The best budget triathlon kit of 2025

Every triathlete will know that three sports in one equals lots of triathlon gear. But this doesn’t always have to cost a fortune, especially if you know where to shop and how to sniff out the deals.

While we might find ourselves reaching for the latest must-have items from big-name brands, stocking up on new triathlon gear can come at a hefty price.

That’s why we’re always on the lookout for fantastic budget-friendly options; those practical, durable and smart pieces you can rely on without breaking the bank.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite pieces of kit that have been tried and tested by yours truly, to help you stay within budget this tri season.

The best budget triathlon gear to buy this year

1. Zone3 Activate+

• $160 / £109, £54

Zone3’s Activate+ tri-suit brings some welcome upgrades to their entry-level range. The Tropical Palm design is stylish without being over-the-top, and the breathable mesh back panel does a great job keeping you cool during tough efforts.

The Lycra sport fabric offers a comfortable, flexible fit that feels great on the move. The medium size runs a bit relaxed, more so than expected, so if you’re between sizes, consider sizing down.

Storage is minimal, with just one rear pocket that fits a couple of gels, making it best suited for shorter races or training sessions. Overall, the Activate+ blends comfort, style, and performance nicely for beginner to intermediate triathletes.

2. Hoka Rincon 4

• $125 / £109.99

Weighing around 228g, the Hoka Rincon 4 are lighter than the Rincon 2 and feature added cushioning and reinforcement in the midsole and outsole.

A breathable mesh upper and slim asymmetrical tongue enhance comfort, while a handy heel loop and 5mm heel-to-toe drop complete the design.

You can browse more of the best budget running shoes in our best list.

3. Orca Athlex Float

• $349 / £239

The best triathlon wetsuits can require significant investment, but Orca’s five-star Athlex Float brings the price down significantly.

This entry-level suit’s added bouyancy is ideal for beginners while its stretchy materials contributed to its fantastic fit on our tester.

For more bargain options, head to our selection of the best budget triathlon wetsuits.

4. Giro Jagg Mitts

• $19.95 / £19.99

Pick up an affordable option for cycling gloves in the shape of these fingerless Giro Jagg Mitts. They’re lightly padded along the palms over key pressure points, the top part being made out of a smooth, four-way stretch Lycra for comfort and fit, which is further aided by the slim Velcro top closure.

Gloves are especially useful to aid grip during hilly rides and to prevent sores from pressure-points, as well as providing a little extra warmth.

For less than $20/£20, these Giro mitts are handy for shorter journeys, though may feel a little big for extra small hands due to the unisex sizing.

• The best cycling gloves for comfort and protection

5. Huub Commit Long Course Tri Suit

• $125.99 / £119.99

A classic in the HUUB range and for sub-$130, the Huub Commit Long Course is one of the best cheap triathlon suits available.

This long-distance primed tri suit feels silky smooth on and has just the right amount of tri-specific chammy padding to cushion you on the bike, while not getting in the way when running.

The stylish ombre design’s a big tick in our books, too. Comfort extends to the neat zip garage and medium-sized leg grippers. Angled pockets make grabbing a gel super easy, plus the lightweight fabric’s quick-drying on the move.

• The best tri suits reviewed: short-sleeved, vested and Ironman

6. Boardman SLR 8.6

• From $750 / £550

Half the price of the carbon version, this entry-level bike boasts great value with a triple-butted aluminium frame, full-carbon fork, and 8-speed Claris gears.

The Boardman SLR 8.6 feels agile and smooth on the road and impressively responsive for a $750/£550 steed. It’s also available in good, second-hand condition from various outlets.

If your budget stretches further, consider one of the best road bikes for triathlon.

7. Coros Pace 3 Multisport Watch

• $229 / £219.99

The Coros Pace 3 follows up on its predecessors’ reputation as a top-performing multisport watch. With a $229/£220 price tag, it’s a steal. The watch has two-hundred sport profiles and includes swim, bike, run metrics, solid GPS and optical HR sensor.

This third-generation Pace gains a touchscreen and can store 4GB of music to play as you run, swim or cycle.

Click here to read our full review of the Coros Pace 3, or check out our full review round-up of the best triathlon watches to buy.

8. Endura FS260-Pro Helmet

• $109.25 / £89.99

Versatile and durable with 14 sizeable ventilation channels, we were suitably impressed with the Endura when we tested the best road bike helmets for triathlon.

The helmet feels light and durable, plus the green helps with visibility on the road. Take a look at our full review of the Endura FS260 Pro.

9. Speedo Proton Wetsuit

• $180 / £140

The Proton proves that budget wetsuits can still impress. At just $180/£140, it offers surprisingly high-end features like Yamamoto 38-cell neoprene and a sleek, flexible 1.5mm shoulder panel that makes for an enjoyable, natural-feeling swim.

Unlike many entry-level suits that sacrifice feel for float, the Proton strikes a smart balance, being supple and streamlined without losing touch with the water. It’s light, flexible, and genuinely fun to swim in.

Downsides are minor: leg buoyancy tops out at 4mm, so sinkier swimmers might want more lift, and the neoprene is delicate. If you’re between sizes, going up is the safer bet.

• Top budget triathlon wetsuits for men and women

10. Zoggs Spectra

• £22 (UK and Europe)

New for 2025, Zoggs’ Spectra goggles offer great comfort, impressive flexibility, and a wide field of vision, all at a competitive price.

