What’s the one piece of triathlon gear that defines the sport of triathlon?
You know what we mean.
In running it would be the shoes.
In cycling it would be the bike.
In swimming it would be the swimsuit.
But what is it for the sport of triathlon? What one bit of gear is unique to the sport in such a way that it defines the triathlon? And we know that it can’t be the shoes, the bike or the swimsuit.
Here are a few possibilities that you may consider but that we would eventually rule out:
The triathlon specific bike. The problem with this is that a tri bike is basically a time trial bike or a TT bike. And a TT bike is something that triathletes borrowed from professional cycling.
Yes, you could argue that a aero bike like a BMC TT02 is something that is unique to triathlon. But really the only thing that makes these bikes different from a cycling TT bike is their use. So that rules out the triathlon specific bike.
Let’s try something completely different. How about those elastic shoelaces called lock laces. You know the show laces that you don’t have to tie. These are certainly something that is pretty unique to triathlon as runners don’t really need these laces since they never transition.
We don’t know about you but we would really hate to have an entire sport defined by a shoelaces…no matter how clever or cool they may be.
And speaking of footwear, here’s another suggestion. The triathlon bike shoe. For those of you new to the sport you may not realize that professional triathletes wear tri specific shoes. The difference in these bike shoes is that they tend to have a easy Velcro closing strap that close the opposite way from a traditional bike shoe, as well as a fabric hook on the top part of the heal. The reason for these two changes is that it makes the shoes easier to put on and strap shut while on the bike.
Now back to the prize question: What one bit of gear is unique to the sport of triathlon in such a way that it defines the triathlon?
So while triathlon specific bike shoes may be unique, we don’t think that they come close to defining the sport.
So let’s move on.
How about that pretty new and funky Aqua Sphere Seal Mask that so many triathletes seem to favor on the swim? We know that in many masters class the swimmers wouldn’t be caught dead wearing this mask and yet the triathletes really seem to like the better 180 degree visibility that it offers.
Which, when you think about, it is really strange as many triathlons seem to be in lakes or other bodies of water that are so murky you can barely see your arms, let alone your hands.
So how about the triathlon crop top? A man bra as so many people have called it. We don’t think so!
So in our book that only leaves one piece of gear that is truly specific to triathlon. It is the one bit of gear that we think of when we picture the triathlon. We suppose this is because it has become synonymous with the start of the race.
It is also something that while used by other sports has been completely redesigned for triathlon.
Have you figured it out yet?
Your contest assignment (should you choose to accept it) is to identify this mystery thing.
The first person who gets the correct answer in the comments below wins. If you have won in the past please sit on your hands and let somebody else have a crack at it.
Good Luck and Have Fun!
Please note that shipping of prizes is only included with the United States. Winner's in other countries are responsible for postage costs.
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