Talking about the costs of triathlon
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JoseM posted 3 years ago.
As the sole income for a family (wife + child + 1 on the way), this is really important to me. I'm just now buying a bike and I'm going the "budget" route. Thinking of getting a hybrid Trek 7500 or a Giant FCR2, either way it'll cost around $600 + some accessories. I could only imagine if I was really into tri's like some of this board. The cost could be outrageous! I'm curious to see what some of the regulars spend "regularly":D
So....what you're saying is....benching 1.5 times your body weight 10+ times is NOT good for triathletes?! OOOOOH! :eek: :D
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JamieM posted 3 years ago.
I'm in a similar situation Jose. Married, wife works part time and we just had our first child. And I've found that I've had to get creative to continue to train and race. I work on friend's bikes (I'm a former shop mechanic) at no charge, but keep the old parts, which will keep things running in a pinch. I'm in the market for a tri bike that myself and another racer will share. He's strictly a cyclist so a little juggling around the local TT's and it works well for us. I've developed good relationships with local shops that are rewarded with discounts and the wonderful "This has just been lying around for awhile, do you want it" type of deals. But the best thing for me is the flea market that a large velodrome in PA has twice a year. The Zipps that were mentioned earlier, I've seen them sell new at the flea market in October for as low as $600. No joke. Shops getting rid of odd pieces, last years stuff and other items, pro teams selling off equipment (I bought a Cycleops trainer for under $200 from Navigators), and guys like me just cleaning out the garage to make a little money to buy more stuff.
And of course there is my bike racer father who, with a much higher budget than I'm allowed, replacing equipment and is kind enough to hand down old parts to me.
I don't ride new stuff. I'm usually not riding the best stuff. But I get by and I'm still running at over 20 mph for a 30K TT at the end of my first full racing season.
Jamie
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BrianMc posted 3 years ago.
I've spent around $2000+ Canadian in the last year on my two bikes (I already owned them so that was upgrades alone). Nice shiny new wheels on both my mountain and road bke. Of course the mountain wheels were stolen, so my hand was forced on that one.
But then again, I don't have to support anyone but myself.
Thankfully, for now.
Brian
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beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
I was running already so I had the sneakers.
When I first got into doing tri's my first investment was in a wetsuit.
I checked the various manufacturer website to get an Idea of my size and tried on a few at a local shop.
I checked the online store clearance sections and then did some shopping on e-bay.
I got both my XTerra sleeveless and full suit for under a hundred bucks each.
Neither one was used, my sleeveless I bought from a guy who broke his leg and never even used his $80 and he threw in shipping.
My fullsuit was a display suit at some store and got for $95 on e-bay.
I bought my Cervelo bike for this year new.
I got a holiday bonus from work and had some leftover after shopping for the kids so,
I treated myself .
I was supposed to get a Cervelo P2K for $1800.
There were some shipping problems and 6 months later a P2 SL showed up at the shop.
I got that instead.
I should be set for a few years now. :D
Nothing to it, but to do it
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TBRAVO posted 3 years ago.
The fun part is trying to convince your spouse that you need to upgrade something. Makes for great conversations. Her response is something like "You're going to spend $1,000 on a set of wheels...what... do they come with spinners or are they gold plated???"
I haven't worked up the courage yet to discuss a new bike purchase...but honey life's too short not to have full carbon fiber!! :D
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bpcooper14 posted 3 years ago.
I agree, it is a ridiculously expensive up front investment. Luckily, I've done some good research and found a few really good bargains online/ebay. Specialized Allez a1, under 400. Wetsuit, 120. bike shoes. 50. stole pedals from dad. lol. Im a coach by trade so I have the sneakers already.
[COLOR=Red]We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. :p
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brittda posted 3 years ago.
Well I did my first season of tri's on a mountain bike with slicks...so my spending is justified :D So then dropped 2k on the bike. Then came shoes, tribars, clothes (and of course a new outfit is always important) etc. you get the point. I have yet to get a wetsuit because for the shorter stuff here I dont use one and I just rented the one I used up in Canada last week (35 bucks for a week rental....beats $250). I will probably end up buying one for my next one. Heck even my running shoes are $140 after tax every 3 months. This of course does not include race fees (an IM is 400+) lodging, food, and purchases at the expos., you get the idea. Its spendy, but hey I enjoy doing it , and it makes me happy and fit. Thankfully the money part isnt the issue, finding the time to squeeze everything in is though.
