I have put away a little bit (~300, I’m a student) this summer and want to spend it on some gear that will help facilitate smarter training for the bike and run. Thoughts were a heartrate monitor, the HAC4 thing (not the best reviews, but it is on sale at nashbar), or anything else that you all could recommend. This is a great sport, I really like training, and my schedule is about to get a lot easier for the next couple of months. I also want to thank everyone who takes the time to answer - for the majority, everyone here seems pretty friendly and interested in helping each other
Good (the best) running shoes. Two pairs.
A high tech bike fit by a top notch fitter, (ask for recommendations either here or from trusted tri friends)
An indoor bike trainer, (if you don’t have one), and training dvds
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If you cant ride in the winter, i’d vote for a trainer. and dvds to watch while you ride…
don’t do the HAC 4 thing.
Buy the cheapest Polar you can afford (prolly about $100) and spend the rest on a used/low-end trainer.
Yeah! What you said!
Might help if you told us what you have already. Since you’re thinking HRM, I’m guessing you already have basics like clipless pedals and shoes, but that would be high on the list of not. Trainer is important, but get soem decent winter clothes too, at least tights (padded not necessary, wear over shorts) and a decent top. Depends on where you are living, but outdoor rides are important to me for keeping motivation high. What about swim gear? kickboard, fins, and paddles? not expensive but nice to have more options during long winter swims.
Just thoughts
Kevin
Thanks for the help. I’ve got the basics and a pretty cheap trainer. I swam in college, so I don’t really dedicate much time to it training wise. I live in Cleveland and I have one pair of under armour tights and a long shirt. I’m a fourth-year at the med school, so unfortunately my schedule doesn’t allow me to join up with the local tri club
I started tris last year, did 3 sprints. This year, I did 2 olys. I improved my bike splits by 3mph over last year for a bike that was twice as long, but my run splits were a little slower. Would like to do a longer race next year
That’s about where I am
Thanks
Might help if you told us what you have already. Since you’re thinking HRM, I’m guessing you already have basics like clipless pedals and shoes, but that would be high on the list of not. Trainer is important, but get soem decent winter clothes too, at least tights (padded not necessary, wear over shorts) and a decent top. Depends on where you are living, but outdoor rides are important to me for keeping motivation high. What about swim gear? kickboard, fins, and paddles? not expensive but nice to have more options during long winter swims.
Just thoughts
Kevin
If you are looking to buy speed, the answer is bike fit and a good bike trainer. Don’t know what your bike trainer is like, but you want something with a good road feel that is durable. Trainers wear out tires quickly, so you might want to spend some money on some cheap training tires as well. If you have any dollars left over, then a HRM is not a bad idea. I don’t think the HAC4 will do much for you. Look for a cheap Polar with download capability if you must download your data. Maybe try e-bay.
Mike
i’d go for the running shoes also. too basic an item to leave unattended. you’ll have some extra for a set of tires to burn out along with the current trainer this winter. then pick up a new trainer next year.
besides…you are ramping up the running to 40 - 50 miles a week right?