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thrifty triathlete
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 2009-07-01 1:50 PM |
Member  39 |  Subject: thrifty triathleteMy first triathlon is coming up this Saturday. I haven’t bought anything triathlon related other than a pair of swimming jammers. I’m racing in my 2 year old motobecane grant sprint road bike (yeah, I’ve been proudly riding that thing for 15K miles, despite the looks). i’m still using my ugly brown, heavy, hand me down mnt bike shoes. I’m swimming and running in my jammers (swim, run, bike triathlon) and putting my bike shorts over jammers after the run. I’m also running with my bike jersey on. No wet suit for me. I hope I don’t freeze in 70 degree water. Do you spend lots of cash in this sport? Bike, registration fees, suits, shoes, gadgets, transportation to and from races, etc can add up quickly. I’m in a strict budget. How do you stay within a reasonable budget and still be competitive against the guy with the 5K tri bike (no ofense)? |
| 2009-07-01 2:06 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Veteran 318  Indianapolis | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete Stuff can add up quick for sure. I sold some stuff and bought a pretty good road bike. I have one tri suit, and a decent pair of running shoes. I do it on the cheap for the most part. No wetsuit for me either. I swam in 68 degree water a few weeks ago for a sprint and was totally fine, in fact half way through the swim I was glad I didn't have one on. I think I would have overheated. As for being competitive with people with the pricey stuff, just train harder than they do.  Good luck on your race! |
| 2009-07-01 2:10 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Extreme Veteran 3177  | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete Using my old hybrid Trek bike, no special pedals (just powergrips) bought a wetsuit because, quite frankly I would still use it even if I had hated Tris because I love the water. decent running shoes and a pair of tri shorts. Got a HRM from a fellow BTer for free (when she got her Garmin) and a few pairs of Jammers for pool swims/ows practice along with a couple of pairs of Goggles and that is about it for gear. Lots of stuff I want to get though and am saving for at this point. Budgets are a good thing in the long run but horrible for instant gratification. |
| 2009-07-01 2:13 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Expert 1040 SF Bay Area | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete 70 degree water is great. You should have no problem with the temp. You don't have to spend a fortune on fancy stuff to enjoy the sport. They guy or girl with the $5000 bike is not faster than you because of the bike (maybe just a very little) so don't worry about that too much or let it turn you off from the sport. |
| 2009-07-01 2:17 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Expert 2547 The Woodlands, TX | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete The engine always wins the race. |
| 2009-07-01 2:29 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Extreme Veteran 405 Frisco, TX | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete LOL - I'm doing IM Canada this August and I decided to track all spending that is associated with this endeavor including gym fees, master swimming fees, bike parts, new running shoes, travel and accommodations, as well as entry fees for IM and training HIM / Olympic races. Since September of last year I have spent just about $5,250 on everything tri related for an IM. So its a little expensive, but I'm sure it could be done much cheaper, as I made sure to go all out for my first IM! |
| 2009-07-01 2:38 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Master 1790 Tyler, TX | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete The guys who beat me don't beat me because they spend more (which they probably do). They beat me because they train more, train better, and/or have trained for more years. A few (not many) just plain have better genetics. A lot of people do their first triathlon or first season with only very minimal stuff. As you race and train more you'll get an idea of the stuff that's more important for you to get, then save and get what you can (tri shorts was first on my list). After using an old mountain bike for my first race I also bought a nothing-fancy used bike for cheap. I regularly beat lots of guys who have much more expensive equipment. Brian |
| 2009-07-01 2:53 PM in reply to: #2256536 |
Master 1790 Tyler, TX | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete Since you asked about spending, these are my fixed expenses (these won't change) that I budget in a year: Shoes - 4 pairs - $400 a year Misc Stuff - $50 a month - $600 a year These are my variable expenses (I can bring them down if necessary): Race fees - $700 this year, less next year These are "fluff" expenses that I could live without if necessary: Master's swim team - $50 a month - $600 a year The annual expenses can be high, but they don't have to be. Buying a wetsuit, bike, clothing, etc., gets expensive too, though most are just one-time expenses. Brian |
