Active Community : Thread List - Equipment and Gear

Tri Shorts - Anything Underneath??

guest — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:42:24 GMT

I know this is kind of a weird question, but I find tri shorts to be very uncomfortable as a man and thus always wear my nike compression shorts under them. Between both products, that solution isn't all that comfortable either. Are tri shorts supposed to be worn on their own? They don't really feel like it...

RETUL Bicycle Fitting

guest — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:51:57 GMT

The RETUL Bicycle Fitting System

by Sandy Scott

In my training articles, I have often preached the importance of a professional bicycle fitting as the most cost effective way of enhancing performance on the bicycle. The cyclist basically has four choices: 1) Self fitting using the generic formulas widely promulgated in books and on the internet, such as “The axle should appear under the handlebars when the rider is on the drops,” 2) The all-too-common bicycle shop fitting where only the seat is adjusted, 3) The static, measured fitting at a bicycle shop using an approach of “one set of measured parameters fits all,” 4) A fitting in a wind tunnel which from a cost/logistics perspective, is not a practical alternative for most riders, and finally, 5) A dynamic fitting that measures the rider in real time, and in real-life, three (3) dimensions—the newest and greatest system and my topic for this article.

I recently had the opportunity to be fitted by this incredibly innovative system that came to market in November of 2007. The Retul system was recently named one of Entrepreneur magazine’s top 100 brilliant companies. Carmichael Training System has three (3) of these and the Garmin professional cycling team actually travels with a Retul fitting system.

I was fitted at Outspokin Bicycles at their beautiful, modern shop in Clearwater, FL., by Park Alsop, a certified Retul fitter and an outstanding competitive triathlete. Park was one of three original fitters who was factory-certified to use the Retul system.

Most fitting systems rely on static measurements attained through widely accepted formulas. We are each an experiment of one, and what works for one person might not necessarily work for another. Often the results attained from a static fitting are about as accurate as determining your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220 – an often suggested method. In other words, often times totally inaccurate. Frequently, static measurements are subject to human error.

Enter Retul, based in Boulder, CO, which developed a system that is the only motion-capture technology (i.e. not video analysis) on the market that allows cyclists to be dynamically fitted through the use of true 3-D angles of their body to analyze the rider’s biomechanics in real-time. The Retul software captures thousands of data points from cycling specific movements using a 3-D spatial model and inputs real-time data into a detailed customer fit report.

Also, most typical fittings do not take into account the goal(s) of the rider. For example, when I have a fitting I have only one goal in mind – to race my bike as fast as possible. Others might have goals of performance, comfort, injury prevention, or just simply optimizing the efficiency of their long rides. It is typically one fitting formula fits all. With Retul, your goals will be discussed, and your certified fitter will do the appropriate fitting to accomplish those goals.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE >>

Wheel upgrade question

guest — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 01:27:55 GMT

Hello-

I'm looking to upgrade the wheels on my 2012 Felt Z85. Currently I have just the stock wheels. I primarily do triathlons and I'm doing a full Ironman at the end of the year. I'm looking to spend $600-$800, any suggestions?

iPhone App for Triathlon Swim Workouts

guest — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:42:17 GMT

Dominate the swim. Whether getting ready for your first triathlon or in the build phase of your 10th Ironman, San Diego-based triathlon coach Carrie Jesse will help you overcome the swim. My Tri Swim Coach is the 1st swim training iPhone app created specifically for triathletes. Not only will you survive but thrive in the most intimidating leg of the triathlon. Complete with how-to videos, My Tri Swim Coach not only includes a variety of warm-ups, drills, workouts and cool downs, but also generates custom workouts unique to each user based on experience, ability, and training cycle.

Download and start using the app today:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-tri-swim-coach/id582095481?mt=8

Wetsuit Question

guest — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:03:48 GMT

I have to be cautious about buying new tri equipment... Wife gives me the stink eye whenever I bring something new home, or it arrives via FedEx. So I know buying a $200 to $300 dollar wetsuit would be the end of me.

This weekend I have a sprint triathlon in Key West. I bought a $50 wetsuit at Dick's. (on sale, and I had a coupon!). It is a surfer wetsuit that comes to my knees and is short sleeve, and I have no illusion that it will let me swim faster. I only bought it so I don't freeze to death, like last year.

My main concern is that it will actually slow me down. Can someone please reassure me that this thing won't drag me to the briny deep! It is my first wetsuit, and maybe in a couple of years I will purchase a nice "seal skin" variety.

swimskins - faster or not?

guest — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:44:31 GMT

hi,

i was wondering if anyone has experience with wearing a swimskin/speedsuit for the swim portion of a tri and if they think it makes their swim time faster. i've heard from a pretty reliable swim source that unless you have really excellent form already, you won't really benefit from the reduced drag, etc, that it really won't help an average swimmer. do you guys find this to be true, or do average swimmers get a boost from wearing the swimskin?

thanks!

Selecting a Bike Seat

guest — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:54:29 GMT

I know this one of the most personal of all equipment selections but I'm curious if there is any general guidance that would be applicable in selecting a 'better bike seat'. I'm 5"11 165, fairly flexible, ride a typical Tri Set up and tend to ride near the nose. My current seat (Acuna) is about 4 years old and I consistently see that after 60 miles it becomes difficult at best to remain seated. Given you can't do a 60 mile test ride before buying are there some items I should look for when shopping, any brands come to mind? Any help would be much appreciated, thanks, hc

heart monitors / watches?

guest — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:34:33 GMT

Hello. I am training for a triathlon and an endurance race this year and was thinking about picking up a heart monitor/watch to aid in my training. What is the consensus on their use/help in training? Anyone have any opinions/experience? Also what models are recommended? Between all the different types, features, and prices it seems hard to pick the perfect watch. Currently I am leaning towards the Garmin and Suunto models. I heard a few models have an online program that can track your progress/training and be used to create training programs. Sounds like a good feature.

Thanks for the insight/info.

Clydesdale Wetsuit

guest — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:40:39 GMT

I'm a 250lb Clydesdate, 5' 11", 40" waist, bit of a belly. I've tried two wetsuits, in the XXL size one from Xterra and one from 2XU. Neither fit, just couldn't get them up over my shoulders. Any thoughts of a vendor that makes a suit better proportioned to someone my size, rather than just someone really tall and fairly skinny?

I'm a scuba diver, so I know how suits should fit, these just didn't fit. If I got them on, I would need a pair of scissors to get them off.

Both were easily returned, but that costs about $10 each time for shipping.

Thoughts?

Selling items...

guest — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:26:06 GMT

I haven't been on active.com communities in the past and wonder if people can recommend a place (on Active or otherwise) to sell gear. My girlfriend has a brand new 2XU wetsuit she wants to sell, and Craigslist just isn't the "target market" we're looking for.

Fuji D6 vs Kestrel Talon

guest — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:27:27 GMT

Next week, I'm going in for a fitting at a local shop, and will be looking at both of these bikes. They're both 2010 models (great price break), and want to know of some of the pros and cons for each to keep in mind as I'm trying them out. Durability, common mechanical issues, ease of repair during a race, etc. If it matters, I've been riding a Trek 1.2 road bike for 3 years, and will be keeping that to use as my main trainer.

Thanks!