Tri Talk Top 20
The Tri Talk Top 20 is an independent listing of triathlon gear, supplements, orthotics, and printed resources that have been specifically tied to performance gains when racing. The purpose of this report is to provide the triathlete with a list of the most effective training and racing components, while educating the triathlete on the most economical investments in training gear. The author recognizes that much of this report is subjective, and omits some popular items, but the focus of the report is on either essential, affordable or accessible components. While nothing can replace hard work, training hours, and genetics as the primary factors in triathlon performance, there are components that can assist triathletes in maximizing their performance potential. Wherever possible, the time saved is based on independent scientific studies. Otherwise, time saved data are calculated using mathematic principles, or even crude observational inputs from the author, David Warden.
The time saved data are based on an average triathlete. There are no guarantees in performance gains, and individual athletes' results will vary. There are simply responders and non-responders with the application of some athletic components. Athletes with an existing high fitness and experience level will likely see less than the noted time saved, while less fit or experienced athletes could see more. If you find a better total price (item plus shipping) on a new component please e-mail me at david@tri-talk.com, and I will make the correction. This is a high level report, with a detailed discussion on each component in Tri Talk Episode 35.
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| Updated 07/30/2007 | |||||||||
Category: Under $50 |
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| Category Ranking | Component | Recommended Product | Price** | Shipping*** | Total | Seconds Saved (Olympic Distance) | $ Per Second Saved | Website | Notes |
| 1 | Self-coaching Resource | Triathlete's Training Bible | $13.90 | $3.49 | $17.39 | 120 | $0.14 | amazon.com | Get the 2nd edition. When incorporated into a self-coached program, this is the finest triathlon training resource available. |
| 2 | Supplement | Caffeine | $20.00 | $6.00 | $26.00 | 93 | $0.28 | Multiple Internet sites | Research shows tremendous potential from this ergogenic aid. 2-3mg per pound of body weight 1 hr. prior to exercise. |
| 3 | Hydration System | Profile Aero Drink | $11.95 | $5.10 | $17.05 | 33 | $0.52 | tri-zone.com | Aerodynamic performance gains verified by slowtwitch.com and MIT wind tunnel testing. |
| 4 | Nutrition | Crank Sports e-Gel | $26.99 | $2.95 | $29.94 | 3 | $9.98 | cranksports.com | Outstanding nutrition option for training or races less than 4 hours, eliminates the need for sports drink. |
| 5 | CO2 Kit | Xlab X-Inflator | $9.95 | $1.70 | $11.65 | 5 | $2.33 | tri-zone.com | Superior alternative to mounting a bike pump to the frame in both aerodynamics and weight. |
| 6 | Nutrition Bike Mount | GU Bike Mount | $11.95 | $5.00 | $16.95 | 8 | $2.12 | powertri.com | Aerodynamic advantages come only from mounting on top tube OR on stem without Profile Aero Drink system. |
| 7 | Quick-tie Laces | Easy Laces | $5.95 | $1.70 | $7.65 | 5 | $1.53 | tri-zone.com | One of my favorite items, will help you blaze out of T2. |
| 8 | Orthotic | The Wedge | $24.95 | $5.45 | $30.40 | 3 | $10.13 | bicyclefit.com | Helps proper knee alignment for all riders, and corrects leg-length discrepancies. |
| 9 | Supplement | Creatine | $13.00 | $10.00 | $23.00 | 13 | $1.77 | Multiple Internet sites | 13 seconds is a conservative performance gain over a 10K. See Tri Talk episode 33 for specific scientific data. |
Category: $50-$150 |
