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Triathlon innovation ideas.
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Ok,
Let's propose you have spent the last few years 'testing' and building prototypes for your own triathlon gains. You think you have come up with the products that may be useful to other athletes, how would you proceed?
For arguments sake, let's say these are -
1. A racing shoe that is both light, cushioned and appropriate shape for the foot.
2. A saddle with a slightly radical design that allows truely relaxed pelvic rotation and doesn't compress the boys.
3. Ironman nutrition that both satisfies the bodies food needs during the race and is also easy on the stomach.

These are things I have made an used in Ironman events, but I have no clue to how I would get them out there!

Any thoughts?
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [TriByran] [ In reply to ]
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These are things I have made an used in Ironman events, but I have no clue to how I would get them out there! //

Only problem is that in all your categories of invention it is not one size fits all, in fact the variances are so wide it is pretty tough to be a little guy and break in on any meaningful way into those markets. They are all very crowded with a ton of stuff, most of it quite similar to yours(and I don't even have to know what you got)


Just keep it to yourself and know you have maximized your potential. I remember when I was the only one with lace locks on my shoes(came off my sleeping bag covers) and then I designed the first tri suit. Sure others later on went and made some money on them, but the market place was empty at the time. I just took my couple years of having the fastest transitions and took full advantage of that..
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [TriByran] [ In reply to ]
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There are different ways to share your innovation (and profit). Nothing is easy though. I am only replying because I'm interested in the idea personally. It entirely depends on what you are offering. Is it universal or a custom thing for each person? Monty was talking about optimizing a person and that requires synergy. This would mean someone who has a complete grasp on everything from psychological, physiological, and mechanical (even personal aesthetic tastes) areas of the sport to guide someone. Not a different person from each area. Including custom made product for the athletes needs. This would be complete coaching and that doesn't currently exist. Long story short, it depends on what you have to offer before you can decide how to market it.
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [TriByran] [ In reply to ]
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Hello TriBryan and All,

You might talk to http://www.tririg.com/ and https://www.dashcycles.com/ and some other people in the game that might want to expand their product line .... you could produce the product and they could brand it and sell it.

Try to make it to an Interbike Expo as you will see some startups there and lots of people to talk with:

https://www.interbike.com/...nterbike-marketweek/

If your ideas are not patented you may want to use a non disclosure form before revealing your ideas.

Some ideas are not worth the price of a patent to protect the idea .... though you might want to do a search so you are not stepping on someone's toes.

If the product is not going to be produced in quantity you can just start making (or have them made to your specifications) and selling them and see what happens.

With the Internet and some publicity and advertising it is not too costly to give it a try.

Talk to your accountant and maybe your project will provide a tax deduction to help finance the project.

Think about insurance for your liability if someone busts their ass using your product.

I am not an accountant or patent attorney .... please take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

'The turtle only moves when he sticks his neck out'.

Good luck!

Cheers, Neal

+1 mph Faster
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [TriByran] [ In reply to ]
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Off topic, but I seriously wish someone would build a swim-bike, meaning something that you could be in the swimming position for, and do a freestyle pull, but then be biking on the road (safely!)
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [lightheir] [ In reply to ]
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8/10

Aaron Bales
Lansing Triathlon Team
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [TriByran] [ In reply to ]
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TriByran wrote:
Ok,
Let's propose you have spent the last few years 'testing' and building prototypes for your own triathlon gains. You think you have come up with the products that may be useful to other athletes, how would you proceed?
For arguments sake, let's say these are -
1. A racing shoe that is both light, cushioned and appropriate shape for the foot.
2. A saddle with a slightly radical design that allows truely relaxed pelvic rotation and doesn't compress the boys.
3. Ironman nutrition that both satisfies the bodies food needs during the race and is also easy on the stomach.

These are things I have made an used in Ironman events, but I have no clue to how I would get them out there!

Any thoughts?

Investors to front the money for:

a) a foothold in a crowded market
b) costly patent fights.
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [TriByran] [ In reply to ]
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Like with bike fit, you need to open up more details before you can get useful advice - and that might not be a good idea (or it might be a great idea, depending). One way to get advice can be your local startup scene - many places have startup hubs or similar, and most of these you can find well-reputed (do check) people to discuss your ideas with. If you were in my area I'd get to know a bit more about your innovations and you, then discuss next steps. Often the key question is 'who will really want and be excited by your new product?'. This is a deceptively simple question but once you can answer with much more detail than 'triathletes' you can start to judge the potential and think about path to market options.
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [TriByran] [ In reply to ]
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I don't know if you've followed up on this, but: talk to Slowman, seriously. He wants people to succeed, has experience in creating new triathlon markets, and won't be your competitor.

'It never gets easier, you just get crazier.'
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Re: Triathlon innovation ideas. [TriByran] [ In reply to ]
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1) Shark Tank
2) Invent Help (George Foreman's commercial)
3) Go Fund Me...

Not sure how many of these I should put in pink.

However, first thing first, do research to see if there is anything that already has a patent on if you are serious. Prepare to fork a few $$ for a patent lawyer & have a search done. If not, patent it. Refine the prototypes & find someone to build/mass produce if. Figure out your marketing plan/financing. Hope for the best. Aside from that, as an inventor--the guy to ask here is Slowman. Father of many things Tri (the wetsuit, tri bike, etc.) His knowledge could be invaluable, but that is not to discount the many experienced forum members who just may be one of the above specialists I mentioned. Good luck!
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