Best Practices For Taking Care Of Your Triathlon Gear

Best Practices For Taking Care Of Your Triathlon Gear

Investing in high-quality triathlon gear is essential for any athlete looking to perform their best across the swim, bike, and run. Properly caring for your triathlon gear not only ensures optimal performance during training and races but also extends the life of your equipment, saving you time and money in the long run. At Tri-Fit Athletic, we are committed to helping triathletes excel, and part of that commitment is ensuring you get the most out of your gear.

We’re also proud to partner with Ecoswash, a leading provider of eco-friendly, performance sportswear washing sheets that make it easier than ever to care for your gear responsibly. Here are the best practices for looking after your triathlon gear and maintaining its performance.

1. Caring for Your Triathlon Suit

Your triathlon suit is one of the most critical pieces of gear you own, as it is designed to perform across three disciplines. To maintain its functionality, fit, and durability, it’s important to take extra care of it.

• Rinse After Every Use: Whether you’ve been swimming in saltwater, a chlorinated pool, or just sweating it out on the bike and run, rinsing your suit immediately after use is essential. Salt, chlorine, and sweat can degrade the fabric over time, causing it to lose its elasticity and performance capabilities.
• Hand Wash Only: Always wash your tri suit by hand using cold water and a mild detergent. For a sustainable and highly effective solution, use Ecoswash Eco-Friendly Washing Sheets. These sheets are specifically designed to clean performance sportswear without damaging delicate technical fabrics, ensuring your TRI-FIT tri suit stays in peak condition.
• Dry Properly: Avoid wringing your suit out, as this can damage the fibres. Lay it flat in a shaded area to air dry. Never use a dryer or direct sunlight, as excessive heat can cause the material to lose its stretch and flexibility.
• Storage: Store your triathlon suit in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding it in a way that puts unnecessary pressure on certain areas, which can lead to creases or weakened seams over time.

2. Looking After Your Wetsuit

A well-maintained wetsuit is crucial for maximising your performance in the swim portion of a triathlon, where buoyancy and insulation make all the difference. Proper care will extend the life of your wetsuit and ensure that it continues to fit well and perform effectively.

• Rinse Immediately: Like your tri suit, always rinse your wetsuit thoroughly after each use, particularly after swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools. Use fresh, cold water and avoid using any cleaning agents unless they are specifically designed for neoprene.
• Wash Gently: Ecoswash sheets can also be used for hand-washing your wetsuit. They are gentle on neoprene while effectively removing salt, sweat, and other residues.
• Dry Inside Out First: After rinsing, turn your wetsuit inside out to dry the interior first, then flip it back to the outside. This helps prevent odours and speeds up the drying process. Always dry it in a shaded, well-ventilated area—direct sunlight can damage neoprene over time.
• Proper Storage: To avoid creases and damage to the neoprene, store your wetsuit either lying flat or hung up using a wide hanger designed for wetsuits. Never fold your wetsuit, as this can lead to permanent creases and affect its performance.

3. Maintaining Your Cycling Gear

Your cycling gear, including your helmet, shoes, and bike, also require regular maintenance to ensure peak performance and longevity.

• Helmet: Always clean your helmet with a damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals. Check the straps and buckles regularly to ensure they are in good condition, and replace your helmet after any significant impact to ensure ongoing safety.
• Cycling Shoes: Keep your cycling shoes clean and dry by wiping them down after each ride, especially if they’ve been exposed to water or mud. Ecoswash sheets can also be used to clean any performance socks or shoe covers, helping to maintain freshness.
• Your Bike: Regularly clean and lubricate your bike’s chain, gears, and brakes. Inspect your tires and brakes before each ride to ensure they are in good condition. A well-maintained bike will not only enhance performance but also ensure your safety.

4. Don’t Forget About Your Accessories

From goggles and race belts to water bottles and GPS devices, your triathlon accessories also need proper care. Make sure to:

• Clean Your Goggles: Rinse your goggles with fresh water after every swim, and store them in a protective case to avoid scratches. Avoid touching the inside of the lenses to prevent damaging any anti-fog coatings. Check out our Goggle Care Guide here.
• Wash Race Belts and Accessories: Accessories like race belts and swim caps can also benefit from being washed with Ecoswash sheets, ensuring they stay clean and odour-free without compromising their integrity.
• Replace Accessories as Needed: While many accessories are built to last, it's important to monitor wear and tear. For example, replace your water bottles if they become cracked or retain odours, and always ensure that your GPS device is functioning properly before race day.

5. Tri-Fit Crash Replacement Service

Accidents happen, and at Tri-Fit Athletic, we understand that your gear is an investment. That’s why we offer our Crash Replacement Service. If your gear is damaged during a crash or any unfortunate event, we’re here to help you get back in the game with a replacement at a significantly reduced cost. This service gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can count on us to support you in the unexpected moments of your triathlon journey.

For more details on our Crash Replacement Service, visit: Crash Replacement Service

Bottom Line:

Taking proper care of your triathlon gear is essential for extending its lifespan and maintaining peak performance. By following these best practices—and incorporating Ecoswash Eco-Friendly Washing Sheets into your care routine—you can ensure that your equipment stays in top condition, whether you’re training or racing.

And remember, if anything goes wrong, Tri-Fit Athletic is here to support you with our crash replacement service, so you can always stay on track. For the best in triathlon gear and to learn more about our services, visit us at Tri-Fit Athletic.