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| Category Ranking | Component | Recommended Product | Price** | Shipping*** | Total | Seconds Saved (Olympic Distance) | $ Per Second Saved | Website | Notes |
| 1 | Professional Bike Fit | F.I.S.T. Certified Fitter | $150.00 | $0.00 | $150.00 | 126 | $1.19 | slowtwitch.com | Well worth the investment to get as aerodynamic as possible. |
| 2 | Body Composition Scale | Tanita BF680W | $59.00 | $0.00 | $59.00 | 36 | $1.64 | bodytronics.com | A must-have for any athlete. |
| 3 | Aero Helmet | Louis Garneau Chrono | $69.99 | $7.50 | $77.49 | 40 | $1.94 | lombardisports.com | No longer the laughing stock of age-groupers, speed gains have been verified by multiple sources. |
| 4 | Apparel | Zoot and DeSoto | $120.00 | $5.00 | $125.00 | 15 | $8.33 | powertri.com | Should be comfortable, snug, and make you feel confident and fast. |
| 5 | Training Gear, Bike | Minoura Mag 850R Trainer | $109.00 | $19.00 | $128.00 | 10 | $12.80 | ebay.com | Essential for all-season and inclement weather training, as well as drills and social riding. |
| 6 | Hydration System | Xlab Saddlewing System | $74.95 | $0.00 | $74.95 | 14 | $5.35 | powertri.com | 4 seconds saved in aerodynamics and 10 seconds saved in T1/T2 by avoiding packing/unpacking tubes, etc. into your jersey. |
Category: More than $150 |
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| Category Ranking | Component | Recommended Product | Price** | Shipping*** | Total | Seconds Saved (Olympic Distance) | $ Per Second Saved | Website | Notes |
| 1 | Heart Rate Monitor | Polar S725x | $330.00 | $0.00 | $330.00 | 70 | $4.71 | amazon.com | An essential component for training. You will only realize the full benefit if you use the feature and analyze the data frequently. |
| 2 | Tri Bike | $2,000.00 | $100.00 | $2,100.00 | 86 | $24.42 | Multiple Internet sites | Consider the Kona Bike Count when making a selection. Local bike shop recommended for your first bike. | |
| 3 | Aero Wheels | $1,500.00 | $50.00 | $1,550.00 | 67 | $23.13 | Multiple Internet sites | 3-4 spoke or deep-rimmed multi-spoke weighing 1600 grams or less, preferably tubulars. | |
| 4 | Wetsuit | Orca Apex | $374.00 | $0.00 | $374.00 | 30 | $12.47 | powertri.com | Newer wetsuits and technology make a significant difference on the swim. |
| 5 | Power Meter | Polar Power System | $300.00 | $0.00 | $300.00 | 45 | $6.67 | heartratemonitorsusa.com | Lower cost and easier assembly than other power systems on the market, and hooks directly into the Polar S720i. |
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Category: Most Economical |
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| Category Ranking | Component | Recommended Product | Price** | Shipping*** | Total | Seconds Saved (Olympic Distance) | $ Per Second Saved | Website | Notes |
| 1 | Self-coaching Resource | Triathlete's Training Bible | $13.90 | $3.49 | $17.39 | 120 | $0.14 | amazon.com | Get the 2nd edition. When incorporated into a self-coached program, this is the finest triathlon training resource available. |
| 2 | Supplement | Caffeine | $20.00 | $6.00 | $26.00 | 93 | $0.28 | Multiple Internet sites | Research shows tremendous potential from this ergogenic aid. 2-3mg per pound of body weight 1 hr. prior to exercise. |
| 3 | Hydration System | Profile Aero Drink | $11.95 | $5.10 | $17.05 | 33 | $0.52 | tri-zone.com | Aerodynamic performance gains verified by slowtwitch.com and MIT wind tunnel testing. |
| 4 | Professional Bike Fit | F.I.S.T. Certified Fitter | $150.00 | $0.00 | $150.00 | 126 | $1.19 | slowtwitch.com | Well worth the investment to get as aerodynamic as possible. |
| 5 | Quick-tie Laces | Easy Laces | $5.95 | $1.70 | $7.65 | 5 | $1.53 | tri-zone.com | One of my favorite items, will help you blaze out of T2. |