| 2009-07-01 3:33 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Champion 6503 NOVA - Ironic for an Endurance Athlete | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete alfonso34 - 2009-07-01 1:50 PM My first triathlon is coming up this Saturday. I haven’t bought anything triathlon related other than a pair of swimming jammers. I’m racing in my 2 year old motobecane grant sprint road bike (yeah, I’ve been proudly riding that thing for 15K miles, despite the looks). i’m still using my ugly brown, heavy, hand me down mnt bike shoes. I’m swimming and running in my jammers (swim, run, bike triathlon) and putting my bike shorts over jammers after the run. I’m also running with my bike jersey on. No wet suit for me. I hope I don’t freeze in 70 degree water. Do you spend lots of cash in this sport? Bike, registration fees, suits, shoes, gadgets, transportation to and from races, etc can add up quickly. I’m in a strict budget. How do you stay within a reasonable budget and still be competitive against the guy with the 5K tri bike (no ofense)? Huh??? (See bold above) I have the following suggestions: 1. Buy a BIG tub of vaseline for your...errr...chest area. I ran once in a bike jersey, and I practically needed a blood transfusion after. 2. If you like your first triathlon, invest in two pairs of tri-shorts, and a couple of tech t-shirts and one tri-top. Everything else, you probably have or don't need. |
| 2009-07-03 8:46 AM in reply to: #2256694 |
Member 39 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete why is running with a bike jersey so bad? is there anything i need to know? as far as i'm concerned the material is the same as any other running gear. am i missing something? |
| 2009-07-03 8:51 AM in reply to: #2260065 |
Master 1702 Southern Ontario | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete alfonso34 - 2009-07-03 8:46 AM why is running with a bike jersey so bad? is there anything i need to know? as far as i'm concerned the material is the same as any other running gear. am i missing something? They rub ... boys don't have the protection of a sports bra. I know some guys that use band-aids for the nipples so that they don't get rubbed raw and bleed. |
| 2009-07-03 9:25 AM in reply to: #2256395 |
Member 84 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete FWIW, Alfonso, I'm pretty new to all of this as well and here's what I've found to work well so far: If you swim, bike, run, there's almost no need to wear a cycling jersey. They work well when you're strictly on the bike, but when you're running the constant rubbing of the jersey from bouncing up and down can get irritating. Heck I've got a couple jersey's that I have to wear a UA undershirt with because they rub just while riding! I got a couple of Under Armour sleeveless Heat Gear shirts from the local sporting goods store, and they work great! If you're worried about nutrition along the ride, just rubber-band a could of gels or shot blocks or something to your bike. Then you can pop them off and use them as you see fit. I'm assuming you have a spot for a water bottle on your bike as well. When you get back to T2, you can pick up something else if you think you need it. Folks on here use everything from gels to PB&J sandwiches!  Good luck! You'll do great! |
| 2009-07-03 9:27 AM in reply to: #2256395 |
Veteran 355 Lakewood Ranch, Florida | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete I have a $150.00 road bike from wal-mart and i bought a good $30.00 pair of goggles from tyr and also a pair of Tri shorts, i will buy a good pair of running shoes over the summer, i know there are lots of things i want but i have caviar taste with a pizza budget as my son would say. I dont think that the kids would be too happy if i told them no vacation this summer b/c dad needs some new Tri gear.  They may dis-own me !!What do they call the person who finishes last at a Triathlon ??? A Triathlete !!!! |
| 2009-07-03 9:35 AM in reply to: #2256395 |
| Master 2460 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete Your Motobecane Grand Sprint road bike is fast enough to win the bike outright. It is NO handicap. Edited by agarose2000 2009-07-03 9:36 AM |
| 2009-07-03 11:16 AM in reply to: #2256395 |
Champion 7558 Albuquerque, New Mexico | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete I've run in a bike jersey for several races, including my HIM, without any problems. I did IMCdA a few weeks ago, and I passed a number of cyclists on Zipp wheels (not that I'm fast). For the most part, it ain't about the gear. |
| 2009-07-03 1:01 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
| Regular 108 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete I'm glad to see this thread. I'm about to enter the sport again after an 8 year break. My bike that was old then, is older now but I love it anyway. I have the wet suit. Today I bought some new swim suits (17.50 each), a new pair of running shoes ($40 and the they are the brand and similar modle to what I used to train in years ago) and a bike jersey ($26.00) and new bike shorts ($16.00) to train in.