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inlovewithcerve posted 3 years ago.
Actually it is very interesting to see what others spend, but what interests me even more:
How do the brands justify such costs? Why do we have to spend those incredibel amounts and leave our friends shaking their head...
I am trying to buy my stuff as cheap as possible, but I won't buy crap. Those brands produce very good quality (which might be a reason for their prices) and in a race that costs so much time preparing and training I will not let my stuff hinder me finishing strong.
So, if there is anybody from our favourite brands around, just one question: WHY???
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trimedic posted 3 years ago.
I just started, this being my first season, so I am slowly getting into the buying. I bought my first bike, a Giant OCR3, nothing too fancy but good enough for me. I will be getting aerobars, clipless pedals, shoes, and all those things eventually. I have always been a runner so running shoes have been programed into my life and thankfully I am a saucony girl so I can get good deals there. The swimsuit wasn't too bad either as I went with Nike. I will be looking into wetsuits as I start competing in more races. The lakes in Montana never get that warm. I do have a feeling this is going to be more and more expensive but there are worse things to spend money on and it's a choice. Anyone can compete and have fun on any equipment. :p
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Anton posted 3 years ago.
Personally I think the cost of Tri-stuff and bike stuff in general to be obnoxious. I don't make alot of cash so I save for big items and swap for other parts ... I have discovered freecycleing....so that helps.
Did spring for new Bontrager Wheels before IMLP last year...but saved for them.
I don't get it either...I think tri equipment makers realize that ego plays a huge part in purchases...(If I but that $5000 dollar bike I'll go faster!) They are sort of like oil companies..."WE spend sooooo much on research."
And to what effect...For the average tri-head all that stuff buys a few seconds...maybe a few minutes at the IM distance but thats it...
Now...If I could buy better genetics..THAT would be worrth it! Why?....because in the end genetics determines our ability to up take oxygen,flush lactic acid and endure pain,train hard... and win tri's...not the dollars you spend.
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
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Triguy98 posted 3 years ago.
I am a budget shopper. I went for a lower mid price bike. Instead of new aerobars, I have hack my old ones to my taste. For wheels, Zipp is out of the question. I want bang for the buck. Hed 3s provide ALL the benefits of a Zipp wheel, for a LOT less money. Theyre on my list. I'd rather upgrade my engine than cough up all the money associated with going "faster"
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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inlovewithcerve posted 3 years ago.
Anton wrote:
I don't get it either...I think tri equipment makers realize that ego plays a huge part in purchases...(If I but that $5000 dollar bike I'll go faster!)
Maybe we all think that there is a shortcut to a killer bike split... I have been told by a fellow rider from my club, who is some kind of mentor on the club rides: " All this does not really help, we can do so much with training."
I did not like what I heard, but he is right. You can't get off without hard training.
Somebody at a race was joking: Those guys are nuts, every year they buy a bike, which weighs 300gramms less and they weigh 3kilogramm more.
This research stuff might be true, but we are paying a high price for it. From the economical point a factor is: There are too little amounts produced. Take a walkman for example. When Sony developed it, it was dead expensive and only four or five guys bought it. They produced more and found out that it was cheaper to produce high numbers. And everybody is having one...
So, if we want cheaper stuff, everybody has to buy it and they will find a way to produce it cheaper. But then there is nothing special with riding a P3Carbon...
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zcowgirl3 posted 3 years ago.
In my position, this is all new to me this year. I bought my bike from my ex's next door neighbor who bought 2 bikes and fixed them up to the best. I got the cheaper one w/ out the disk wheel, aero bars and such b/c what the hell did I know. I ended up with my fancy yellow bike (yellow fanatic) whatever the hell it is. ($500)Anywho, got my riding pants and helmet from my other ex who is a cyclist (free), run in a pair of bun huggers and a New Balance top (college uniform/had) and a pair of running shoes I got for my birthday. ($75.00)
All I can say is I am a poor college student, single mom who just has to deal with what she has. I have worked with horses all my life and it is weird to come into a sport onto where I have to buy things because where I worked I either fixed it myself and got to keep it and or had one of my friends who owned their shops give me a discount. A whole new ball game! I have a "sponsor", my step dad and his business that I work for, so with lil' things I get helped out with. Sometimes you just go with what you have. I figure it is up to me to get the work done, I just have what I have to get me through it. Sooner or later, I'll be something/someone in this sport so maybe I'll get a break.
