Top Ten Gifts for the Triathlete Who Has Everything

Triathletes are pretty particular about their gear, if not certifiably exacting. The latest models, lightest material, freshest colors, and most inventive bells and whistles describe another kind of race, and personal preference and style can make gift-giving seem nearly impossible.

So what do you get the triathlete who has everything? Here are some sure-fire bets of various costs (and a few exclusive discounts), that any triathlete would thank Santa for, no doubt.  

#1 INSCYD Physiological Testing

(You don’t need to understand any of the following jargon) Every serious cyclist would flip for this gift: a science-based protocol that tests cyclists’ VO2max and VLamax, determining the quickest path to improving their threshold power. Got it? You don’t have to. Essentially, Campfire Endurance Coaching offers three levels of this world-class, innovative physiological testing, at three different price points. Learn more about INSCYD Physiological Testing and get your cyclist a brag-worthy gift.

#2 Super Rad Socks

Show us a triathlete who doesn’t want some rad new socks, and we’ll show you...um..something that doesn’t exist. In fact, I dare you to shop for super rad socks and not want some for yo’ self at the same time.

No one can have too many socks, especially triathletes, and finding a hip or wild graphic will make your gift personal. Shocking: we reco Wattie Ink.® socks like these. HOWEVER. If you don’t mind waiting, we’re releasing all our 2021 CBCG custom Wattie Ink. gear in a week. We’ll be offering racing kits, running shirts, trucker hats, and indeed, socks. They won’t ship until next year, but you could wrap up a little pic and give your triathlete something to look forward to (among so much more) in 2021.   

#3 Swim Video Analysis

From the first out of the water at Kona, to those who just learned to swim and are worried about cut-off times, everyone needs a personalized analysis by an expert coach. The Chris Bagg Coaching Group offers Swim Video Analyses that go the distance by offering a one-to-one session complete with video coverage from six angles, a sit-down analysis, individualized drill prescriptions, and a takeaway video of footage, comments, visual overlay graphics, and drills specific to you.

Most pro triathletes get such an analysis a few times a year to ensure they’re training effectively. Beginners especially benefit from analyses so they can correct poor form before they put into too many meters. Before you ask, of course your giftee can cash-in this service anytime, any month, any year as we await pools opening again. CBCG Swim Analyses are typically constrained to the greater Portland, Oregon area, but it might possible to adapt with the right technology, so email us for more info.

#4 Travel-sized Torque Wrench

You’ll have to check to ensure your giftee doesn’t already have one. If not, drop everything and order a travel-sized torque wrench right now.  Don’t even read the rest of this list (except for the second reminder that we’re releasing our 2021 CBCG custom Wattie Ink. gear in a week).

Torque wrenches are crucial to triathlon and TT bike maintenance, since carbon frames, seat tubes, and complex headsets require a specific application of force while tightening. As triathletes travel all over the world for races, it can be dangerous guesswork to make adjustments without a torque wrench, or a hassle to find a mechanic at the race site.

Any brand that looks relatively like the below pic is ideal, so long as it’s sold by a reputable cycling retailer, is relatively lightweight and compact, and has at least eight attachments. Borrow a paint pen or label gun (my mom has both) because everyone will want to swipe your athlete’s new prize possession.  

#5 Camp Camp Camp Camp!

Dream gift!  If you purchase a slot in a triathlon training camp, you’re giving the gift of training, camaraderie, coaching, and an ultimately memorable experience. There are tons and tons of camps of different styles, durations, and foci all throughout the year, and all over the world. Check out our CBCG Camps for the ultimate gift. If you’re purchasing for a partner, perhaps you’ll get to lobby for your own retreat sometime in 2021 for a quid-pro-quo.

#6 MarcPro® Recovery System

We’ve got a discount for you! The code ENDSCHOOL gets you 20% off, just for being a friend of CBCG. We guarantee you that every triathlete who doesn’t have a set of MarcPro wants one. This contraption is an EMS device that delivers the most effective muscle recovery available. Essentially, it gives off these crazy vibes that are adjustable and science-based, creating non-fatiguing muscle activation. Marc Pro makes it easy to recover faster, so your triathlete can perform at her or his best, which is an ideal gift, right? If they don’t have them, they just didn’t want to splurge, so you should for them and our discount will help.

#7 BlueSeventy® Gear

We’ve got another discount for you! Our code is "CBCG" and it is good for 30% through the end of the year (except Black Friday and the days around, so plan accordingly period. There are just a handful of world class wetsuits and swim skins out there, and we stand by BlueSeventy. The best part about this gift, apart from the discount, is that you have options: wetsuits, swim skins, bags, or even goggles for a budget-friendlier gift. Sizing is essential for the suits, but you can always exchange. If you’re unsure what a swim skin is and if your athlete needs one, all you need to know is that races in tropical locations require them, so you might want to start dreaming of vacay 2021.

#8 Zealios®

Sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, anti-chafe creams, recovery salves, and body lotion all specifically designed for the rare physiological traits of the species triathlete. You really can’t go wrong, here, and there’s more. Zealios is an awesome company run by rad peeps out of Bend, Oregon; they offer the cutest little bundles (cuter than baby Yoda) to make for perfect holiday gifts. Be careful, though, anyone who uses Zealios must be a triathlete, or else they’ll turn into one.

#9 Totally Amazing Bag

This bag is the best bag on the planet. Confident. There’s no way your triathlete (or anyone!) wouldn’t go nuts over the Wattie Ink. Blackpod Travel Pack. With top-of-the-line design, materials, and construction, it’s the ultimate travel bag, one that will likely find its way into everyday trips to the gym, pool, market, mountain, pub, or nail salon. Ergonomically designed shoulder straps ensure max comfort on your back, and it features a pass-through pocket that allows you to attach it to your roller bag while in transit. Most importantly, it’s really cool.

Speaking of Wattie Ink. gear, again, if you can stand to wait, we’re releasing all our 2021 CBCG custom Wattie Ink. gear in a week. We’ll be offering racing kits, running shirts, trucker hats, and indeed, socks. They won’t ship until next year, but imagine how stoked your giftee will be when he or she unwraps a unique gift some time in February.

#10 A Subscription to The Endurance School!

Is the triathlete in your life missing out on coached workouts and a strong sense of community? Send them over to The Endurance School! TES is our online portal for live workouts and interviews. We offer coached spins, strength sessions, yoga classes, and more! You can find us at www.twitch.tv/theenduranceschool. Gift a subscription by clicking on the purple button that says "gift a sub" just below the right corner of the screen.

Conversely, we recommend avoiding these items: hydration systems (too many options), helmets (unless you know exactly what they want), bike travel cases (unless you really know exactly what they want), magazine subscriptions (the quality varies), bumper stickers (if you have to ask...). Gift cards are also always a winner, in which case we recommend Wattie Ink., your local bike shop, or your local grocery store.

The above list, however, should give you some much more exciting ideas for your giftee, or maybe you, yourself, in which case you should just forward this message to your whole family. If that’s too blatantly hinty, send us their email and we’ll forward it for you.

 Happy Holidays from the Chris Bagg Coaching Group and The Endurance School!