nescius wrote:A lot of things really come down to personal preference, something that I think is great may only be ok for someone else. Having said that, if I was you (and I had plenty of cash to spend) this is what I would buy:
I never said I had plently of money... I just like to do things properly as opposed to buying something and upgrading a few months later...
nescius wrote:
Shoes: go for some with a nice stiff carbon sole - I have the specialized s-works road shoes (I think they were about $400)
Would love to but way out of my budget
nescius wrote:
Bib shorts: I pretty much only wear castelli free aero race bibshorts, usually about $150 from wiggle
I have seen that brand at a number of places so it looks like they are the way to go...
nescius wrote:
Jerseys: Get one with deep pockets, I hate jerseys with shallow pockets that you can't fit stuff into. I like
TwinSix.
They look cool and not too expensive... a lot of them are out of stock though
nescius wrote:
Computer: Get the garmin, I bought my girlfriend a 310xt for her triathlons and she said it was great
I think this will have to wait til the xmas list..
nescius wrote:
TT bars: If you are doing a half ironman then you will want some TT bars to get you into that aerodynamic position, I think profile are ok, I can't remember what mine are
On the list but will not be 2013 as I need to get the k's up before even considering getting TT bars
nescius wrote:
Tools/puncture repair: Get some spare tubes, tyre levers, small multitool (with allen keys), mini pump. (And learn how to use it all). As mentioned above you'll need a floor pump too. Other things to consider - torque wrench, pedal spanner, chain breaker, cassette lockring tool
The LBS are hooking me up with a tube and tools.. the other things sound really confusing...
nescius wrote:
Maintenance: Chain lube (I use pro-link gold, but chain lube can be a very personal thing so use whatever you like). I would also recommend that you learn how the bike works, buy a book like Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance
These will be on the xmas list...
nescius wrote:
And if you are really serious...
Race Wheels: Triathletes love deep rims, get some race wheels (Zipp 808s or any other deep carbon rims, Cycling Express have a special on wheels at the moment, $999 for
Reynolds Assault wheelset looks ok)
I am serious but I just spent over $2k on a bike, there is no way I can afford more wheles.. 2 is enough
nescius wrote:
Aero Helmet: There are only a couple that have the aus standads sticker, specialized and something else (can't remember which), you will go faster (or at least look more pro, as long as you don't wear it backwards)
This will be one that will be on the long list... not sure if I will be that professional by Busselton.. maybe if I go on to do the full Ironman...
nescius wrote:
TriSuit: I'm not actually a triathlete so I can't comment on which are the best, but triathlon specific clothes are best for racing
I got a good price on a 2XU on ebay
nescius wrote:
Eyewear: Oakley Jawbones, Oakley Radars
I got a pair of sunwise to keep me going til I can get a decent Oakley pair..
I do not think I will need one of these for a while....
nescius wrote:
*note: I tend to err on the side of higher end gear, and it has worked out well for me, but be warned that once you have sampled the good stuff you are unlikely to settle for second best... this can be expensive
There are plenty of cheaper options available that will do just as good a job, but if you get this stuff you will fit in with the crowd
I tend to err here too if I can afford it
I am trying to put my $ towards kit this I will use more and get value out of...
thank you for taking the time to write a detailed post.