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brittda posted 3 years ago.
Well I think you can have fun really with any equipment. Like trimedic said "anyone can compete with any equipment". Its true really. I had a blast doing the sprints I did on my mountain bike.
When I was up at IM Canada last week I commented on one guys bike to my husband. I said "man that thing probably cost more than our car" (ok, not really but I was amazed none the less). He said "you know its not the bike but how well you peddal." --ok, easy for him to say since he HAD the bike but..
He had a point. Sure the bike helps,and I have a pretty great bike but I still suck on it, and until I practice more, it will only get me so far.
Just remember not to go cheap on the running shoes. This is one place you dont want to skimp. :)
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Anton posted 3 years ago.
It's not the wet suit, it's the will.
It's not the bike, it's the motor.
it's not the shoes, it's the desire...
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
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bluebirdbiker posted 3 years ago.
I do find that things are overpriced as well. My interp is pretty much that YOU are the power. Sure the bike helps you go a little faster but if there is a good engine it REALLY is all you need. Look at PoC he has an old Cramerotti from the 80s and he goes like stink. I have a 2004 trek 2200 that I adapted w aerobars and horns. It has bontraeger race light wheels and a 105 groopo. Its a standard kind of bike for tris. I did IMC this year on it in 5:30. I even passed a guy in my age cat. doing downhill and he had a Cervelo P3SL (my dream bike) WITH zipps. And in the straight I blew him away, never saw him after Richter. My point is that it's the engine that makes you strong and fast. Sure the toys help but not that much. Work the engine and you'll be surprised at how good your bike goes. Don't get me wrong, I do love the toys.
I want a zipp disk wheel for the back and a zipp for the front :( $$$ is all I need , oh ya and permission. If I EVER make Kona I have permission to get the Cervelo P3 SL.
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sljv posted 3 years ago.
just getting into this mess i spent more than i had previously anticipated.. new bike + pedals + shoes + bike shorts + tri shorts + swimsuit (nothing fit from high school days) + helmet - gas to work - %bodyfat = a broke, but fitter josh... summer job savings = 0
-josh
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bpcooper14 posted 3 years ago.
awesome little quote there anton!!!! hit the nail on the head. But all the gear is cool too. lol
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Matt Hill posted 3 years ago.
I pay a weekly tri-training tax :cool: .
This involves taking ~$10-15 per week and putting it in a seperate bank account. This amount builds up and covers me for a couple of pairs of shoes, bike shop bills (broken parts and wear and tear replacement) and pool admission throughout the year. It seems to work quite well so far.
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macfights posted 3 years ago.
Matt Hill wrote:
I pay a weekly tri-training tax :cool: .This involves taking ~$10-15 per week and putting it in a seperate bank account. This amount builds up and covers me for a couple of pairs of shoes, bike shop bills (broken parts and wear and tear replacement) and pool admission throughout the year. It seems to work quite well so far.
that's a good idea... i think i might have to start doing that
A bend in the road is not the end of the road … Unless you fail to make the turn.
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TBRAVO posted 3 years ago.
Cost of state of the art wetsuit - $500
Cost of fancy schmancy Tri Bike - $2,500
Cost of new running shoes from Roadrunner Sports - $125
Being passed by someone 15 years older than you on a garage sale beat-up 30lb Mountain Bike - Priceless. :D
- T
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Anton posted 3 years ago.
Thanks bpcoop...Maybe I should copyright that! I'll Blog it...
And TBravo...I love that when that happens....especially when I am the old guy passing the young ones...then I get spanked by some guy in his 60's!
Have a great weekend..everyone.
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
My Blog: http://agingsuperhero.blogspot.com
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Jeyradan posted 3 years ago.
Just getting a friend into tri... he's a total gearhead, so far:
Running shoes: $150.00
Cervelo P2-SL: $2999.00
And he's only just started to consider triathlon in the last ten days!
