, whatever the weather, in a safe environment and at a time that suits you. Here's what to look for if you're thinking of introducing this extra element to your triathlon training. Join the resistanceThe biggest difference between the various turbo trainers

. Smooth out shiftingWhat good is a clean chain if it jumps around and skips gears? Loose cable tension is the likely culprit. With your bike in a repair stand, shift to the smallest cog. Turn the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur one-half turn clockwise

grit on your chain and cassette, a misaligned chainline (how your chainrings line up with your cassette), or changing gear late under pedalling load. If you don't work out the cause, and fix it, you run the risk of damaging your frame and drivetrain

Easy-as-pie psiTop Dog St Deluxe pump, £46.99Tyre pressure affects your bike's comfort, speed, handling and even your safety. And although your road tyres may have a maximum pressure of 125 psi, that might not be the pressure you should use; most riders of average height and weig...

. 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

Squeaky seatYour peaceful ride is interrupted by a distracting sound coming from somewhere on your saddle - like a broken spring in a mattress. The problemYour seat and seat-post clamp bolts may not be properly lubricated. The solution Remove your saddle from your post and treat...

 Pendle Wheel Support Bike Rack, £181.70This system requires your full concentration for the initial build but once constructed it's a no-fuss rack that will fit most vehicles with a tow bar. The wheels of your bike sit into D-loops, which are part of the main frame, while a vert...

When faced with winter, a triathlete generally makes one of three decisions about cycling: keep riding; move the bike inside to the turbo trainer; or shift emphasis to a different activity - Wii Fit, anyone? - until the warmer weather returns. No matter which category you fall in...

Packing your bike so you can take it abroad and then unpacking it at the other end are two of the biggest headaches in triathlon. The last thing you'll feel like doing after a long journey is rebuilding your bike. But all the work you've put

combination of hand signals and voice to indicate hazards."Going the distanceIf you're planning a long run or bike ride, David Tilbury-Davis, a Level III triathlon coach, recommends that you carry a mobile phone in a waterpoof bag - it won't be much use