Tag Archive for: triathlon upgrades

How to Find the Best Triathlon Swim Goggles Fit for You

Everything you need to know to find the best swim goggles for triathlon

A good pair of goggles is a tri-gear essential that can make or break your swim during your big race. That’s why it’s critical to find a pair that meet your standards and needs.  Durability, strength, comfortability, and adjustability are qualities you should look for before purchasing a new pair of tri goggles. Different kinds of goggles provide better protection, benefits, and effectiveness, depending on the type of swimming you’re doing. Get ready to race you best at your upcoming tri with our recommendations of the best triathlon swim goggles.

Here’s a couple of things to keep in mind before buying your pair:

Size Matters

The most notable difference between pool goggles and tri or open water goggles is tri goggles are bigger for a broader range of vision. This feature is critical to maximize your field of vision to properly sight while swimming for other athletes, buoys, and the almighty swim finish line. Tri goggles often come in various sizes, so make sure you get the pair that best fits your face without compromising your sight.

Pay Attention to Tint

Style may be important, but you don’t want to compromise style for function and vice versa. Tinted goggles may appeal to you more, but if you’re doing an open water race with muggy water, heavily tinted goggles would not be in your best interest. Plus, if you’re new to open water swimming, limiting your already hindered vision may be intimidating for most swimmers.Tinted vs. Untinted Swim Goggles

Train in the Goggles You Will Race In

This is the best way to avoid any race-morning mishaps from keeping you from performing your best on race day. Adjust your goggles to the exact tightness you’re comfortable with to prevent your goggles from filling up with water or even falling off mid-race. Pro Tip: Always have a second pair of goggles once you find a pair you like. It is always good to have on race morning in case something happens to your googles on site.

UV Protection

You protect your eyes during every other portion of the tri, and the swim is no exception. Most goggles typically have this feature, but double-check and make sure you get a pair with UV protection. The sun’s rays reflect off the water and make it hard to see, that’s why goggles with UV protection will shield your eyes from any damage and keep your vision manageable on sunny training or race days.

Check Out Our Top 5 Triathlon Goggles

Roka R1 Goggles

  • Long-lasting silicone straps
  • Great anti-fog and
  • Stylish

Speedo Covert Mirrored Swim Goggles

  • Adjustable & comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Wide-angle optical lens

New Wave Fusion Swim Goggles

  • Maximum comfort with leak-resistant seal
  • Low price, customizable and precise vision
  • leak-resistant seal

Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles

 

  • Curved lens technology for 180 Vision
  • Smoke lens
  • Soft seals for extra comfort

AqtivAqua Wide View Swim Goggles

  • 100% UV Protection
  • No-slip double strap
  • Great for indoor and outdoor swimming

You’re All Set!

Now you have all the tools you need to find the perfect pair of goggles to take you to the finish line at your upcoming tri! Didn’t see your fave goggles on this list? Want us to give them a try and add them to this list? Reach out on Facebook or  Twitter and let us hear your thoughts!

Tri Gear Round Up

Time for some tri gear upgrades!

After you cover getting the basics for a triathlon, there comes a large list of wants and upgrades. This edition of Tri Gear Round Up we will focus on some of these upgrades and the benefits of each. After you cover getting the basics for a triathlon, there comes a large list of wants and upgrades. This edition of Tri Gear Round Up we will focus on some of these upgrades and the benefits of each.


Ibera Bicycle Lightweight Aluminum Water Bottle Cage

These cages are a significant upgrade from your standard aluminum cages. They are lightweight and give you that “carbon cage” look without breaking the bank. Also, the design allows you to remove your bottles with ease while keeping the bottle secure while riding. Now if you already have something like this and are looking for the next upgrade, it is time to go carbon.
<p>For your rear hydration set up, it is best to go with the XLAB Gorilla cage. This carbon cage is pricey, but it makes up for it by keeping your bottles secure on long rides. No more launching bottles, yay!
<p>If you have a smaller bike frame, you may consider a side entry bottle cage. These allow you to remove the bottle to the side instead of pulling up.




Fi’zi:k Performance Bar Tape

Most bikes start out with a simple cork bar tape. While these are just fine when starting out, if you find yourself on the bike more you may want to upgrade. Fi’zi:k may seem like a weird name, but they make great products including bar tape. Fizik’s Performance Bar Tape comes in two distinct styles: Soft and Tacky. We like the tacky finish as it keeps your hands or gloves glued to the bars even if it gets wet. The 3mm thickness of the tape gives a dense-yet-forgiving comfort to your bars.
<p>If Fizik doesn’t have the color you are looking for, a great second option is Lizard Skin Bar tape.




Continental Grand Prix 4000s II Cycling Tire

The Grand Prix 4000s II is a great all around tire. It is a combination of reliability, comfort, low rolling resistance, and performance in weather situations. It also does well with punctures.
<p>The patented BlackChili Compound improves rolling resistance by 26 % and provides 30 % more grip than activated silica compounds. The only option that you will have to make is the width since it comes in both a 23c and 25c.




Chamois Butt’r Anti-Chafe Cream, individual packs

If you are not using a Chamois cream then start now, you will thank us. The real upgrade here is in the individual packs. These are easily stored in your bento box or your jersey pocket.
<p>Chamois Butt’r immediately improves riding comfort & soothes already chafed or irritated skin. It lubricates, soothes and softens the skin of all athletes who experience chafing. Apply liberally to skin and/or chamois before each ride. May be applied to any skin areas that rub together or against clothing, i.e., rubbing thighs or underarms.




YETI Rambler 14 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug with Lid

Ok, so technically this piece of “tri gear” is not triathlon specific but it is an upgrade. As triathletes, we put in the long hours, and we deserve hot coffee when we want it!
<p>This Yeti Rambler is a great size and comes with a comfortable handle. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot until the last sip. So fill this up with your favorite and leave it in your car to enjoy when you get back from your workout.




Kool Kovers Bicycle Shoe Cleat Cover Set

Protect your investment with cleat covers. Covers protect cleats from wear and make walking easier. No more slipping as you shuffle into the bike shop on a mid-ride pitstop. They are also a good option for preventing mud and dirt from building up inside cleats. Just put these on your shoes in transition and then take them off once you reach the mount line.
<p>They are super easy to attach, remove, and store (in your saddle bag or jersey pocket).