Me: running shoes $40, Quintana Roo $1200, wetsuit $400, and upgrades $millions. In Canadian dollars.
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1:12, 42.4, 3:46 1/2 IM
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BrettD58 posted 3 years ago.
I estimate with gear, entry fees, coaching, and upgrades I have spent close to $10,000 in the past 5 years or so. (Bear in mind that includes flying a family of 3 to IMLP and lodging etc for 5 days) Nonetheless I am blessed to have a great job and an understanding supportive spouse so that I can get all the new gear.
As for "it's not the engine etc." argument, that is true, you can't buy speed, however there comes a certain point where you "out ride your bike". In other words that Trek 1000 for $500 seems like a great idea for right now, but eventually you will reach a point where you are better than your equipment.
I currently have in my garage my tribike ( 2003 Guru Trilite, full Ultegra 9-speed, w/Zipp440 wheels, compact crank, S-Bend aero bars, and Look Keo pedals), my road bike (Cannondale R1000, full Ultegra 9-speed, Mavic Cosmic Wheels, and Look PP-206 pedals) and my mountain bike (Trek 800). That is about $6000 in bikes right there. (I hope my wife doesn't read this post!!!)
Brett Daniels
USAT Level I Coach
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zcowgirl3 posted 3 years ago.
It just kills me b/c I am so into this sport now but sooner or later I'm getting back into barrel racing again and a cost of a horse, feed, boarding, saddle, yada yada and it seems equivalant yet how the hell to afford both!!?? Def. goin' to be a toss up on what to do with it. I will have to work my butt off but to do things you like in the world, nothin' isn't free.
Just have to deal w/ the givin' out money as well as to look damn good as much as possible.
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beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
Unfortunately it does end once you have your gear.
There is always more gear, better gear, and accesories for your gear. :eek:
Nothing to it, but to do it
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kylie posted 3 years ago.
Like cowgirl said, if you think this is bad... try mixing it with other loves. I've gotten in to some adventure racing, and now have added a mountain bike (req), tons of smaller gear (backpacks, safety stuff, layers of clothes) that is required at races, a kayak (could have skipped this... but it's fun!) and then again there are race fees, fewer local races means travel fees and time off work, providing food for the whole race (expensive to race for 24+ hours and fuel yourself for it). I heard a quote this weekend that the average income in adventure racing is $77,000/year!
I'm bad at spending money on myself. But I work hard to make $$, and am currently only supporting myself. No, I don't make tons, but by getting deals where I can, volunteering some of the fun races to participate with fewer costs, and saving up, I have been able to afford it. The way I rationalize it is that in life I want to be happy, and have goals and dreams and accomplishments I'm proud of. As I grow older I would rather have great stories to share than dollars to give. I feel like a more complete person when there is a part of life I look forward to and love. So sometimes you need to treat yourself to a new toy. Not to say that the older ones won't work, but as a reward. Or to make another experience possible.
As to why the prices are so high... I have no idea. Especially since (as posted on here before) apparently bike engineers don't get paid that well, so research seems to be an odd answer. And how many willing test subjects do equipment and nutrition companys have at their disposal??!!? I'd beta test for 'em!
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beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
kyillee wrote:
I heard a quote this weekend that the average income in adventure racing is $77,000/year!
Are you sure that figure is for income?
I think it is more like the figure for spending! :D
The prices to be all sporty and healthy are expensive.
I am sure some of it can be attributed to some R&D,more expensive materials,
lower production runs, blah, blah, blah etc.
That would be my brothers take on it and he is an Engineer.
Some of the prices are so high because all these activities are marketed toward those in a higher income demographic. It is more popular now to do triathlons and adventure race and stuff like that now than it was a few years ago.
Nothing to it, but to do it
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CAcyclingFAN posted 3 years ago.
I kinda look at the all money I spend on gear as money that would be spent on health issues I might have in the future if I wasn’t so active. I pretty sure I heard a saying when I was younger that I like to live by…… “A Zipp wheel today keeps the doctor away.� I think that’s how it goes.
When it's time to die, let us not discover that we have never lived. - Thoreau
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bluebirdbiker posted 3 years ago.
