Written by Coach Anthony Romania, USAT certified coach, USAT certified race director, F.I.S.T certified bike fitter

Triathlete and technology

I think there are two categories of technology for triathlete.
Direct impact on performance and Indirect impact on performance

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Indirect impact on performance
Cycling computers: Tracks your activities, gives you feedback and records goals. In addition, some computer have solar charging, mapping features and the ability to customize your screens to your preferred metrics to view. Some of the higher-level units allow you to upload workouts.

Electronic shifting systems: Allows for flawless sifting, synchronies shifting
between rear and front derailleur, and shifting form pursuit and aero bars.
Power meters. Allow you to track performance and do interval workouts. the
true test of output independent of the training environment. (for both run and bike)

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Direct impact performance
Carbon plate running shoes: These shoes allow for rebound and to move forward faster.

Carbon cycling shoes: Shoes do not bend and allow for more power to the pedal. They are also lighter and result in less rotational weight.

Ceramic bearings: These create less friction for bottom bracket

Aero wheels: lighter less rotational weight, cut through air easier, better bearings (less
rolling resistance) typical manufactures. Zipp, Hed and more. Be careful. There are less
expensive imitations out there. The old saying of you get what you pay for is true here.
Generally, the more expensive wheels are lighter, have better bearing and are faster.

Tires: It used to be tubular tires were the fastest, but with the invention of tubeless they
are taking over the cycling industry. Now some of you are afraid of tubeless and flats.
There is option of using good tires like centennial 5000 with latex or smart tubes. They
are pricy but give you a similar advantage to tubeless without dealing with sealant.

Aero design clothing: Helps you reduce body drag and help more power to the road, however, some aero clothing is also very hot.

Aero hoods for shoes: Reduce drag.
Aero helmets: help reduce drag if you are in an aero position, but be careful. Some
aero helmets, do not vent well and are very hot.

Swim speed suit: For non-wetsuit swims these help cut through the water.
Wetsuits: There are fast wetsuits and there is a warm wetsuit. The newer and faster
wetsuits get pricy. The fastest wet suits do give as much warmth down to the low 60’s.
(this varies with manufacturer)

Smart Trainers: In most cases a better workout than riding outside. There is no coasting so you are constantly working. It is also theorized that you can do less hours on the smart trainer verses outside riding. General rule is about 75% of outside ride can be accomplished on a smart trainer for the same training effect.