| 6 | Body Composition Scale | Tanita BF680W | $59.00 | $0.00 | $59.00 | 36 | $1.64 | bodytronics.com | A must-have for any athlete. |
| 7 | Supplement | Creatine | $13.00 | $10.00 | $23.00 | 13 | $1.77 | Multiple Internet sites | 13 seconds is a conservative performance gain over a 10K. See Tri Talk episode 33 for specific scientific data. |
| 8 | Aero Helmet | Louis Garneau Chrono | $69.99 | $7.50 | $77.49 | 40 | $1.94 | lombardisports.com | No longer the laughing stock of age-groupers, speed gains have been verified by multiple sources. |
| 9 | Nutrition Bike Mount | GU Bike Mount | $11.95 | $5.00 | $16.95 | 8 | $2.12 | powertri.com | Aerodynamic advantages come only from mounting on top tube OR on stem without Profile Aero Drink system. |
| 10 | CO2 Kit | Xlab X-Inflator | $9.95 | $1.70 | $11.65 | 5 | $2.33 | tri-zone.com | Superior alternative to mounting a bike pump to the frame in both aerodynamics and weight. |
| 11 | Heart Rate Monitor | Polar S725x | $330.00 | $0.00 | $330.00 | 70 | $4.71 | amazon.com | An essential component for training. You will only realize the full benefit if you use the feature and analyze the data frequently. |
| 12 | Hydration System | Xlab Saddlewing System | $74.95 | $0.00 | $74.95 | 14 | $5.35 | powertri.com | 4 seconds saved in aerodynamics and 10 seconds saved in T1/T2 by avoiding packing/unpacking tubes, etc. into your jersey. |
| 13 | Power Meter | Polar Power System | $300.00 | $0.00 | $300.00 | 45 | $6.67 | heartratemonitorsusa.com | Lower cost and easier assembly than other power systems on the market, and hooks directly into the Polar S720i. |
| 14 | Apparel | Zoot and DeSoto | $120.00 | $5.00 | $125.00 | 15 | $8.33 | powertri.com | Should be comfortable, snug, and make you feel confident and fast. |
| 15 | Nutrition | Crank Sports e-Gel | $26.99 | $2.95 | $29.94 | 3 | $9.98 | cranksports.com | Outstanding nutrition option for training or races less than 4 hours, eliminates the need for sports drink. |
| 16 | Orthotic | The Wedge | $24.95 | $5.45 | $30.40 | 3 | $10.13 | bicyclefit.com | Helps proper knee alignment for all riders, and corrects leg-length discrepancies. |
| 17 | Wetsuit | Orca Apex | $374.00 | $0.00 | $374.00 | 30 | $12.47 | powertri.com | Newer wetsuits and technology make a significant difference on the swim. |
| 18 | Training Gear, Bike | Minoura Mag 850R Trainer | $109.00 | $19.00 | $128.00 | 10 | $12.80 | ebay.com | Essential for all-season and inclement weather training, as well as drills and social riding. |
| 19 | Aero Wheels | $1,500.00 | $50.00 | $1,550.00 | 67 | $23.13 | Multiple Internet sites | 3-4 spoke or deep-rimmed multi-spoke weighing 1600 grams or less, preferably tubulars. | |
| 20 | Tri Bike | $2,000.00 | $100.00 | $2,100.00 | 86 | $24.42 | Multiple Internet sites | Consider the Kona Bike Count when making a selection. Local bike shop recommended for your first bike. | |
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Category: Most Time Saved |
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| Category Ranking | Component | Recommended Product | Price** | Shipping*** | Total | Seconds Saved (Olympic Distance) | $ Per Second Saved | Website | Notes |
| 1 | Professional Bike Fit | F.I.S.T. Certified Fitter | $150.00 | $0.00 | $150.00 | 126 | $1.19 | slowtwitch.com | Well worth the investment to get as aerodynamic as possible. |
| 2 | Self-coaching Resource | Triathlete's Training Bible | $13.90 | $3.49 | $17.39 | 120 | $0.14 | amazon.com | Get the 2nd edition. When incorporated into a self-coached program, this is the finest triathlon training resource available. |
| 3 | Supplement | Caffeine | $20.00 | $6.00 | $26.00 | 93 | $0.28 | Multiple Internet sites | Research shows tremendous potential from this ergogenic aid. 2-3mg per pound of body weight 1 hr. prior to exercise. |
