Equipment tips - The ad-ons

(check also: Equipment tips - The basics)

Past the core elements mentioned in the “basics” section, here are a few additional features you might want to have, for style, comfort or fun ! Beware everything in this section could easily go on the rather expensive side – that’s when you realize you really get “into” multi-sports : multi-sports gets “into” your wallet !
(Note that the specific bike equipments are dealt with under the “Bike Equipment Tips” section)
(Note : check-out the www.trisports.com link to visualize the equipment)

Wetsuit
A wetsuit is a huge asset in open-water swims.  The sea can be cold, full of waves, medusas, disorient you and has currents that can slow you down.  A wetsuit will keep you warm, provide buoyancy, and offer some measure of protection against un-identified floating objects.  A wetsuit provides buoyancy which improves your swim performance. In addition : 1) with it your body has to devote less energy to staying afloat, 2) it helps align your body in proper swim form, 3) it presents a more streamlined surface to water relative to human skin, and 4) it lets you rest and float without having to tread water if you ever get tired.  It is recommended that you get a multi-sports wetsuit, which is specific to the sport and features greater freedom of movement and allows easier breathing than diving or surfing wetsuits.  They are, however, expensive.

Race Suit
Multi-sports race suits are suitable for swimming, biking, and running.  You can do the whole challenge from start to finish wearing only this. Or choose to wear the Wetsuit for the swim section on top of it, matter of personal preferences. Multi-sports suits have padding to cushion your rear end and groin during extended bike rides, but are designed to stay on during swims.  They are also designed to shed sweat while allowing breathability.  They are, however, expensive. At the 1st Schiniathlon, we spotted some of you wearing the Orca suits, which you can see and order on-line on www.orca.com Beware, this can get expensive ! But it is really ideal for short-distance tri, you will save a lot of precious minutes at Transitions.

Clipless Pedals
Those of you who ride frequently for extended periods on road or triathlon bikes will already know that it is more efficient and safer to have clipless pedals.  They allow you to turn the bicycle crank with an up-force in addition to the down-force.  More energy, smoother pedaling form and greater efficiency on hill climbs – all this surely can come useful at the Schiniathlon.

Water Bottles and Bottle Cages
Although this is a recommended item, water bottles should be considered as strongly recommended mainly for longer-distance races.  As far as the Schiniathlon is concerned, you will find water and energy drinks at the Transition area and at the halfway point of the bike (10km). So, it is questionable whether or not you need to carry some bottle(s). Once again, it is your personal preferences and comfort-zone that will determine what you need ! The sun can be really baking in Schinias, so if you feel more comfy with a bottle on-board, go ahead. 

Bicycle Computer