Category: Triathlete

Selling my VeloBuild VB-TT-001 Carbon FIBER TT Frame

16/12/2015

During the summer I decided I wanted to build my own bike in the off season. I thought it'd be something special to ride a machine I'd built myself and the personal element really appealed to me. I spoke to some of the guys in the workshop where I work and they agreed to help and guide me. No sooner than I'd bought the frame from VeloBuild, I was offered a machine I couldn't refuse. The 2013 Cannondale Slice RS Ultegra. I couldn't turn it down and as a result I am selling my VeloBuild TT Frame that comes with aerobars, handlebars and seat-post. The bike cost me $869/ €800 and cost me €110 to ship and a further €200 on customs. In all this frame cost me €1100 to buy, I am selling for €900. This is a real steal as I have done all the hard work dealing with customs and deliveries so the frame is there for someone to buy. Drop me a mail if interested and we can work something out. The VeloBuild range is great and I know many who have bought from them and ride the VeloBuild TT Frame with no problems. It is matt black and super lightweight with integrated headset. Chat soon. €900 ONO.

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Triathlon Race Gear: What You Really Need

24/3/2015

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"These bikes are like something from a Batman movie". This was a friends observation as I ventured into one of my very first triathlon races, and he wasn't wrong. One of the stand-out features of a triathlon event is the gear, I have never been so overwhelmed as I was on those first few outings, You see, I came from a swimming background, togs, goggles and a hat was all I needed.

The world of triathlon can be intimidating but don't let it be. All those competitors started at the beginning just like you and I. The fact you have decided to give triathlon a go is kudos enough without having to deal with the 'gear complex'. It takes years to amass the gear you want and in some cases a very deep wallet.

But enough about that, lets have a look at the triathlon gear you must have and some optional extras. These extras are dependant on what distance you are looking to do and how long you plan to remain in the sport.

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Best Triathlon Podcasts

25/2/2015

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If, like me, you are just mad to ingest as much triathlon information as possible, podcasts are a great source of fuel. It took me a while to get into podcasts as I never really warmed to the non-live concept of their production. But the following list of best triathlon podcasts have without doubt turned me to the other side. I downloaded the app 'Pocketcast' on Google Play for €2 and have never looked back. The podcasts I listen to offer me insight into a sport that I am still getting to grips with, keep me company during those long hours on the turbo trainer and make the morning commute that little bit more tolerable. Let's get into it.

1. IM Talk

I probably should have left these guys 'til the end but what the heck. IMTalk has got to be your first port of call. Everything about the episode rocks. I have only been listening for a few weeks and every Tuesday when my app auto-downloads their next episode, I sit and figure out which session I am going to use it for. The truth is I end up listening on the way to work on Wednesday morning. John and Bevan are hilarious as they are knowledgeable and have quickly brought me up to speed in the world of Ironman. What I really enjoy is not just their overwhelming knowledge of the sport and its competitors, but how they incorporate the regular Joes like you and me into their show. From Age-Grouper of the week to a designated Patrons section on the website, these guys had my backing the moment the offer came. 9/10 and the only reason I dock them a point is because 1 episode a week is not enough, WE NEED MORE!!!

2. Zen

Zen and the art of triathlon is another podcast I look forward to every week. Some of the episodes that Brett bashes out can come close to 3 hours on occasions so in this case you are getting some real bang for your buck. In some of the episodes I have listened to, Brett has had some big name triathletes which is always great to hear for a newbie like me. On a more intimate level, Brett does some of his episodes while actually out training and, more recently, gave us a minute by minute breakdown of his son actually racing an event. It makes for great listening and offers a unique insight altogether. 8/10 losing two points as its just not IMTalk and there is a huge focus on US specific events (from the episodes I've listened to anyway).

3. EN Nation

The reason I love Endurance Nation podcast is because of coach Rich's voice. I don't know what it is but it is super relaxing and even when he stumbles over words his authority remains. I have been tempted to sign up to his coaching but I am spending far too much money on this sport already so I have not gotten around to it yet. EN Nation provides a far more technical analysis of triathlon compared to the other shows I have mentioned. Coach Rich starts by offering intros to his discussions. This forms the basis of his podcasts and then he reverts to a closed platform system where only members can hear the rest of his talks. As a result his episodes are short but very insightful. They are great for a quick fix of triathlon information and updates. 7/10

4. Ben Greenfield

The Ben Greenfield podcast is what really got me into triathlon podcasts. To be more accurate, it was his YouTube videos. I was researching how best to store food on the bike during Ironman 70.3 (I had my first one coming up) and I came across Ben's videos. I was amazed and delighted by his range of advice and quickly became a fan. Now before I go on, please not that I am aware these guys need to make a living, heck I even support the guys at IMTalk, however, in more recent times I find Ben to have become the complete salesman. I don't mind a quick product mention before, after and even halfway through a podcast, but Ben has begun to do it so frequently, it has now become hard to differ between his advice and his sales. I still listen to the episodes but I just don't love them as much as I used to. On a positive note, Ben is one super positive guy and has a sick amount of knowledge so as a resource, he is well worth the listen. 7/10

5. Cup of Tri

Ok, so coach Rob and Helen are new to the game but I have listened to all their podcasts and I am a big fan. There are lots of pros to this podcast. They run nice short episodes so if you're tight on time (average 30mins per show) Cup of Tri works. I think everyone will agree that the voice on the other end of a podcast is super important. I have come across podcasts where I have turned off instantly due to the voice behind the show. I listen to a lot of BBC Radio shows and I am a sucker for the British accent. Rob's is super relaxed and as a triathlete, he knows his stuff. The show is in its infant stages so to speak and some of the earlier stuff clearly shows that, but this weekend I listened to the Matt Molloy episodes and really loved them so do check out, Cup of Tri. 8/10

I know there are a bunch more triathlon podcasts out there but I thought my top 5 would be enough to get started. If there are any glaring contenders I have missed do drop me a mail here on Fitness With Phil or catch up with me on Twitter.

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Selling my VeloBuild VB-TT-001 Carbon FIBER TT Frame

Triathlon Race Gear: What You Really Need

Best Triathlon Podcasts

1. IM Talk

2. Zen

3. EN Nation

4. Ben Greenfield

5. Cup of Tri

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