essential kit
All you need to train & race, as rated by our 220 Kit Zone expert testers
TRI-SUITS
Comfort is key when buying a tri-suit. Ideally it needs to be supportive, lightweight and include pockets. Also check for any irritating seams. Here we’ve included both sleeved and vested options.
MEN’S WETSUITS
Build quality, comfort, flexibility and insulation – the four key factors when choosing your neoprene. Spend more and the quality for each tends to increase.
TRI- BIKE SHOES
A well-fitting, ventilated and comfy pair of bike shoes is essential for maximising power transfer from foot to pedal. Fit is the key here, so try before buying.
TRI BIKES
The key here is fit and comfort. Remember: the least aerodynamic thing on the bike is you, so get a bike fit to refine your position.
92 %
dhb Blok Short Sleeve £76.00Comfy,
easy on the wallet and eyes. A major statement of intent from the brand. Issue 340 wiggle.co.uk
84 %
dhb Wetsuit £99.99
There’s much to admire in this budget suit – easy to remove, durable and warm. Issue 338 wiggle.co.uk
88 %
SHIMANO TR5 £109.99A
great allround shoe that ticks all the boxes. Issue 340 madison.co.uk
90 %
boardman ATT 9.0 £1,899.99
A top first tri bike that could see you all the way to the age-group world champs. Issue 339 boardmanbikes.com
91 %
blueseventy TX2000 £100
A top quality, good value performance suit with plenty of padding and roomy side pockets. Issue 337 blueseventy.co.uk
92
% roka Maverick Comp II £255.00
Unrivalled flexibility and spec for the price. Sub-2mm thickness on arms = excellent movement. Issue 338 roka.com
85 %
louis garneau X-Lite II £139.99
Nice, but we slightly preferred last year’s version! Issue 340 evanscycles.com
85 %
giant Trinity ADV Pro 2 2016 £2,699.00 Comfortable, fast and versatile – a very wellengineered triathlon bike at a good price. Issue 326 giantbicycles.com
92 %
orca 226 Race Suit £119.99
A flawless suit in execution and comfort. Stylish, techy and durable – ticks every tri-suit box. Issue 337 orca.com
91 %
blueseventy Reaction £345.00
The latest version of this topend suit is even better than ever… and at a mid-end price. Issue 338 blueseventy.co.uk
87 %
pearl izumi Tri Fly Elite V6 £169.99
A quality high-performance shoe for fast riding. Issue 340 madison.co.uk
92 %
quintana roo Prsix Ultegra £3,400.00
Nearendless potential for fine-tuning position, and a spectacular ride. Issue 315 quintanarootri.com
89 %
sailfish Aerosuit Comp €199Comfortable, fast and great for warmer climes. A top quality suit from the German brand. Issue 341 sailfish.com
93 %
2xu Propel £550.00
Supremely light for all race distances, leaving you fresh for the bike and run. Issue 338 2xu.com/uk
94 %
Sidi T-4 Air Carbon £170
A great shoe in every way and well-priced. Issue 340 saddleback.co.uk
95 %
canyon Speedmax CF SLX 9.0 £5,199.00 A bike that just wants to go fast… but will also get you into T2 with fresh legs. Issue 328 canyon.com
88 %
louis garneau Course Lgneer £269.00Excellent suit that’s packed with tech and looks great. A sound investment for all distances. Issue 339 garneau.com
88 %
zone3 Victory D £645.00
Luxurious – titanium coating anyone? Flexible and buoyant suit with a huge price to boot. Issue 338 racezone3.com
84 %
scott Carbon Tri £209.99
A stiff shoe that’s surprisingly comfortable. Issue 340 scott-sports.com/gb
93 %
boardman TTE 9.2 £5,999.00
Slick and affordable – in that what you get in return spec-wise is impressive. Issue 341 boardmanbikes.com
MILEAGE RUN SHOES
Where possible, go to a run shop so the staff can analyse your gait and running style. Also, pay attention to cushioning, especially for offseason miles.
RACE-DAY SADDLES
Concentrate on comfort when shopping for your next seat. Also, make sure to check flexibility, weight and your inner-thigh clearance.
ROAD BIKES
We really can’t stress enough just how much a proper bike fitting will improve your overall ride and comfort – so buy from a shop that offers this service.
81 % 361° Sensation 2 £109.99
They were a bit too firm for us, but ideal if you want plenty of support and cushioning. Issue 342 361europe.com
94 % fabric Tri £64.99
Value, comfort and great tri features. Issue 341 cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk
86 % mango Point R £569.99
Limited sizing options but a great entry-level bike for winter training or triathlon race day. Issue 318 mangobikes.co.uk
80 % inov- 8 Roadclaw 275 £110
Another fine effort from the offroad specialists – make fast efforts easy and enjoyable. Issue 342 inov- 8.com
85 % selle san marco Shot Dynamic £74.99
Well-built, tri-specific and sensibly priced. Issue 341 zyrofisher.co.uk
95 % giant TCR Advanced 1 £1,775 Issue 342 giant-bicycles.com
Light, comfy, full Ultegra groupset, carbon seatpost, pinsharp handling, snappy acceleration….
85 % on Cloudflow £120Divisive
sole but it’s the shoe that helped propel Tim Don to the fastestever Ironman finish. Issue 342 on-running.com/gb
88 % ism Adamo Road £129.99 Works a treat when in the aero tuck. Issue 341 multisportdistribution. co.uk
92 % cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra £2,099.00
A topquality racing ride with classic frame lines. Allows you to stretch out long. Issue 338 cannondale.com
89 % hoka Clayton 2 £120A
great trainer for experienced runners and our ‘go to’ shoe for steady training runs. Issue 342 hokaoneone.com/eu
90 % pro Aerofuel Carbon £179.99
Great on the nose and packed with tech. Issue 341 madison.co.uk
90 % canyon Aeroad CF SLX £4,499
Searingly fast, accurate and responsive; ready to race out of the box. Issue 340 canyon.com
91 % saucony Ride 10 £120
A fantastic balance of support and responsiveness; meets every requirement. Issue 342 saucony.com/uk
92 % fizik Mistika £224.99
A true tri package, comfy and with lots of add-ons. Issue 341 extrauk.co.uk
91 % ridley Noah SL £6,308.92
Frameset performance is fantastic and custom build really lets it shine. Issue 340 ridley-bikes.com