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| 2009-07-03 3:00 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Member 55 Oak Harbor, WA | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete My favorite place to buy stuff for biking and triathlon is... believe or not... the Thrift store and Ebay. I have several pairs of decent bike shorts, jerseys, socks hats etc that I have scrounged form the local thrift store. Throw it in the wash and you are good to go. You get the double bonus of some pretty retro stuff as well. My best find ever though was a pair of cycling shoes. Size 10 Sidi Genius for $4.00, with red look cleats attached. They were in primo shape with no scratches on the cleats. I bought my tri bike from an Ebay auction and got a screaming deal. I spent $1,200 on a nice Felt with Mavic SSC elites, carbon aerobars, fizik saddle, Look pedals, 105 components and all the other bells and whistles. The guy even sent the stock bars and stock stem. A word of caution about buying a bike on EBay though it is tough to get the right fit. Best feeling ever though was passing people on a clunker steel 25 pound mountain bike with slick tires at my first TRI. Even better was a 3mph increase in average speed on the new bike. I don't skimp on running shoes. I ran close to 500 miles on a pair of cheap shoes from Big 5 during my first season and after pretty much hurt the entire time. I've since learned to spend the money ($80-$100) on decent running shoes. I have run tris and marathons in cycling shirts, underarmor shirts, nike drifit compression and a recently acquired tri-top. Bottom line is this sport is not a fashion show for me. I would rather finish and look ridiculus than sit at home. My first season (last year) probably set me back about $2,000 for bike,pool fees, wetsuit, entrance fees, travel expenses etc. Take the bike out of the equation and it isn't much different than a year's membership to the local gym (which I don't do). Money well spent IMO |
| 2009-07-03 6:30 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Master 2158 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete I wouldn't call myself thrifty, but considering everything, my biggest expense is race fees. I make up for that somewhat by volunteering at some racex and racing others. |
| 2009-07-03 11:10 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Master 1810 Morse Lake, Noblesville, Indiana | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete eBay, the Forums here and on other tri sites, Craig's List are all ways to save some money, but I wanted to mention what I believe is the most important way to spend your money smart - most importantly, a relationship with the local bike shop is the best things in the world. I really stress having a good relationship with the local bike shops. If everything is done through online sales, there will be no need for local bike shops, and you'll miss out on alot of personal service. I have a good relationship with several of my local bike shops, to the point I can walk in and borrow a tool for a couple of days, or run a tab for a week, or just go in and have a cup of coffee with the owner. Granted, I have spent a bit of money in these stores, but you can develop a great relationship with the shops without doing so. Find out what shop is hosting a local race, go to the shop and volunteer to help them - not just race day, but help them stuff packet envelopes in the week before, help with packet pick-ups. Refer your friends to a shop - specifically, take your friend to the shop and introduce them to the people in the shop. Your friend will feel more at easy buying from someone he now knows by name, and the shop will see you are bringing them business. Things like this save you money on the sport - not by giving you better deals on products, but in the other perks - if you don't understand this statement, you are looking at the sport wrong. I'd rather pay an extra $5 for an item and get incredible service than cut corners and not get a correct fitting product, or the incorrect parts. Smart spending is the true way to be thrifty. |
| 2009-07-04 3:51 AM in reply to: #2256395 |
Expert 819 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete I have spent alot, for me, on the sport and I will do my first Sprint in 8 days. Once I got into the training and saw such positive results with my body and weight and general feel, it seemed totally worth spending a little cash on the paraphenalia. |
| 2009-07-04 7:17 AM in reply to: #2256395 |
| Regular 108 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete I don't skimp on running shoes. I ran close to 500 miles on a pair of cheap shoes from Big 5 during my first season and after pretty much hurt the entire time. I've since learned to spend the money ($80-$100) on decent running shoes. FYI, the most expensive running shoes aren't always the best. IMO the best thing to do is go to a running specialty store if you haven't already. They will analyze your stride and set you up with a pair of shoes that will work for you. I did go to a store that wasn't as good so get references first. The first time I went to a running specialty store I was planning to get a $120 pair of Nike Air Maxes. I came out with a $40 pair of Etonics. I went on to purchase that pair of etonics year after year on sale because they worked so well. Infact 14 years later, I just picked up the same pair on sale for $40. |
| 2009-07-04 11:47 AM in reply to: #2256395 |
Veteran 314 SoCal | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete i also use Sierra Trading Post (www.sierratradingpost.com) to look for closeouts on gear, clothes, etc. you have to be looking for the stuff, but often can score big deals on things. i just got my first wetsuit $150 off the regular price on STP. if i keep my eyes open, i can often find big sales on the shoes i prefer - and then i buy a couple pairs. REI has an outlet section of their store online - often a decent place to look for training clothes and gear. (www.reioutlet.com) i got my bike (a pretty nice road bike) on craigslist, but i had to do a couple months of searching to get something in my size. when i found my magic listing, i hauled over there to make sure it fit and dropped cash immediately - saved me probably $1000. as far as my running shoes go - i pretty much wear one of two types and i don't need the "this year's" model. the asics gel cumulus doesn't change too much from year to year and you can find last year's (and occasionally the year before) model online for significantly reduced prices. being thrifty is really feasible - it just takes a little careful and resourceful searching to find the stuff you want. |
| 2009-07-04 3:17 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Member 39 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete thank you all for the good wisdom and encouragement. i just finished my first triathlon a few hours ago. olympic distance. the course was nasty hilly. big hills. going down at 48 mph can give you an idea of how inclined these monsters were. up hill from 6 to 10 mph. i got 2nd place in my age group!!!  28 overall. my hat off to all triathletes outhere. this was a very humbling experience for me. nice equipment or not, all these guys giving it all they got. awesome experience. my chest was fine. my cycle jersey didn't rub me at all. and i did pass a few guys with very nice bikes though! |
| 2009-07-04 3:24 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
| Master 2460 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete Congrats. You're KILLING it out there if you were 2nd AG in your 1st tri! Those top 5 finishers overall will have to watch out for you once you actually start tri training "for real".... |
| 2009-07-04 7:30 PM in reply to: #2256395 |
Master 1472 | Subject: RE: thrifty triathlete I finised IMCDA last year... and passed my share of people on the bike on my $700 Motobecane. As others have said, it can be pretty spendy but canbe done on a reasonable budget. |
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