How Much Does It Cost To Do Triathlon?

Are you thinking of taking triathlon for your wellbeing? Or are you looking to become that pro triathlete?
Well, James gives a detailed breakdown of what it would cost to be either of the two triathletes!

00:00 How much is it to be a triathlete?
00:14 Spectrums of a triathlete
01:02 Earl the beginner triathlete
01:18 Dave the pro triathlete
01:44 Breaking down the costs
04:39 The costs of racing
05:23 Hidden costs
05:48 Tallying the total costs

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[evantozer]

I’m just an Earl who wants Dave’s bike.

[elkapalka]

I spend like Dave and perfom like Earl, haha... 😅

[Scartoons-th]

Top tip: volunteer as a marshal at an event. Many event organisers give free race entry and free camping to volunteers. I've saved hundreds in races by doing this (and you get to give something back to the sport!)

[oh]

For some people, buying expensive gears can boost motivation of training and race even though we all know the engine matters the most.

[sebastianschreiber]

I yesterday completed my very first triathlon. It was a sprint distance tri.
I want to thank the entire crew of the channel for the many tips videos. They helped a lot. Especially the ones for the transitions and mindset. I am a sub for almost 4 years.

I spend quite a bit, since I wanted a new bike for it and got myself a - in my books reasonable - 1700€ Canyon Endurace 7 AL.
I guess I spend another 300€ for other bike related stuff. (Chain drip wax, helmet, bottle cage etc, spare quick links, Tubes)
Around 120€ for a tri suit.
Maybe 50€ for other swim related gear.

50€ entry fee.
Makes ~2200€. However the steepest cost were one timers. At least for a few years.


13.49 min swim (for around 700m) (13th Place total of 160 Starter)
35min Bike (around 18km) (57th)
27.57 Run (5km) (80th)

Total time 1:19:49

Landed on 50th place for men at the end and 7/12 in my age group (35M) But "only" 5 minutes to 3rd place!

I have to lose some weight to make that bike and run much quicker, but with triathlon trainings this wont be too hard.
Looking forward to more. The tri bug has truely bitten!
Many thanks again.

[AQCorner]

Good video, was nice to have the two perspectives

[ru]

Cyclist here. Before this, I only watch GCN videos and thought GCN presenters like Hank or Si are great but after watching a few GTN videos, I am totally hooked. Mark, James and Heather are just way better, funnier and more natural than GCN presenters in my opinion (GCN presenters can feel slightly forced in delivering comedic lines but Mark and James are just so good).

Good job guys. Keep up!!

[coachg]

Be more like Earl. Support local races as it's a real struggle to break even at the moment, with many races being cancelled and possibly lost forever. You don't need all the gear, just enjoy the sport, but if you have the money and it's what you want to spend it on, crack on. But still support local races, they're good fun!

[UnearnedConfidence]

Also consider that a lot of these pricey purchases are specific to your body and are thus harder to resell when you want to upgrade.

[danexitsstreetview]

Second hand is the way forward. I picked up a Cervelo P2 with deep section wheels for 1K, quality aero helmet for £80, power meter for £200, wetsuit for £50 and tri suit for £40. All work just as as well as new items but saved a bomb.

[andrewmcalister]

Dave’s M dot tattoo? I just spat coffee over my phone. 😂

[Crispkingguy]

I have been riding the same bicycle for the last 12 years, a Trek 1.1 8 speed but sent it through a Triathlon in March and another one in a few weeks. Pool toys have been my latest addition and have made a difference I reckon. Also 4E training shoes have been a big upgrade for me this year.

I think that recovery is a big cost. In Aus you’re looking at $100 for a 1 hour massage and $40 - $60 for a couple hours at a recovery centre with steam room, pools and compression.

Gym memberships are costly also and require their own recovery but pool admission fees are around $6.

Running is mostly free once you have good shoes but requires the most recovery so it’s a catch 22.

At the end of the day it gives back more than you spend like it’s been said but that’s as long as you maintain your existing relationship with your significant other and any kids. Tread lightly!

[Anihalas]

This is timed exceptionally well after GCN's joke about the price of triathlon in their video about the Americas Cup.

[pjsdk]

The cost will never out weigh the benefits you will get from it.

[jonathanzappala]

Loved it. Can’t leave out Dave’s tattoo 😂

[zacharyfindlay-maddox]

Ha I'm Earl for sure! I'm about to do my third ever Olympic triathlon in three weeks! I'm SLOWLY upgrading my gear as time goes on though.🤣

[BegravelseinBrussels]

This video is great! I'm an aspiring Dave.

[emilyworrall]

Would be good to see more of the middle range for price point of not wanting to break the bank but want to get the most out of the sport with middle range gear

[JamesJones-ctnm]

Last year was my first season.
2nd hand CUBE AERIUM TT bike £1000
2ng hand aero helmet £50
2nd hand disc wheel £300
TRI suit £100
Hand-me-down Wetsuit FREE
Goggles £15
Races -9x sprint about £600
1x Olympic £80
Garmin 945 £200
Swim training - open water FREE
Bike training -outside FREE
Run training - outside FREE
Gym training - bodyweight FREE

Under £2000 all in

[matthewsheeley]

I’ve done both a half Ironman distance and a full Ironman distance triathlon and just did my own route and tracked it on strava because I couldn’t afford everything for a “real” event. Still got the benefits of training so to me it’s still a win.