. If you’re feeling unusual foot pain, sore shins, getting blisters or back pain, it may be time for a new pair. Impact injuries can be aggravated when the cushioning of a shoe is worn out of overly compressed. Shoes that are causing blisters may be worn out in a specific pressure point area.
- Second, look at the tread. The bottom of your shoe is like a tire – the more worn out it is, the less grip it will have, making it less safe to run in.
- Third, you’ve racked up a lot of miles on them. If you’ve ran close to 500 miles in these shoes, it’s time to retire them. That may not seem like a lot, but if you’re running multiple days a week that can add up quickly.
Buying and replacing triathlon gear is confusing. If you need help to figure it all out or have any questions on whether or not you need to replace your gear, contact me today and I can help get you on the right track.
