Gear I Use 2017
Inspired by DC Rainmaker (who I am not), I decided to put together a list of gear I use. I find it helpful to share what I use to mainly be able to look back year to year as I accumulate new gear and find new things. This is my list as of mid 2017. The new year may bring new toys and gadgets but it also may not. I hope to be able to update these every year as my gear changes.
Swim
Wetsuit: Zoot Z-Force 2.0 - I have both a sleeveless and full-sleeved version of the Z-Force. I affectionately call these my Zoot Suits.
Pool Goggles: Michael Phelps Aquasphere/Orca Profile- These are a new addition from last Christmas. I use the Michael Phelps mostly for pool swimming. They are a bit awkward around my eyes but they have very nice lenses that really do not fog up.
Open Water Goggles: I use simple single-strap non-adjustable Orca Profile goggles that I acquired in bulk for under $3 a pair on a lightning deal. And three years later they still work. I have four or so pair. I have never found a pair of goggles that are more comfortable.
Swim Cap: Whatever free race cap I pull out of the drawer.
Open Water Watch: Garmin 920 XT
Bike
Tri Bike: Orbea Ordu - I can't say enough good things about this bike. I call it my Rocketship. It was a mid range tri-specific bike when I bought it in 2013 but it does perform very well.
Road Bike: Specialized Roubaix - This was a Craig's list find that was probably my best purchase of any gear. It was dirt cheap but the previous owner had taken such good care of it that I still have many years ahead. It is light and absorbs road vibration like a champ. I just upgraded the components so it is like a new bike. It now has brand new Shimano 105 groupset and Mavic Cosmic wheels.
Road Helmet: Giro Traverse - Cheap and comfortable.
Aero Helmet: Scott Split - A birthday present to myself. It only has one race on it but performed well.
Training Wheelset: Vuelta Zerolite - Another cheap find that works quite well and also looks pretty good. They are very heavy but for training that is ok.
Racing Wheelset: Campagnolo Bullet - I bought these because they are 80mm deep carbon faring wheels but have an alloy body and brake track. This makes them heavier than all-carbon wheels, but I don't have to worry about changing out brake pads each time. They are also stronger against bumps and won't crack as easily as all-carbon wheels. I find them incredibly light despite not being entirely carbon.
Bike Computer: Polar v650 - This is a nice computer with a color touch screen.
Bike Trainer: NEW: Wahoo Kickr SNAP. This was a brand new buy based on reviews. It is an upgrade from the wired Tacx i-Flow VR that I was using previously. For travel/non-smart training, I use the CycleOps Mag+ trainer. It is easier to port around and does not require a plug.
Run
Daily Trainers - Saucony Ride 9
Speedwork/Racing: Saucony Kinvara - These have been my running staple for about 5 years. With a 4mm heel-toe drop and weighing in about 7-8oz each, they provide enough cushion yet retain the "minimalist" feel.
Triathlon/Racing: Zoot Kiawe 2.0 - The most comfortable sock-liner I have ever felt. The Zoots are easy to get on and off for transition and are under 7 oz each, making them very light for racing.
Running Watch: Garmin 920XT
Running Shorts: Raceready - Pockets. Lots of pockets. Enough said.
Triathlon/Misc
Tri Watch: Garmin 920 XT - See above.
Car Rack: Saris Bones 2 - This is the only trunk-mounted rack that will fit both the MINI and my Prius without significant adjustments or scratching the heck out of them.
Analysis Program: FinalSurge - a free alternative to TrainingPeaks that I find to be just fine for what I do with the data, which is really nothing. I also use Garmin Connect for some features but it is not as intuitive as the outside platforms.
Swim
Wetsuit: Zoot Z-Force 2.0 - I have both a sleeveless and full-sleeved version of the Z-Force. I affectionately call these my Zoot Suits.
Pool Goggles: Michael Phelps Aquasphere/Orca Profile- These are a new addition from last Christmas. I use the Michael Phelps mostly for pool swimming. They are a bit awkward around my eyes but they have very nice lenses that really do not fog up.
Open Water Goggles: I use simple single-strap non-adjustable Orca Profile goggles that I acquired in bulk for under $3 a pair on a lightning deal. And three years later they still work. I have four or so pair. I have never found a pair of goggles that are more comfortable.
Swim Cap: Whatever free race cap I pull out of the drawer.
Open Water Watch: Garmin 920 XT
Bike
Tri Bike: Orbea Ordu - I can't say enough good things about this bike. I call it my Rocketship. It was a mid range tri-specific bike when I bought it in 2013 but it does perform very well.
Road Bike: Specialized Roubaix - This was a Craig's list find that was probably my best purchase of any gear. It was dirt cheap but the previous owner had taken such good care of it that I still have many years ahead. It is light and absorbs road vibration like a champ. I just upgraded the components so it is like a new bike. It now has brand new Shimano 105 groupset and Mavic Cosmic wheels.
Road Helmet: Giro Traverse - Cheap and comfortable.
Aero Helmet: Scott Split - A birthday present to myself. It only has one race on it but performed well.
Training Wheelset: Vuelta Zerolite - Another cheap find that works quite well and also looks pretty good. They are very heavy but for training that is ok.
Racing Wheelset: Campagnolo Bullet - I bought these because they are 80mm deep carbon faring wheels but have an alloy body and brake track. This makes them heavier than all-carbon wheels, but I don't have to worry about changing out brake pads each time. They are also stronger against bumps and won't crack as easily as all-carbon wheels. I find them incredibly light despite not being entirely carbon.
Bike Computer: Polar v650 - This is a nice computer with a color touch screen.
Bike Trainer: NEW: Wahoo Kickr SNAP. This was a brand new buy based on reviews. It is an upgrade from the wired Tacx i-Flow VR that I was using previously. For travel/non-smart training, I use the CycleOps Mag+ trainer. It is easier to port around and does not require a plug.
Run
Daily Trainers - Saucony Ride 9
Speedwork/Racing: Saucony Kinvara - These have been my running staple for about 5 years. With a 4mm heel-toe drop and weighing in about 7-8oz each, they provide enough cushion yet retain the "minimalist" feel.
Triathlon/Racing: Zoot Kiawe 2.0 - The most comfortable sock-liner I have ever felt. The Zoots are easy to get on and off for transition and are under 7 oz each, making them very light for racing.
Running Watch: Garmin 920XT
Running Shorts: Raceready - Pockets. Lots of pockets. Enough said.
Triathlon/Misc
Tri Watch: Garmin 920 XT - See above.
Car Rack: Saris Bones 2 - This is the only trunk-mounted rack that will fit both the MINI and my Prius without significant adjustments or scratching the heck out of them.
Analysis Program: FinalSurge - a free alternative to TrainingPeaks that I find to be just fine for what I do with the data, which is really nothing. I also use Garmin Connect for some features but it is not as intuitive as the outside platforms.
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