| 4 | Tri Bike | $2,000.00 | $100.00 | $2,100.00 | 86 | $24.42 | Multiple Internet sites | Consider the Kona Bike Count when making a selection. Local bike shop recommended for your first bike. | |
| 5 | Heart Rate Monitor | Polar S725x | $330.00 | $0.00 | $330.00 | 70 | $4.71 | amazon.com | An essential component for training. You will only realize the full benefit if you use the feature and analyze the data frequently. |
| 6 | Aero Wheels | $1,500.00 | $50.00 | $1,550.00 | 67 | $23.13 | Multiple Internet sites | 3-4 spoke or deep-rimmed multi-spoke weighing 1600 grams or less, preferably tubulars. | |
| 7 | Power Meter | Polar Power System | $300.00 | $0.00 | $300.00 | 45 | $6.67 | heartratemonitorsusa.com | Lower cost and easier assembly than other power systems on the market, and hooks directly into the Polar S720i. |
| 8 | Aero Helmet | Louis Garneau Chrono | $69.99 | $7.50 | $77.49 | 40 | $1.94 | lombardisports.com | No longer the laughing stock of age-groupers, speed gains have been verified by multiple sources. |
| 9 | Body Composition Scale | Tanita BF680W | $59.00 | $0.00 | $59.00 | 36 | $1.64 | bodytronics.com | A must-have for any athlete. |
| 10 | Hydration System | Profile Aero Drink | $11.95 | $5.10 | $17.05 | 33 | $0.52 | tri-zone.com | Aerodynamic performance gains verified by slowtwitch.com and MIT wind tunnel testing. |
| 11 | Wetsuit | Orca Apex | $374.00 | $0.00 | $374.00 | 30 | $12.47 | powertri.com | Newer wetsuits and technology make a significant difference on the swim. |
| 12 | Apparel | Zoot and DeSoto | $120.00 | $5.00 | $125.00 | 15 | $8.33 | powertri.com | Should be comfortable, snug, and make you feel confident and fast. |
| 13 | Hydration System | Xlab Saddlewing System | $74.95 | $0.00 | $74.95 | 14 | $5.35 | powertri.com | 4 seconds saved in aerodynamics and 10 seconds saved in T1/T2 by avoiding packing/unpacking tubes, etc. into your jersey. |
| 14 | Supplement | Creatine | $13.00 | $10.00 | $23.00 | 13 | $1.77 | Multiple Internet sites | 13 seconds is a conservative performance gain over a 10K. See Tri Talk episode 33 for specific scientific data. |
| 15 | Training Gear, Bike | Minoura Mag 850R Trainer | $109.00 | $19.00 | $128.00 | 10 | $12.80 | ebay.com | Essential for all-season and inclement weather training, as well as drills and social riding. |
| 16 | Nutrition Bike Mount | GU Bike Mount | $11.95 | $5.00 | $16.95 | 8 | $2.12 | powertri.com | Aerodynamic advantages come only from mounting on top tube OR on stem without Profile Aero Drink system. |
| 17 | CO2 Kit | Xlab X-Inflator | $9.95 | $1.70 | $11.65 | 5 | $2.33 | tri-zone.com | Superior alternative to mounting a bike pump to the frame in both aerodynamics and weight. |
| 18 | Quick-tie Laces | Easy Laces | $5.95 | $1.70 | $7.65 | 5 | $1.53 | tri-zone.com | One of my favorite items, will help you blaze out of T2. |
| 19 | Nutrition | Crank Sports e-Gel | $26.99 | $2.95 | $29.94 | 3 | $9.98 | cranksports.com | Outstanding nutrition option for training or races less than 4 hours, eliminates the need for sports drink. |
| 20 | Orthotic | The Wedge | $24.95 | $5.45 | $30.40 | 3 | $10.13 | bicyclefit.com | Helps proper knee alignment for all riders, and corrects leg-length discrepancies. |
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Category: Tri Talk Overall Selections |
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| Category Ranking | Component | Recommended Product | Price** | Shipping*** | Total | Seconds Saved (Olympic Distance) | $ Per Second Saved | Website | Notes |
| 1 | Self-coaching Resource | Triathlete's Training Bible | $13.90 | $3.49 | $17.39 | 120 | $0.14 | amazon.com | Get the 2nd edition. When incorporated into a self-coached program, this is the finest triathlon training resource available. |
