When the race season wraps up, most triathletes breathe a sigh of relief. The months of early mornings, long weekends on the bike, and sweaty brick sessions finally slow down. But here’s the thing: your gear has been through just as much as you have. Bikes, wetsuits, running shoes—they all take a beating across training and racing. If you neglect them now, you’re setting yourself up for frustration (and unnecessary costs) when next season rolls around.

I’ve seen athletes roll into spring training only to realize their bike chain is rusted, their wetsuit has cracks from poor storage, or their run shoes are well past retirement. Trust me—I’ve been there before, and it’s not the way you want to kick off a season. This blog will walk you through a simple, practical process for reviewing and maintaining your equipment during the off-season, ensuring you’re ready to go when it’s time to ramp up again.

Start with Your Bike: Service Before Storage

Your bike is your most valuable piece of triathlon gear, and it deserves attention before you hang it up for winter. Take it to your local shop for a professional tune-up—especially if you’ve been racing hard. Mechanics can spot wear you might miss, from frayed cables to worn chainrings.

If you’re comfortable with DIY maintenance, at the very least:

Clean and degrease the drivetrain.
Inspect your tires for cuts or flat spots.
Check brake pads and cables.
Apply a protective lube to your chain to prevent rust.

It’s also worth considering a bike fit refresh during the off-season. Bodies change over the course of a year, and the off-season is the perfect time to make adjustments without the pressure of upcoming races. For a deeper dive on bike maintenance, check out Slowtwitch’s maintenance tips.

Wetsuits and Swim Gear: Clean, Dry, and Store Smart

Wetsuits are surprisingly fragile if neglected. Rinse yours thoroughly with fresh water, inside and out, to remove chlorine or salt residue. Dry it in the shade—not the sun—and store it lying flat or hanging on a wide wetsuit hanger. Avoid folding it, as creases can turn into cracks by next season.

If you’ve noticed tears, now’s the time to repair them with wetsuit glue or send the suit to a professional repair service. Goggles and swim caps also deserve attention: toss any that are stretched out, and replace lenses that are too scratched to see through clearly.

Running Shoes: Rotate and Retire

This one’s simple but often ignored. Most triathletes hang onto shoes far longer than they should. If you logged heavy miles this season, it’s worth retiring that pair and rotating in something fresh during the off-season. Your joints will thank you.

The off-season is also a good time to experiment with new models. If you’re planning a spring marathon or early 70.3, you’ll want time to break in a new pair of trainers or race flats. Check your shoe mileage—most pairs are good for 300–500 miles—and make replacements accordingly.

Helmets, Sunglasses, and Small Gear: Safety First

Helmets don’t last forever. Even if they’ve never been crashed, the foam and straps degrade over time. Industry standards suggest replacing helmets every 3–5 years, or sooner if you notice cracks or damage. Sunglasses and visors should also be inspected for scratches that affect visibility.

It may feel small compared to the cost of a bike, but replacing these items can make a big difference in safety and performance.

Storage Tips: Protect Your Investment

One of the biggest mistakes I see athletes make is tossing their gear in a basement or garage without thought. Humidity, freezing temperatures, and even rodents can cause damage. Store gear in a dry, climate-controlled space whenever possible.

Keep your bike indoors if you can, or use a quality cover.
Store wetsuits away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
Use sealed bins for smaller gear like shoes, helmets, and goggles.

Think of it like this: you’ve invested thousands of dollars into your gear—spending a little extra time on proper storage ensures it lasts.

Why Off-Season Gear Maintenance Matters

Beyond the obvious (saving money), this process builds confidence heading into a new season. There’s nothing worse than showing up to your first big ride in April only to have a mechanical issue, or discovering your wetsuit zipper has corroded the night before an open-water swim.

The off-season is about recovery, but it’s also about preparation. Just as you plan your training blocks and set goals for the next year, caring for your gear sets the stage for a smoother, stronger season.

At the end of the day, preparing your equipment for the off-season isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the simplest ways to set yourself up for success. Take the time now to service your bike, clean and store your wetsuit, rotate your shoes, and replace small but critical items like helmets and goggles. By spring, you’ll be thankful you did.

If you’re ready to take your preparation to the next level, check out our past triathlon blogs for more seasonal training and gear tips. Better yet, download our free Off-Season Triathlon Gear Checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Gear Review and Maintenance: Preparing Your Equipment for the Off-Season