Triathletes love kit and they love upgrading - it's a perfect match, or storm, depending on your outlook and bank balance. Upgrades are usually designed to make us go faster and because the bike leg is the longest section of a race it's here

When the season is over, take a good look at the gear that has served you so well and decide what needs to be revamped, revived or recycled. Staff at The Tri Store in Eastbourne (thetristore.com) offer these tips.

the most expensive piece of kit you’ll need. However you can also hire them. Ensure you pick a wetsuit that fits correctly and has good flexibility. Why: Unless you're planning pool-only triathlons, or planning to move to the tropics, a wetsuit is crucial

. Instant seatbag: A standard 370mm strap makes a simple kit to carry essentials - tube, inflator, CO2 cartridge, tyre levers - under your saddle. Use a rubber band or thin strip of duct tape to hold your inflator and CO2 (threaded together but not pierced

. That said, you still require the right gear to ensure you train and race effectively, safely and within the rules of the sport.But what exactly is the right kit? The answer depends, in part, on experience and aspiration. A first-timer aiming to complete a

Gore Bike Wear Concept Gilet, £169.99Gore comes up trumps again with this lightweight, flexible and breathable gilet. Nothing has been left to chance, from the ergonomically shaped, fleece-trimmed collar to the adjustable hem with its covered cord stoppers. The pièce de résistanc...

an ice pack that will conform to any body part, mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a ziplock bag; store the bag in the freezer. It will become very cold but remain squishy." Lee Dixon"Be-prepared-for-anything ride-kit contents: ibuprofen, a £10

Novice triathletes soon realise that the best way to save time in transition is to limit kit changes. You need kit you can wear under your wetsuit for the swim, that offers protection and support for the bike leg and doesn’t encumber you on the run

Novice triathletes soon realise that the best way to save time in transition is to limit kit changes.You need kit you can wear under your wetsuit for the swim, that offers protection and support for the bike leg and doesn't encumber you on the run

riders of average height and weight will experience optimal performance with less than the maximum stated pressure. The Top Dog St Deluxe certainly lives up to its name and is a quality piece of workshop kit. The heavy steel base makes it stable