Best Christmas gift ideas for my tri improvement

Triathlon Forum
1

I am very blessed that my wife(and in laws) basically insist that they get me gifts for Christmas. Being as I really don’t “need” anything, I usually use this opportunity to get any tri related stuff I want. I’m wondering what would be my best bang for the buck(that buck being in the $200-$300 range).

My main for goal for 2015 is to drastically improve my bike fitness(especially over the 70.3 distance). Current 70.3 PR is 6:30, so obv there’s lots of work to do.

I have:

Garmin 305 with HRM
Road bike with clip in pedals, aero bars, and a disc cover. EDIT I also have an aero helmet
Decent mag trainer(and sufferfest vids)
Wetsuit
Cold Weather Riding Gear

So in your opinion(s) what would be my best investment??

Thanks in advance

2

In that price range, maybe an aero helmet? (unless you didn’t mention it).

A TrainerRoad yearly subscription if your trainer is supported with Virtual Power?

3

Maybe buying you a 70.3 race entry somewhere? Running Shoes? Garmin 310XT is way better, in your price range, and can be used with a power meter should you ever get one.

4

Private swim lessons…

5

Kurt Kinetic Road Machine or similar trainer. Can find them on craigslist for <$250. Think I paid $200 for mine with mat, skewer and riser. Best $200 I’ve spent on triathlon. Pair with $10/month of trainerroad and you’re set.

6

Have you gotten fitted professionally on your bike?
A good bike fit will put in you in the optimal position to perform.
I’ve put that one off for years and didn’t get one until this season, huge huge difference.
Some top bike fitters are on here courtesy of slowtwitch http://www.slowtwitch.com/fitters/top.php

if you’ve gotten one already, then for the price range you mentioned, I’d say some bling cycling shoes and bling sun glasses to feel fly and fly fast ;]

7

For bike fitness, I’m excluding stuff that might be faster but doesn’t help you actually improve fitness.

Foam roller
Massage appointments
New alarm clock so you can get up earlier to train
Headphones and fan for the trainer

8

Duh!..a power meter.

I am very blessed that my wife(and in laws) basically insist that they get me gifts for Christmas. Being as I really don’t “need” anything, I usually use this opportunity to get any tri related stuff I want. I’m wondering what would be my best bang for the buck(that buck being in the $200-$300 range).

My main for goal for 2015 is to drastically improve my bike fitness(especially over the 70.3 distance). Current 70.3 PR is 6:30, so obv there’s lots of work to do.

I have:

Garmin 305 with HRM
Road bike with clip in pedals, aero bars, and a disc cover. EDIT I also have an aero helmet
Decent mag trainer(and sufferfest vids)
Wetsuit
Cold Weather Riding Gear

So in your opinion(s) what would be my best investment??

Thanks in advance

9

+1 for Trainerroad subscription and get yourself a Garmin GSC10 speed/cadence sensor (other brands exist) as this will unlock the virtual power function for you. Then depending on whether you have a laptop/pc or an iphone you will need an ANT+ dongle of some fashion to get yourself connected.

Best bang for your buck by a mile. If you could pick up a 2nd hand powertap for that money, even better.

10

A bike fit or swim lessons at that price range. If you want to throw in a few more bucks try for a power meter. I just got a powertap and it is great.

11

training camp
.

12

It’s kind of a round abouts way to improve your AG finish, but can still work. Buy your AG friends Total Immersion videos.

13

+2 on the power meter. You won’t get it for $300, but maybe if you ask for cash you can pool the funds and buy one.