“SPRING CLEANING” USED TRIATHLETE GEAR

Whether race season is winding down or it’s just been awhile, it may be time to do a little “spring cleaning” of used triathlete gear, especially before next season. Did your triathlete buy a new bike, wetsuit, or wheels this year and you’re now wondering what to do with last season’s? Do you have a closet filled with used sneakers just waiting to find a good home?  We’re here to give you some ideas, as you have many options.

• First and foremost, toss any clothes too stinky, too yellow, or ripped.  With all the shirts they have, will they seriously know – okay, be careful with finisher merchandise; that could be missed.  Also, be careful turning them into rags, as they could be found when they need a rag to clean the bike.
• Sell the items for super cheap to a friend or other “beginner” that is starting out, young and/or with limited funds, or just wanting to “trade up” to better gear.  This is a good way to help others get into the sport or help others be able to afford some better gear once they are hooked.
• Donate to local charities, such as Good Will or thrift stores.
• Overall gear, clothing, and accessories:

1. 1. The Pro’s Closet.  They list your item on ebay for you and will help with shipping to their warehouse in Boulder.
   2. Check to see if there are swap meets in your area or start your own.
   3. Advertise them for sale in your local papers, on ebay, Craigslist, Swim Bike Sell, or the classifieds of Beginner Triathlete and tri clubs, such as LA Tri Club.  You can also advertise other equipment on these 2 sites, such as wetsuits.

• Sneakers:  you have multiple donating options to worthy causes.
  
  
  

  Honestly, you only have 2 feet……

1. 1. Soles4Souls.  This group works with micro-enterprise organizations in countries around the world.
   2. Hope Runs.  This group helps orphans in Kenya.
   3. One World Running.  They donate to needy athletes around the world or recycle and repurpose; check their website for drop off locations around the country.
   4. Nike.  You can drop your old shoes at any Nike or Converse store and they will recycle

• Bikes:
  

  Cervelos getting dizzy hanging upside down in the garage….

1. 1. Take the bike apart and sell, recycle, or donate the parts.  ehow.com has articles on how to donate and recycle used bikes.
   2. Again, advertise them for sale in your local papers, on ebay, Craigslist, Swim Bike Sell, or the classifieds of Beginner Triathlete.  You can also advertise other equipment on these 2 sites, such as wetsuits.
   3. FrankenBike.  These swap meets are located in several cities across the country, such as Austin, Portland, and St. Louis and do bikes and related gear.
   4. Check out your local bike shops or tri clubs to see if they have donation programs or what their members do with used equipment.

• Recycle anything left over that can be.

As you can see, there are many options available to you for that “sitting in the basement/closet gathering dust ” gear.  You can do some good or make some money or a little of both.  Happy “spring cleaning”!

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH USED TRIATHLETE GEAR?

Sherry Wernicke

Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.