A proper mechanic’s bike stand. Even for those who don’t do their own wrenching, it’s invaluable for basic cleaning, inspection, race prep, etc.
A really good bottle cage. For me, the Arundel Mandible. After years of bottle ejections and stressing out over being the Fred who ejects a bottle on rough roads, I have never, ever ejected a bottle out of a Mandible.
Shimano 105 - way better than it gets credit for
Felt B14 - competent frame with Ultegra for a song
Bell Javelin / Giro Advantage helmets
Wahoo Bolt
Kirt Kinetic Road Machine
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Slowtwitch.
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Most of the stuff I lug to the pool every swim is underrated by most here.
As a fellow fish, I have to ask what’s in that bag.
Mine: snorkel, old school pull buoy, paddles, fins, spare bottle.
Petroleum Jelly
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Not too dissimilar, I have a few more things though.
Essentials:
Flip flops (I am NOT walking around the locker room in bare feet. No way)
2 suits, 4 pairs of goggles in different colours
Cap and spare
Clean towel
Stick roller. When I can, I’ve been making an effort to roll a bit before practice
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand cream, deodorant. Because I don’t really need to smell like a pool all day.
Spare contacts, string and scissors
Now the toys
Pull buoy - not necessary, there are the exact same ones at the pool, but sometimes there aren’t enough
Kickboard - same deal, but mine is a TYR streamline board. It has less flotation than the standard pool board, and is great for kicking in a good streamline position. I use mine probably 25% of the time I’m kicking
Snorkel - self explanatory.
Finis agility paddles (IMO best paddles for most triathletes)
TYR catalyst 2 paddles -red (M) much bigger than the finis and my new fave. Not so much for power, but the size really amplifies the feedback. Not for inexperienced swimmers in the size I have. I’m actually jonesing for a bigger set.
Ankle band - just an old piece of inner tube
Fins- I don’t know why these are in my bag. I hate using them and they rarely come out
Water bottle: mostly for before or after practice.
A GoPro. Doesn’t get used as often as it should.
Things that aren’t in my bag but should be:
Another set of paddles
Collapsible foam roller.
Drag devices. Drag suit, parachute, and/or drag socks.
Slowtwitch.
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bless your heart.
Continental Ultra Sport II tires.
Park Tool Master Link Pliers. Cheap and make chains so much easier!
Speedplay pedals
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Finis Tempo Trainer
It’s been mentioned before but if you aren’t using this thing you are doing yourself a major disservice especially if your bike is full of marginal gain stuff.
Vapoufly 4%
There are people who seriously argue that 150$ more for a shoe which is considerably faster compared to a conventional shoe is not worth it (ok I agree with those who are NOT faster with that shoe but that can’t be many)
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Shimano Sora.
Yeah it’s that good. I’d run this forever if it weren’t for.the intentional incompatibility with 11spd.
Why do you think they are so important?
Finis Tempo Trainer
It’s been mentioned before but if you aren’t using this thing you are doing yourself a major disservice especially if your bike is full of marginal gain stuff.
I have never tried it, and I’m not entirely sure how I would incorporate it into my particular training regime. I’ve definitely been curious about it and thought of getting one a few times, but it’s something that would take me a while to learn.
Slowtwitch.
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ass kisser. We all know that you’re just pandering so that Dan gives you a free subscription.
**A proper mechanic’s bike stand. Even for those who don’t do their own wrenching, it’s invaluable for basic cleaning, inspection, race prep, etc. **
.
Definitely the best investment I made this year. Picked up a used park tool (PCS9) for $60. I was using my trainer for a while to hold the bike. A proper stand has made me more likely to do my own work and realize it is not that hard to do.
Continental Ultra Sport II tires.
For real. I put those on for most of the year outside races and use them on the trainer. So cheap and have never had any issues.
Finis Tempo Trainer
This - has improved my swimming by quite a bit. It’s a bit overpriced for the 80s tech it provides but if you doubt: Get it and swim the Red Mist set trying to beat the beep on every lane. Keeps you very honest.