Very easy to find locally, good fit ranges, and tons of real-world tri history behind them.
Kit ideas for PNW tri geeks
Gear & Brands Some I Actually Use
Not a paid list. Just a rolling shortlist of bikes, wheels, cockpits, wetsuits, and apparel that tend to work for Pacific Northwest conditions. Treat it as a jumping-off point, not gospel.
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Triathlon & TT Bikes
Frames you see over and over again in PNW transition racks.
Big dealer network in the PNW and a long-standing tri presence, plus easy service support.
Aggressive spec for the money if you're comfortable doing more of the setup yourself.
Strong fit tools in shops and good integration with things like Roval wheels and components.
Still a common sight in long-course fields; solid value if you find the right build.
Tri-specific geometry and details (storage, bosses, etc.) built around actual racing.
Nice balance of adjustability and stiffness, with plenty of high-end pro usage.
Not cheap, but extremely sorted front-ends and integration if you want full superbike vibes.
Race Wheels & Cockpits
Stuff that actually matters on flat/rolling PNW courses and windy coastal days.
Deep section wheels that are still rideable in gusty conditions, plus solid aero bar options.
Fast, stable wheelsets that handle PNW crosswinds better than most deep rims.
If you care about ride feel as much as speed, their hoops and cockpits are hard to beat.
Bulletproof hubs and raceable wheel options that still make sense for daily training.
Makes sense if you're already on Specialized; clean aero integration and good support.
Clean, aero-focused components that tidy up the front end of a tri bike.
Easy-to-find cockpit parts and extensions when you're dialing in fit or upgrading a stock bike.
Common OEM spec on a ton of tri bikes; plenty of options if you like integrated setups.
More niche, but great if you're chasing very specific fit and pad/extension shapes.
Aero Testing & Optimization
Tools and gear for dialing in your position and finding free speed.
Wetsuits & Swim Gear
Brands that don't totally hate you in cold lakes at 6:30am.
Cold-water friendly suits that work well for PNW lakes and coastal races.
Long history in tri; a lot of age-groupers end up in Zoot suits at some point.
Niche but extremely functional; two-piece designs can make fit and comfort way easier.
Sharp patterning and materials; lots of pros and serious age-groupers use their suits.
Good spread from entry-level to high-end, with models that handle colder water well.
Rotate a lot of ideas through their lineup — worth a look if “standard” suits don't fit you right.
You'll see a ton of their suits and sleeves at big regional races; easy to find deals.
Tri Suits & Apparel
Things you actually wear for 5–17 hours at a time.
Consistently comfortable kits for long-course racing and hotter race days.
If one-piece suits never quite fit, their separates and custom options are worth a serious look.
Race-cut gear that’s legitimately fast in the wind tunnel and still usable in the real world.
Nice balance of aerodynamics and comfort; strong sunglasses and run gear offerings too.
Plenty of PNW triathletes start here — easy to find, decent value, huge size run.