| 2 | Heart Rate Monitor | Polar S725x | $330.00 | $0.00 | $330.00 | 70 | $4.71 | amazon.com | An essential component for training. You will only realize the full benefit if you use the feature and analyze the data frequently. |
| 3 | Supplement | Caffeine | $20.00 | $6.00 | $26.00 | 93 | $0.28 | Multiple Internet sites | Research shows tremendous potential from this ergogenic aid. 2-3mg per pound of body weight 1 hr. prior to exercise. |
| 4 | Tri Bike | $2,000.00 | $100.00 | $2,100.00 | 86 | $24.42 | Multiple Internet sites | Consider the Kona Bike Count when making a selection. Local bike shop recommended for your first bike. | |
| 5 | Professional Bike Fit | F.I.S.T. Certified Fitter | $150.00 | $0.00 | $150.00 | 126 | $1.19 | slowtwitch.com | Well worth the investment to get as aerodynamic as possible. |
| 6 | Aero Wheels | $1,500.00 | $50.00 | $1,550.00 | 67 | $23.13 | Multiple Internet sites | 3-4 spoke or deep-rimmed multi-spoke weighing 1600 grams or less, preferably tubulars. | |
| 7 | Wetsuit | Orca Apex | $374.00 | $0.00 | $374.00 | 30 | $12.47 | powertri.com | Newer wetsuits and technology make a significant difference on the swim. |
| 8 | Body Composition Scale | Tanita BF680W | $59.00 | $0.00 | $59.00 | 36 | $1.64 | bodytronics.com | A must-have for any athlete. |
| 9 | Aero Helmet | Louis Garneau Chrono | $69.99 | $7.50 | $77.49 | 40 | $1.94 | lombardisports.com | No longer the laughing stock of age-groupers, speed gains have been verified by multiple sources. |
| 10 | Hydration System | Profile Aero Drink | $11.95 | $5.10 | $17.05 | 33 | $0.52 | tri-zone.com | Aerodynamic performance gains verified by slowtwitch.com and MIT wind tunnel testing. |
| 11 | Power Meter | Polar Power System | $300.00 | $0.00 | $300.00 | 45 | $6.67 | heartratemonitorsusa.com | Lower cost and easier assembly than other power systems on the market, and hooks directly into the Polar S720i. |
| 12 | Apparel | Zoot and DeSoto | $120.00 | $5.00 | $125.00 | 15 | $8.33 | powertri.com | Should be comfortable, snug, and make you feel confident and fast. |
| 13 | Nutrition | Crank Sports e-Gel | $26.99 | $2.95 | $29.94 | 3 | $9.98 | cranksports.com | Outstanding nutrition option for training or races less than 4 hours, eliminates the need for sports drink. |
| 14 | Training Gear, Bike | Minoura Mag 850R Trainer | $109.00 | $19.00 | $128.00 | 10 | $12.80 | ebay.com | Essential for all-season and inclement weather training, as well as drills and social riding. |
| 15 | Hydration System | Xlab Saddlewing System | $74.95 | $0.00 | $74.95 | 14 | $5.35 | powertri.com | 4 seconds saved in aerodynamics and 10 seconds saved in T1/T2 by avoiding packing/unpacking tubes, etc. into your jersey. |
| 16 | CO2 Kit | Xlab X-Inflator | $9.95 | $1.70 | $11.65 | 5 | $2.33 | tri-zone.com | Superior alternative to mounting a bike pump to the frame in both aerodynamics and weight. |
| 17 | Nutrition Bike Mount | GU Bike Mount | $11.95 | $5.00 | $16.95 | 8 | $2.12 | powertri.com | Aerodynamic advantages come only from mounting on top tube OR on stem without Profile Aero Drink system. |
| 18 | Quick-tie Laces | Easy Laces | $5.95 | $1.70 | $7.65 | 5 | $1.53 | tri-zone.com | One of my favorite items, will help you blaze out of T2. |
| 19 | Orthotic | The Wedge | $24.95 | $5.45 | $30.40 | 3 | $10.13 | bicyclefit.com | Helps proper knee alignment for all riders, and corrects leg-length discrepancies. |
| 20 | Supplement | Creatine | $13.00 | $10.00 | $23.00 | 13 | $1.77 | Multiple Internet sites | 13 seconds is a conservative performance gain over a 10K. See Tri Talk episode 33 for specific scientific data. |
**As of 07/30/07. All prices while supplies last. ***Shipping rates U.S. Domestic. |
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