Triathlon Gear Reviews

Cold weather gloves for running or biking: These gloves were available at Costco for less than $20. They are durable and have some extras, like a little tab pocket on the backs of the hands for storing one of those chemical heating packs or a key. Drawstring at the wrist is easy to adjust and lock. They are easy to get on and off and very warm. I was outside for several hours in 24 degrees and had no trouble with my hands being cold. Could use a fluffier area at the thumb for wiping the nose. Leather is not as good as fleece for this problem.

These are not made for Alaskan trekking in winter, but they are great fall-winter-spring gloves for running. The index finger has the electronic device pad so you can use a touch screen, which is great if you are using a running app. They included a small clasp to fasten them together so they don't get lost. They are very thin and easy to slip into a pocket or stuff somewhere if you start to get too warm. They are not insulated enough for severe cold weather, but they would make a good liner for thicker mittens because they are so smooth and comfortable.

I love my Vibrams. Back when I wore regular "high heeled" running shoes, I had to replace them frequently. With Vibrams, there is no cushioning that becomes worn out or compacted. There's just the soles and the uppers. On my very first pair, which lasted for years, I finally wore through the rubber on the bottom and my toes were touching the pavement, so I bought this "new" pair on eBay. I'm happy to have them. I can still use my old pair for weighlifting, because they are structurally still in good shape, except for the wear on the bottom. It's also great to look at the bottoms of these to see wear patterns and help diagnose stride problems. My right shoe wears faster than the left, and I've been able to identify hip dropping on my right side that is causing my foot to twist a bit at the end of my stride. I'm working on correcting that.

Great watch, really recommend this watch.

This is a smartphone app that tracks you on your workout for your loved ones. You activate the app as you head out on your workout, and specify which of you phone contacts you want to notify. The app sends them a text message with a link to a map. When they click the map, it refreshes with your current location. It also sounds an alarm if you stop for several minutes, and if you don't turn it off, it alerts your contact that you haven't moved. When you finish the workout, you complete the "crumb" and it notifies your friend that you are finished.

The Garmin Fenix has been a great investment. I use it all the time, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a watch to track heart rate and time and speed for triathlon training. Also, it has a chest strap for the heart rate monitor, which is good. Many of the watches that measure heart rate on the wrist have to be fastened uncomfortably tight to work properly.

This is an amazing piece of engineering. It's just that it's a step up from the B2, and yet I've never felt it was an extension of my body the way I did with the B2. The position is much more aggressive, and it's less adjustable because of the way it's constructed. It's also impossible to find a place to put a Garmin on it that isn't in the way of something else.

Pjur Active 2Skin is great. I received my first product free as a trial, and I gave it a thorough test. Within a few weeks, after using the sample in every workout, I came back and bought more! 3.4 oz tube is great value, and can last more than a few months. My next purchase will be a refill tub (34oz), which should last me a couple of seasons.

They don't even make the style of tri shorts I'm reviewing anymore, but when a pair wore out last week after literally 18 years of frequent use, I felt compelled to write a review. (The review says 5 years of use because that is the max amount of time I could select.) Any piece of athletic apparel worn for swimming, biking and running (and racing) regularly for that long deserves a shout-out. It was very sad to leave them behind in the trash can at the gym. Fortunately I still have three other pair that haven't worn out yet. (Green, gray and teal.) Only the royal blues have succumbed to the ravages of time at this point.

If you are looking for a very well-made, high quality, fashionable top that also stands up to real training, this is a great choice. The design of this top is something I've never seen before, and I loved it. It worked great for running and at the gym. Tour Noir Tank This item was sent to BeginnerTriathlete at no cost in exchange for this review.

Beautifully made apparel in beautiful packaging. If you are looking for high end gear that will last and makes you look good, this company is producing some great quality items. This item was sent to BeginnerTriathlete at no cost in exchange for this review. Running Tights link.

It is very light and comfortable.

Seems to be holding up good, now. Starting to see more of them at bike rides as well as tris.

I cannot recommend this wetsuit or Xterra as a company. The zipper broke on my Vector Pro on the first fitting. Xterra refused to replace the wetsuit or repair the zipper under warranty, stating that zippers are excluded from their warranty (this is technically true, and despite their broad warranty claims on their website regarding quality of their product and sizing guaranty).


Word of warning too – If you are a big person – I am 6’3”, 230 lbs with wide shoulders/traps, you are likely to have the same fitting problems that I had with the XXL size of this suit. The zipper broke under standard force when zipping up.


I ordered a comparably sized and priced wetsuit from Zoot (force 3) and have no issues with that suit.

Very happy with its performance on my second Triathlon Race. I'm planning to upgrade its tires to carbon aeros soon but I'll definitely be using this bike as a beginner triathlete for quite some time.

Good bike, a bit old now but great for a trainer or a spare bike. Not expensive, and kinda cool.