I don't think it's necessary to get a wetsuit for sprints for sure. If all you are doing this year is sprints, hold off on the wetsuit and save your money.

I think investing in clipless pedals and cycling/tri biking shoes could be worthwhile...but you could definately wait until after the season to get those too. They will make a big difference once you get used to them, but with your next sprint on Aug 2, there won't be much time to adjust.

So i guess I'm saying stick with what you got, but for the future if longer distances are coming, both wetsuits and bike shoes are worthy investments...bike shoes first I'd say though...like maybe right after this tri season so you can train with them through the fall and winter

It's not really a big deal (at all) for a sprint, BUT I've always found that if I invest the money, I make a committment to the sport. Last year I did my first triathlon (sprint). It required a wetsuit as the water was about 60 degrees. I did two Olympics after the sprint. This year I have done two Olys, one HIM, and am doing a full IM in two weeks. If you buy the stuff you will feel pretty bad about not using it - so you'll do more / longer races.

...Buy it now. You WILL use it next year!

I would get a wetsuit for the sprint; you will be faster but not a must have for a sprint. Wear Tri-shorts for the bike/run and invest in clipless pedals and shoes.

WRT the wetsuit... if you don't need it for the race, I'd wait. Stuff's going to get really cheap come Sept./Oct. End of season means sales on the 2008 stuff, and you can get a great deal on a nice suit. Either a entry-level suit for a steal (what I did) or a higher-end suit for the entry-level price, you are going to find them on sale.

The pedals/shoes are pretty much going to stay the same price year-round, so I'd just be on the lookout for sales like 50% at Nashbar or something like that.

Pedals and shoes for sure. My running shoes couldn't fit my old school clips, but the difference is huge compared to when they did fit.

Wetsuit... +1 to holding off for the after-season sales.

I just did my first sprint tri August 2007 and am getting ready for another one! Last year I didn't have the clips but definitely did a wetsuit (since I'm in Seattle :), so it depends on your region), and this time am adding the clips. I can already tell the difference when I'm training-- but it takes some getting used to, so get all set up way in advance and take your bike out a lot.

I agree with Socket about the after-season sales, thats how I got my wetsuit. You can also rent, but it you want to train with a wetsuit the renting fees add up such that you might as well buy one. Lastly, if you're planning on increasing your distance then you might as well do it now! Get used to all the equipment since it could slow down your T1 and T2 times. Good luck!

I forgot to add, don't forget to tuck in your shoelaces, or tie them on the outside so that they don't get caught in the FD/Chainring... This happened to my girlfriend. She noticed her shoe kept getting tighter and tighter, until she looked down and realized what was happening. Now that she has clipless, it's not a problem....

Or, you could get some quick draw laces and it would kill two birds with one stone.

Fellow newbie here. I have one sprint under my belt and another on 8/10. I got the clipless shoes and pedals after my first tri and have really noticed a difference (of course I upgraded bikes too).

Jen

[quote=Mikeroe]I'm in Ontario and I expect the water to be cold (probably around 70-72F) so the suit won't be essential but nice to have. [/quote]

Which races are you doing? I'm doing Orillia in August.

What's "Canadian Iron"?

I'm doing the Orillia Sprint Tri Aug 17:
http://www.trisportcanada.com/orillia.php

I think I found the one you were talking about:
http://www.somersaultpromotions.com/eventcanadian.htm

World's worst web site? :)

[quote=Mikeroe]Another question: I'd never heard of Nashbar before. Looks like some very good prices. What's the general opinion of the Nashbar brand? Specifically, the Nashbar Tri shoe or the various Nashbar pedals?

Thanks everyone!
[/quote]

I don't have much experience with their brand... I have a Nashbar brand stem, and can't really complain about it. I mean, it's an Aluminum stem. I don't see the point in paying tons of money for a stem.

With bike parts in general, I think you get what you pay for, and you have to pick and choose where you want to put your money. I would never get cheap shoes, because it's just not worth it to me to have my feet be uncomfortable. If that's not a big deal, I am sure that you will be fine with them.