11 Dream Gifts for Triathletes

Massage Gift Certificates

$50 to $100 per session x 6 to 12 sessions = $300 to $1,200
Sometimes athletes just won't spend the extra money for self-care. Massages can help prevent injuries, relieve tight muscles, speed recovery and improve relaxation as well as sleep. These certificates are always nice and won't go to waste. —Jo Campbell.

Garmin Vector Power Meter

$1,700
This is a lightweight, portable, pedal-based power meter that gives you true left/right power. Having accurate power data available on all of my bikes with the switch of pedals seems pretty cool. —Diana Hassel.

Gore Running Wear Essential Base Layer Windstopper Boxer

$50
Though this isn't a particularly expensive item, it is a really essential item for men that exercise in cold conditions. The frontal area protection is invaluable. —Rudy Schuster.

ZIPP 404 Firecrest Carbon Clincher Wheelset

$2,725
I'm wishing for a 58 mm rim depth wheelset for my bike. Light and aero, this wheelset is good for triathlons and time trials. Claims are that the wheels are even good enough for Grand Tour mountain stages. Maybe the best all-around wheelset? I'd love to find out. —Alan Schenkel.

More: 2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Cyclists

CycleOps Power Beam Pro

$1,000 to $2,000
I spend a fair amount of time training indoors in the winter. I am finding it hard to train by heart rate alone. The power numbers will allow me to train more effectively, providing an accurate measurement of my fitness level—and when it is improving. If Santa is feeling really generous, throw in the subscription-based CycleOps Virtual Training app for my desktop or tablet. —Jerry Nichols.

Felt IA Bike

$10,000 to $14,000
I want to be faster! I've been researching bikes and this one is definitely on my radar. It is the bike that helped Mirinda Carfrae win at Kona this year and I'm pretty sure it can help me too. Word on the street is that the geometry is great for Ironman racing. It is so fast that it isn't UCI legal and can only be used for triathlons. —Anonymous (I don't want the competition to know).

Chevy Suburban

$46,000 and up
We already have a Suburban and the mileage is piling up, so a replacement would be great. Several features of this vehicle make it my SUV of choice. First, I'm a bike snob and prefer to have my bikes ride inside the vehicle whenever possible. There is enough interior room for at least two bikes, two dogs, two humans and all of the gear that is needed for adventure. The cargo space height allows for bikes to remain vertical in a rack, with the front wheel removed. Additionally, it can be equipped with bike racks on top and it has the power to pull a trailer to provide sag support for several athletes, plus bikes and gear going on a grand adventure. —Gale Bernhardt.

May all your holiday wishes come true.

More: 2013 Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

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About the Author

Gale Bernhardt

Gale Bernhardt was the USA Triathlon team coach at the 2003 Pan American Games and 2004 Athens Olympics. She's worked as a World Cup coach and delivered education training for the International Triathlon Union's Sport Development Team. Thousands of athletes have had successful training and racing experiences using Gale's easy-to-follow training plans. You can find some of her training plans on Active Trainer to help you succeed.
Gale Bernhardt was the USA Triathlon team coach at the 2003 Pan American Games and 2004 Athens Olympics. She's worked as a World Cup coach and delivered education training for the International Triathlon Union's Sport Development Team. Thousands of athletes have had successful training and racing experiences using Gale's easy-to-follow training plans. You can find some of her training plans on Active Trainer to help you succeed.

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