CAcyclingFAN wrote:
… “A Zipp wheel today keeps the doctor away.� I think that’s how it goes.
Can you come and give the wife a lecture on that? I am having a tough time being convincing. :)
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beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
Traing and triathlons are my vice.
I am not going out all the time spending money at the bar.
I spend my money on race fees, and gear.
"So it's sorta social, demented and sad, but social. Right? " -Breakfast Club
Nothing to it, but to do it
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kylie posted 3 years ago.
same as Scott -- it's all about $$ priorities.
Going out to see a movie = $10, and getting food after = $20. That's half a race fee! ;)
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trainDaBrain posted 3 years ago.
I really like the idea of sports equipment purchases as an indirect means of sidelining future health care costs. that's a great argument!
Not only are you having fun with what you are purchasing (hopefully), but by the very act of using the stuff, you are getting healthier and reducing your risk for a litany of potential health problems that are afflicting a larger and (getting larger) mass of people.
You can go cheap. But then I guess this site isn't a fitness site so much as it is a triathlon site :) There aren't many triathlons where walking is involved (walking is one of the best low intensity exercises you can do). Where was I?
Oh yeah, cheap is definitely possible. It also helps if you have family involved in the sport, then you can get hand-me-downs for equipment and bike stuff.
I used to think that triathlon was the ultimate equalizer in sports. It was just the body vs the course - what you put into it is what you get out of it. But it's a little more complicated than that. There is the ability/time to train, the means to purchase equipment, and the social support that can really make or break your race-day experience. Not to mention the cost of eating right.
This is a deep thread, and borrowing a word from 'corporate-speak', you can really "drill-down" into it.
It's not necessarily about the have's and have-nots. It's sometimes just about the I-want-it-bad camp vs the I-kinda-want-it-but-man-exercise-is-hard-and-why-is-this-crap-so-expensive camp. Priorities definitely play a role. It's always a good idea to put your goals out there, and chip away at them. Start small, but don't be afraid to think big.
Anyway, I'm going with the "This new pair of running shoes is cheap health insurance" argument. :D
Happy training!
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Anton posted 3 years ago.
Sports equipment as cheap health insurance?...maybe if your lucky...I know people in their thirties who spend alot on pediatrists,orthopedic surgeons,not to mention those who crash on the bike and all the attendant shenanigans THAT can entail...
There is a reason age groups get smaller as you get older....some quit, some find better things to do...and some others just can't anymore because it hurts too much...Hip replacements,knee replacements, arthritis, spinal problems and osteoporosis (if you didn't eat right during all those years of training)
The only real insurance for being able to compete into your 50's and 60's...is to train smart when your younger. You have one body and it can take alot of abuse...but NOT forever.
And sure Tri's are about haves and have nots...the average family income at IMLP this year(per their stats) was over 100,000 a year....That's alot of "Have". It's tough to compete and pay and stay equiped when you make less than half that. One person' cheap bike is another person's dream.
Sorry if this seems like I'm grumpy...haven't been able to train for a week...arthritis in my neck.
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
My Blog: http://agingsuperhero.blogspot.com
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trainDaBrain posted 3 years ago.
Anton wrote:
Sports equipment as cheap health insurance?...maybe if your lucky...I know people in their thirties who spend alot on pediatrists,orthopedic surgeons,not to mention those who crash on the bike and all the attendant shenanigans THAT can entail...
there was a reason I was leaving out mountain biking ;)
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kylie posted 3 years ago.
I don't know... I've gotten way more hurt on a road bike than a mountain one! Given # of hours riding it kinda makes sense ;). But cars hurt, and it isn't always their fault. That bill for an airlifting I don't remember sure hurt more than all the gear I've bought for either I think!
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trainDaBrain posted 3 years ago.
hmmm... starting to look like reality isn't meshing with my world view, not a problem, I'll just ignore the evidence and pretend I'm still right ;)
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o2Ripper posted 3 years ago.
