Triathlon Buying Guide


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Triathlon Buying Guide


Training for a triathlon takes determination, stamina, and the proper equipment for every phase of the race. Find all the tri bikes, running shoes, swim goggles, and triathlon wetsuits you need on eBay.

Cycle to Success on a Tri Bike


Cycle to Success on a Tri Bike

Tri bikes employ short tubing and forward-canting seats for comfortable and effective racing. Cannondale tri bikes, Quintana Roo tri bikes, and Cervelo tri bikes are among the top brands, most of them featuring Zipp wheels and accessories.

Choose your bike frame

Consider weight, frequency, and distance when choosing a bike frame. Popular options include tri bikes with aluminum frames, tri bikes with steel frames, tri bikes with carbon fiber frames, and tri bikes with titanium frames.

  • Aluminum frames: Stiff aluminum frames offer the best performance for cornering, sprinting, and short rides. They also work well for heavier riders who can handle light framework over bad roads.   

  • Steel frames: Heavier steel-framed tri bikes offer comfort and shock-absorption over the long haul and are dependably sturdy.   

  • Carbon fiber frames: Because of their optimal shock absorbency, athletes who need to bike long distances, or who have aching muscles, typically prefer tri bikes with carbon fiber frames.

  • Titanium frames: All-purpose tri bikes with stiff, durable, and lightweight titanium frames offer a smooth ride over bad roads.

Get a group of components

Derailleurs, chains, brakes, and shifters from Shimano and Campagnolo are the leading bike components on the market today. Campagnolo’s Record and Chorus components and Shimano’s Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, and Tiagra lines are especially popular.

Wheel properly

700c wheels offer the best stability for larger-framed bike riders; 650c wheels are ideal for smaller riders, and they have less frontal wind resistance.


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Gear Up for Triathlon Running


Gear Up for Triathlon Running

Your foot’s shape and how much it rolls inward, or pronates, when you run are crucial considerations in choosing your optimal racing shoe. Nike running shoes, Adidas running shoes, and New Balance running shoes come in three basic categories: cushioning, stability, and motion control.

  • Cushioning running shoes: Runners with highly arched feet that don’t pronate enough do well with high-absorption, low-support shoes.     

  • Stability running shoes: Medium-arched, overly pronating feet are happiest in well-cushioned and supportive stability running shoes.     

  • Motion control running shoes: Motion control running shoes provide support to larger runners with flat, overly pronating feet.

Shoe size is one of the key components of a successful triathlon. Buy running shoes to fit your exact shoe size. When you get your running shoes home, make sure your toes aren’t pressed or constricted and that the arch and heel fit snuggly.

Replace your running shoes

Generally, you'll want to buy a new pair of running shoes after 350 to 500 miles of use or when you notice that rubber soles begin to lose resistance. Replace your shoes more frequently if you’re on the larger side.

Know what to wear for triathlon competition

When choosing triathlon-friendly clothing, avoid heavy, soggy, chafing cotton and opt for Dri-FIT or other moisture-wicking synthetics instead. Also make sure your (non-cotton) socks fit comfortably inside your shoes.

When competing in a cold-weather triathlon, go for the layered look: a moisture-wicking synthetic against the skin with a water-resistant jacket or vest on top and a billed cap to keep off the rain.


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Get a Triathlon Wetsuit & Goggles


Get a Triathlon Wetsuit & Goggles

Choose an aerodynamic swimsuit or a triathlon wetsuit when you’re preparing for your triathlon’s swimming competition. Among the most popular options are Speedo triathlon wetsuits, Ironman triathlon wetsuits, Orca triathlon wetsuits, Xterra triathlon wetsuits, DeSoto triathlon wetsuits, Aquaman triathlon wetsuits, and Quintana Roo triathlon wetsuits.

Think about material layout, seals, and construction when you make your selection. You'll want to be able to remove your wetsuit as quickly as possible and have a comfortable, flexible fit in the arms and shoulders.

  • Material layout: A good wetsuit isn’t the same thickness all over; it has thinner shoulders to promote flexibility and a thicker chest for greater buoyancy. Stretchable material at the wrists and ankles allow you to remove the wetsuit quickly and easily.   

  • Neck and wrist seals: For a more watertight wetsuit, look for wetsuits that have seals at the wrist and neck.   

  • Construction: Make sure the wetsuit is both glued and stitched for greater durability and that it has convenient zippers for simple, fast removal.

See clearly with goggles

Guard against pool chemicals and other irritants with a good pair of foam-sealed, balanced swim goggles. Tinted, shock-resistant, anti-glare, anti-fog lenses can help improve visibility as well.


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Find Triathlon Gear on eBay


Find Triathlon Gear on eBay

Once you know what type of triathlon equipment you want, go to the Sporting Goods portal, click Triathlon, and start searching for items on eBay.

  • Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Bike, Run, Swim, and Other.    

  • Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find men’s extra large triathlon shorts, type "tri shorts x-large" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, shop eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.


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Buy Triathlon Gear With Confidence


Buy Triathlon Gear With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

  • Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

  • If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

  • Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

  • Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

  • What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

  • What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

  • Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

  • Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.

  • eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.


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