Cycling Gear Shopping Guide

When it comes to cycling just for the sake of cycling or cycling for triathlons, many components contribute to fulfilling one's goals and expectations while on the bike.  Among the categories that contribute to a triathlete's cycling success are the following:

• Aerobars
• Bike Saddles
• Cassettes
• Cycling Helmets
• Cyclocomputers
• Drink and Food Holders
• Handlebars
• Pedals & Cleats
• Saddle Bags
• Trainers
• Wheels

Aerobars

When shopping for aerobars, one should take into consideration the following:

Aluminum or Carbon

As is the case with all components, aluminum components will always cost less than carbon.  If you are on a budget, it may be wiser to go with aluminum aerobar extensions.  Although they will cost less, they will weigh more than their carbon counterparts.  Additionally, for triathlon bike courses that have many miles on straightaways that are ideal for aerobars, carbon aerobars will often dim the road vibration that one may feel while using aluminum or alloy aerobar extensions.

Extension Type - S Bends vs Straight vs Ski Slope

Another consideration when selecting aerobars is the extension type.  The common options are s bends, straight extensions, and ski slope extensions.  S Bends and straight extensions are a good option for riders who are looking for aggressive forward positioning.  Ski slope or single bend extensions are ideal for riders who may have limited flexibility and cannot hold the aggressive position necessitated by straight or s bends.

Bike Saddles

When shopping for bicycle saddles, depending on the cyclists' needs, he or she will need a certain type of saddle. 

Triathlon Bicycle Saddles

Many triathlon saddles are narrower from left to right in the rear of the saddle and have longer noses to enable a triathlete/cyclist to assume a more aggressive forward position while riding in an aero position.  A longer nose on a triathlon saddle allows the rider to slide forward more which results in a more powerful pedal stroke as the rider is able to channel more weight and force into each pedal stroke. 

Road Bicycle Saddles

Many road bicycle saddles are also narrow from left to right, but typically are a few millimeters wider on each side than a triathlon cycling saddle.  Due to the fact that a road cyclist may have more of a need to ride a little further back at times on the saddle, the wider saddle (compared to a triathlon saddle) allows for more comfort when riding back on the saddle.

Mountain Bicycle Saddles

MTB saddles are the widest of bicycle saddles.  Because mountain bike riders ride on terrain that calls for riding in many different positions, the wider saddle provides enough cushioning and a wider platform to accommodate the varying terrains.  Additionally, mountain bike saddles often have the most padding / cushioning compared to triathlon saddles and road saddles.

Bike Helmets

When shopping for bicycle helmets, depending on the cyclists' needs, he or she will need a certain type of helmet. 

Triathlon Bicycle Helmets (Aero helmets)

The goal of most triathletes when selecting an aero helmet is to maximize his or her aerodynamics.  Because triathlon cycling helmets are constructed in such a way that they have less ventilation holes than their road cycling helmet and mtb helmet counterparts, maximum airflow results (less air/wind resistance due to less ventilation holes).  One must be aware that due to the reduced number of ventilation holes in an aero helmet, one may feel hotter and if possible, plan to carry a separate water bottle to squeeze and spray water through the ventilation holes to keep his or her head cool.

Another consideration when selecting an aero helmet is the fit and feel of the helmet.  Many aero helmets are constructed so that they cover the ears (which is typically not the case with road helmets and mtb helmets), so it is crucial that one feels comfortable with the coverage over the ears.