I also like the health factor of this arguement due to the fact money spent on physical activity is much better than say a car, gambling habits, drinking (even though thats good times), etc. Its improving yourself. Thats what I tell myself when I buy something tri-related. Not to mention it helps justify the cost. haha. But after a $1600 Trek 2200, Ultegra group, purchased aerobars, shoes, clips, helmet, tubes, pumps, saddlebags, cycling shorts, tri shorts, $130 running shoes. Not to mention absurd racing fees. The only thing I got for "free" was my wetsuit. I got it through Team in Training, they provide wetsuits after you have raised $1600 (sprint price) for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society (hence the "free", but it was worth it, and towards a great cause). All in all its worth it, all the bang for the buck.
-Branden
"Its an addiction"
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inlovewithcerve posted 3 years ago.
I have seen so many guys out there riding without leg warmers when I felt like freezing in a down vest. Maybe it is not too healthy all the time. I raced in a tri-suit only when the temperature was 15° Celsius. It was so cold that I were not able to tie my shoe laces in T2 properly.
But on the other hand: I am not drinking, neither smoking. I eat health stuff and sleep 8 hrs a day.
Just got a new Zipp catalogue. Well they are pretty cool. And I think big, but post thinking big comes the waking-up-and-figuring-that-it-takes-more-training-to-let-those-Zipps-make-any-sense.
I do not allow myself to buy the fancy stuff until I am really up for it. When my stuff is hindering any better results, then I'll buy new equipment. I experienced that with my road bike in a sprint, it is only 52-14 at the maximum (7spd) and I had to spin 120-140revs just to keep up. :D
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JamieM posted 3 years ago.
trainDaBrain wrote:
Oh yeah, cheap is definitely possible. It also helps if you have family involved in the sport, then you can get hand-me-downs for equipment and bike stuff.
That's how I ended up riding an Aegis frame. My bike racer father moved up to a nice C-Dale frame and hands his old stuff down to me. Between that and the flea market at the velodrome in PA in October, I rarely buy anything new, or at least rarely pay full price for it.
And I'll second all the health arguments. If you train seriously, but intelligently, the fitness you gain can help prevent such a variety of health problems. And I plan to be active as long as I can. I just had my first child and want to see him grow and not be that parent who doesn;t have the energy or the motivation to get off the couch and play with him.
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beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
Kyillee,
Don't forget if you want a drink afterwward $5.00 a beer :eek:
As far as the health issue,
Some employers and health insurance programs are starting to give incentives for employees who are taking an active part in improving their health.
Some credit you for your gym memberships. It is something to look into.
The cost of being involved with a healthy/sporty lifestyle can add up.
I am no where near the $100K average income of a IMLP triathlete.
(wish I was!! I could get some really serious and frivous gear then!!) :p
I make do with the resources I have, and skip some other stuff
Nothing to it, but to do it
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inlovewithcerve posted 3 years ago.
beads1985 wrote:
Some employers and health insurance programs are starting to give incentives for employees who are taking an active part in improving their health.
Some credit you for your gym memberships. It is something to look into.
In germany every health insurance company is having a reward program. The problem is: Most triathletes are simply too fit and in a too good shape for those stuff. I tried to join the online-"coaching" program developed for runners. After entering my, even to triathletes poor results, I have been told: You are too fit, the program was developed for beginners.
The certification of gyms is lacking as well. They give away rewards only for membership in big clubs, which are based in the whole of germany, you average joes is not a part of that program (only Globo Gym)(a little movie qui, by the way).
So I was not able to get a MTB because of my shape. We are too good...
Let's start smoking and join a walking course! :p
To be honest, I spent incredible amounts on triathlon. Bought stuff and apparel, a new bike, wetsuit...
But I wonder, why are some things so damn expensive. Let's take Zipp wheels for example. They cost thousands of dollars and well, why?
I am not wondering why people buy them, they look pretty cool and might save you valuable seconds, but I can go on holidays with the money I have to spend on them. There are bikes around, which cost less than a disc wheel.
I developed a system I call cost-of-a-second. You read the stats, which are published by magazines or the manufacturers, and then you divide the price with the seconds gained.
I'll give you an example: My swim time without wet-suit, race pace in the pool: (yeah, it's drowning, don't tell me, I already know) 11:05 (why am I that slow???), with a wet-suit in open water, race: 9:50
So I saved 1:15. We divide 300€ (cost of the wetsuit) and the result is: I paid 4 Euro per second!
So, let's have a brief discussion on those prices...