Swimming
Swimming | Cycling | Running | History
The Bicycle Works Triathlon Centre now offer a large selection of both Men's and Women's competitive Swimwear.
We cater for both Swimmer's and Triathlete's and also stock a complete range of swimming accessories including; Swimming Goggles, Swim Caps, Kickboards, Hand Paddles, Masks and Swim Fins.
Wetsuit Sales and Hire
The Bicycle Works Triathlon Centre now stock a wide range of wetsuits for sale and hire.
Tri to buy !
If you hire a wetsuit from us and then you decide to buy one, we will give you the original hire fee as a discount. Please call us for more details.
New wetsuits cost from £169 - £349
Triathletes will use their legs less vigorously and more carefully than other swimmers, husbanding their energy for the cycle and run to follow. Many triathletes use altered swim strokes to compensate for turbulent, aerated water and to conserve energy for a long swim.
In addition, the majority of triathlons involve open-water (outdoor) swim stages, rather than pools with lane markers. As a result, triathletes in the swim stage must jockey for position, and can gain some advantage by drafting, following a competitor closely to swim in their slipstream.
Triathletes will often use "dolphin kicking" and diving to make headway outward against waves and body surfing to use a wave's energy for a bit of speed at the end of the swim stage. Also, open-water swims necessitate "sighting", raising the head to look for landmarks or buoys which mark the course. A modified stroke allows the triathlete to lift the head above water to sight without interrupting the swim or wasting energy.
Because open water swim areas are often cold, specialized triathlon wetsuits have been developed. In addition to warmth, wetsuits add buoyancy and smoothness, both of which increase swimming speed. Wetsuits are only legal in sanctioned events with a water temperature equal to or below 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 degrees Celsius).
Some events allow wetsuits regardless of water temperature, and sometimes they are required. Or, in a single event, wetsuits may be allowed for "age groupers" but not for professionals, as the temperature rules differ slightly between the two groups
