Is Your Gear Past Its Expiration Date?
From wetsuits to running shoes, there will come a time when your well-loved tri gear kicks the bucket.
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From wetsuits to running shoes, there will come a time when your well-loved tri gear kicks the bucket. Here’s how to tell when to hold on, and when it’s time to let go.
1. Water is getting into it. “A good fitting wetsuit will have a maximum leakage of 1 to 2 inches around the neck, arm/wrist, and leg/ankles. As soon as you start to notice water past those areas, you know that the suit is on its last leg,” Jones says.
2. There’s a hole. “If you keep swimming in a wetsuit with a hole, you can aggravate the hole and make it bigger.”
3. Cracking neoprene allows water into the suit, compromising the suit’s effectiveness.
To ensure the full effectiveness of your helmet, scan the components for weaknesses. If any buckle is broken, the straps detach, or the plastic exterior has begun to crack, replace it.
“Running outdoors is harder on your shoes than treadmill running,” Hess says. “Also a heavier person will break down their shoes more quickly, as they are coming down with more weight. So a pessimist will say replace your shoes in 300 miles and optimist will say 500. If you don’t go to far over that, then you should be fine.”
If tracking the mileage of your shoes is a hassle, listen to your body. One of the first signs of shoe degradation is joint pain, especially in the knees and hips.
Treads are also a telling sign: “A flat shoe is like driving on bald tires,” says Hess. “If the tread on the outsole (bottom) of the shoe is worn out, then it is probably time to replace them.”
“Most people will ride theirs until it shows enough wear that necessitates a replacement,” says Molly Raimonte of Breakaway Bikes in Philadelphia, Penn.
One sign that a saddle should be replaced is ripped fabric, which can cause chafing and discomfort. A cracked or broken saddle rail is also a reason to find a new seat, as it poses a serious safety hazard for the rider.
Signs you need a new pair: 1. Continued leakage after troubleshooting. 2. The clasp that holds the goggles to the strap breaks. 3. A broken nosepiece. 4. A split or distorted gasket. 5. The lenses become so scratched up that sight becomes impaired. Signs a new pair is required: 1) Continued leakage after troubleshooting. 2) The clasp that holds the goggles to the strap breaks. 3) A broken nose piece. 4) A split or distorted gasket. 5) The lenses become so scratched up that sight becomes impaired.
The more a sports bra is used, the quicker it will wear out: straps will stretch out and the band will become less supportive, leading to discomfort for the athlete.
If a bra doesn’t fit like it did when you bought it, it might be time for replacing. Bottom bands or straps that don’t provide the proper tension for support are also signs that your bra isn’t performing like it should. Finally, note any chafing–a tell-tale sign of an improper fit as a result of material breakdown. For more info on when to replace bike components, check out our handy bike maintenance schedule.
For more info on when to replace bike components, check out our handy bike maintenance schedule.