The clear lens version we tested (also available in blue and smoked tints) features a soft, wide strap with easy side adjusters and a dual-density nose bridge that stays leak-free, even when flexed.

They’re exceptionally comfy and durable, making them ideal for training or casual swims. While the large size and bold look may not appeal to competitive or masters swimmers, and the nose bridge does slightly obstruct the view, they’re a solid choice for recreational use.

• Best swimming goggles for triathlon

11. Shimano RC100 Road Cycling Shoes

• £89.99 (UK only)

Shimano’s RC100 road shoes offer solid performance at a budget-friendly price. With a fibreglass-reinforced nylon sole, they deliver a stiff, efficient pedaling platform. Three Velcro straps provide a secure, adjustable fit, and the design helps minimize chafing during long rides.

They’re compatible with both Shimano SPD-SL and Look Keo cleats, making them a versatile choice for entry-level or casual road cyclists.

• Best road bike shoes reviewed

12. Topeak Toploader Top Tube Bag

• $49.95 / £32.99

This large, padded top tube bag fits all the essentials and more for your long rides. It’s also a great option to stash bike peg nutrition during a race, the pocket having ample space for four or five gels, spare inner and more.

Fastening system is via adjustable Velcro straps, and the zip is smooth to pull up on down when grabbing gels on the move.

There’s also a waterproof cover hiding in a side compartment which can be whipped on in adverse weather. The only thing we found was that our legs rubbed slightly against the bag during standing climbs.

• Best bikepacking bags for two-wheeled adventures

13. Under Armour Charged Pursuit 3 Run Shoe

• $75 / £55

These affordable, padded, lightweight kicks from Under Armour just prove that you don’t need to splash hundred on your next pair of road running shoes.

They’re designed with comfy sock liner and ‘compression moulded foam’ midsole for impact absorption, but it’s the supreme level of cushioning throughout that stands out to us.

• Best triathlon race-day run shoes reviewed

14. Camelbak Podium Bottle

• $13 / £11

This 620ml bottle option from Camelbak fits into a standard bottle cage and has a self-sealing valve with a twist-locking top, a great quality, budget option for storing your bike hydration.

• Best cycling water bottles

15. High5 Energy Gel

• $49.96 / £25.99

Made with real fruit juice plus vitamin B6, one gel provides 23g of fast-releasing carbs and weighs only 40g. Choose from a variety of flavour options and stock up on gels for training and racing.

• Best energy gels: top choices for triathlon

How to choose the right budget triathlon kit

Getting into triathlon doesn’t have to break the bank. While high-end gear can offer marginal gains, a well-thought-out budget kit can still get you through training and race day efficiently. Here’s how to make smart choices without overspending.

Where you should invest

Some items in a triathlon kit are worth spending extra on because they directly impact performance, comfort, and safety. There are certain areas to scrimp on and other areas that need investment.

Wetsuit: If your race requires one, a well-fitted wetsuit can make a huge difference in buoyancy and warmth. Look for entry-level models from reputable brands, often found second-hand or on sale.

Running shoes: Foot health is crucial. Ill-fitting or poor-quality shoes can lead to injury and additional problems down the line. Visit a running store for a proper fit, even if you plan to buy last season’s model at a discount.

Bike fit: You don’t need a top-tier bike, but a professional fit will optimize comfort and efficiency. Consider used bikes, but don’t skimp on the fit.

Where you can save money

There are areas where you can cut costs without sacrificing too much quality. It’s important to note that there’s always a balance to be had here.

Tri-suit: While a high-end suit can offer slight performance benefits, a budget-friendly option will still provide the versatility you need for all three disciplines. Unless you’re racing at the pointy end of the sport, it’s unlikely that those marginal gains will make a big difference.

Helmet: Safety is non-negotiable, but you don’t need the most aerodynamic model. A basic, certified helmet will do the job.

Sunglasses: Avoid overpriced cycling-specific glasses. The benefits of cycling sunnies are that they typically provide higher coverage and protection. Any UV-protective sports sunglasses will suffice.

Bike accessories: Instead of carbon bottle cages and top-end aero bars, go for budget-friendly alternatives.

Tech gadgets: A high-end GPS watch or power meter is useful but not essential for beginners. A basic sports watch and a free training app can provide the data you need.

Nutrition: Branded sports nutrition can be pricey. Experiment with homemade energy bars or affordable alternatives like bananas and peanut butter.

Smart shopping tips

Buy second-hand: Many triathletes upgrade frequently, so lightly used gear is often available in second hand stores and online at a fraction of the cost.

Look for sales: End-of-season discounts and clearance sales are great opportunities to grab quality gear at lower prices.

Borrow or rent: If you’re unsure about long-term commitment, consider renting a wetsuit or borrowing a bike for your first race to try it for size and comfort before buying or if you only need it once and deem it not worth the investment.

By strategically deciding where to invest and where to save, you can put together a solid triathlon kit on a budget. Prioritise comfort, safety, and performance where it matters most, and get ready to enjoy your race without financial stress!

Looking for budget-friendly running shoes? Sports footwear can be expensive, so we’ve found the best budget options to buy; read our guide to find great choices for your next triathlon event.