2012 Triathlete Gift Guide: Part One

Keep your medals from collecting dust (and pick up some hard-earned kudos) with one of these handmade racks.

Roll up your essential bike tools and throw them in your jersey pocket or bag. Comes with basics such as tire levers and a patch kit.

Looking for a new challenge? This beautifully photographed book profiles 50 of the toughest and most iconic races around the world, such as the Enduroman Arch to Arc from London to Paris, which includes running 87 miles, swimming the English Channel and biking 181 miles—only nine people have completed the event.

Perfect for a bike commute or walking around the city, Rapha’s Backpack combines function with subdued semi-hipster style.

Every pad, buckle, support and strap is placed in the perfect spot to cradle the foot from heel to toe. Perfect for mid- to low-volume feet.

If the Olympics turned you into an ITU Superfan, get the 2013 Season Pass to watch all 17 races live or on demand.

Wake up for your early-morning workouts without disturbing your partner using Lark’s silent vibration alarm. It can also track your sleep patterns via mobile phone app.

With CW-X’s “support web,” these flashy, comfy tights provide extra support and stability to all the important running muscles (women’s version shown).

Protect your iPad with this handmade distressed leather custom cover. It’s available in gold, taupe and latte-colored leather with the option to personalize.

*Editor's Pick* Editor-in-Chief Julia Polloreno: New Year’s resolution #14: Eat more fruits and veggies. Vitamix is the gold standard in blenders, making it easy to whip up nutritious veggie blends to fuel workouts and recovery.

*Editor's Pick* Editor-in-Chief Julia Polloreno: The iconic sports nutrition brand also owns a vineyard in Napa Valley, where it turns out some tasty (and affordable) vino. The four-bottle club membership scores you three shipments at a 30 percent discount.

*Editor's Pick* Web Producer Liz Hichens: I love to kick off the new year with new racing gear. This shoe has all the features I look for in a tri shoe (easy to put on, moisture control, comfort) and the women’s-specific colors are fun without being too showy.

*Editor's Pick* Web Producer Liz Hichens: I live in a warmer climate and am always struggling to find running outerwear that isn’t too stuffy. This jacket is lightweight, and the reflective feature is a great bonus for those early-morning runs.

*Editor's Pick* Senior Editor Jené Shaw: Made with the same comfortable support as their popular sports bras, this Moving Comfort V-neck tank has a built-in bra and zippered back pocket. I love the soft, wide waistband and the handy two pockets on the matching shorts.

*Editor's Pick* Senior Editor Jené Shaw: This vest is more stylish and functional than the hoodie I normally throw on for morning trips to the pool or post-workout errands.

*Editor's Pick* Senior Tech Editor Aaron Hersh: Soft but not itchy; comfortable and presentable; warm yet breathable, this merino wool sweater is one of my favorites from fall to spring.

*Editor's Pick* Senior Tech Editor Aaron Hersh: Other than a twisty descent, there are few things that add more to my enjoyment of a ride than a pair of Assos shorts. Not only do these keep me comfy for hours, but they take the sting off winter weather too.

*Editor's Pick* Associate Editor Bethany Mavis: With lightweight yet silky soft fabric, this form-fitting jacket features details to keep me visible (reflective strips), warm (thumb holes keep the sleeves down) and dry (moisture-wicking fabric and vents on the back).

*Editor's Pick* Associate Editor Bethany Mavis: This women’s watch—chic and colorful, with a bit of leather on the strap—is a fun alternative to bulkier athletic watches.

Its elegant steel body is about the size of a basic drip machine, but the Classic can help any coffee-loving triathlete whip up frou-frou coffee drinks or a straight shot of smooth espresso in their own kitchen.

Built on the same pumping mechanism as the $5,000 version used by pro athletes, this semi-affordable version retains the most important features of its big brother.

Fantasize about training on the Big Island? This five-and-a-half-day camp, open to triathletes of all levels, trains all over the Ironman Hawaii course and includes talks on recovery, and mental and nutrition strategies.

Warm and weather-resistant, this jacket will keep you comfortable through spitting rain and pre-dawn temps.

Sram’s crank-based power meter lets you swap wheels for racing and training without losing data at a price lower than the competition. ANT+ transmission and other features, such as right/left power balance, set this training tool apart.

Six days and five nights of cycling through the Tuscan countryside in between sampling wine and fresh bruschetta—we can dream, right?