Race Tips

Just as we do in the spring, we designed team winter/cold gear. You can order as much or as little as you like. People always ask me for advice with winter gear. Here are the takeaways:

• Understand where YOU are coldest. Everyone is different.
• Always dress in layers. It is easier to take things off than shiver for the entire ride.
• Keep your torso and extremities warm.
• A base layer can be just about anything (tri top, underarmor top...anything tight)
• Don't buy cheap stuff. You will regret it.

The biggest issue with cold gear is often the cost. This stuff isn't cheap. For example, years ago, I purchased the neoprene, fleece lined tights ($128).  They were expensive, but on every COLD ride, I know I received my moneys worth.  I am not cold at all. Unless you have means, then I wouldn't try to accumulate everything in one winter. I try to add about 2-3 pieces each season. Slowly build your wardrobe. You can use plenty of items already in your closet to get you through most of the training.  For example, I own a pair of light black tights.  I can wear them OVER my bib shorts on cooler days and I can wear them UNDER my running shorts on cold days. 

In general, there are three levels of cold gear and they all play a vital role.

• First, there are long sleeve or tights. These are made of the same type of material as your summer gear. The purpose is to provide you a basic level of warmth and shield you from the elements.   You can also buy basic black tights at the local bike shop or sporting goods story. 
• Second, most manufacturers offer the same items but fleece lined. Obviously these are warmer. They are designed to be worn over additional clothes...a base layer like an underarmour top. 
• Finally, they offer a combination of the first two with the addition of wind blocking material. This is really important on super cold days. 
• In the long run, that means you might have 3 different pairs of gloves/tights....lightweight pair for a nice fall day, warmer ones for 50 degrees, and a windproof pair for a miserable day. They all play an important role in keeping you warm...just take your time and learn from your experience when accumulating them.

When I ride, I generally follow these guidelines regarding temperature:

• 60's: Shorts, maybe a light long-sleeve jersey (socks optional)
• 50's Light tights, long sleeve jersey with base layer, light gloves, socks, maybe toe covers
• 40's Heavier tights, fleece jersey with base layer, heavy gloves, socks, toe covers
• 30's Heavy tights, fleece jersey with base layer, jacket, heavy gloves, socks, booties
• 20's Not happening. :)

Take a look around.  The prices are listed a la carte.   Also talk amongst yourselves regarding the sizing.  With the exception of the fleece jackets, everything runs pretty true.  The fleece jackets are a bit small, in my opinion. 

The proofs have not been finalized and will change just slightly but what you see is what you will get.  Each item includes a link so that you can read the description and get a better idea of the item.  There are also sizing charts on those pages.   If you need to see the quality of an item let one of us know, we own just about all of it. 




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Winter Gear Offerings:

• ONLY OFFERED AS BIBS
• Bib Shorts - $74
• Fleece Bib Knickers - $88
• Fleece Bib Tights - $108
• Windproof Fleece Bib Tights - $128

Short sleeve jersey - $48

• Long sleeve jersey - $60 

• Fleece long sleeve jersey - $88 (subtle argyle print in the black)

• Windguard Jacket - $58

• Casual Tech Jacket - $78

Neoprene Winter Gloves - $40





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It has been a while since I explained everything, so here is how team gear works.

1.  Review your options below.
2.  Complete the ORDER FORM
3.  Pay 50% upfront & 50% when you get your gear.  (if we have your account, we can just deduct it).
4.  Deadline is Wednesday March 25th 5pm (central time)

As always, you are under NO obligation to buy.  We provide this gear to add to the team environment and camaraderie.  It goes a long way in helping identify each other on race day.  I can spot the FTP gear a mile away but a client wearing a generic top will run right past me (you all look the same).

Since the team is 95% complete, we will likely only place one spring order.  Plus, meeting minimums is sometimes a real pain in the butt.  Please understand that since all the gear is customized, refunds are not allowed.  We will try our best to work with you, if we can.  We don't generally order extra gear (did you see how much I still have from years ago) but sometimes people swap sizes.

This year we are doing things a bit different.  First, we are using two different companies.  The triathlon gear will be from Castelli (Core line).  This will include Core triathlon tops, Core triathlon shorts and triathlon suits.  Second, all the cycling, running gear and accessories will be from Champ-Sys.  CS is the company we have used for all 5 years of operation.  Please review their sizing charts below.

Castelli Sizing Chart
Champ Sys Sizing Chart.

Short Sleeve Jersey-$48
Sleeveless Jersey-$47




Long Sleeve Jersey-$60



Cycling Shorts-$56
Cycling Bibs-$64




(use your imagination...put the tri stuff together)