Equipment List
*Equipment is recommended but not mandatory for the Basic Programs
Dominic Therrien
3' 11 ' Bunny Hop
2003
Note from your coach...
I understand that purchasing this equipment all at once may be a financial stretch, however, I would encourage you to keep in mind that my job as your coach is to teach you how to train, when to train and inform you of the gear that you will need in order to train successfully. Just like most BMX riders are willing to pay extra money to build the best bike that money can buy, the serious athlete will take it a step further and purchase the equipment that they need to allow them to become the best athlete they can be.
I have included the links for all the equipment you will need to start your training program. Each link has a corresponding video explaining how we will use the equipment and why it is important.
Keep in mind that those links are only suggestions of brands and models I am recommending in order to save you from the shopping headache. Note that there are far more options available to you on the market. If for some reason my recommended brand/model is out of stock or you would simply feel more comfortable purchasing your favorite brand from another party, please feel free to do so. Ultimately, the only thing that will matter is that you have the tools that you need to do your training programs correctly.
-Dominic
Wireless Laser Timer
Be aware that the Speed Tech requires 3 Anker PowerCore batteries.
Bike Roller
*You do not need the Bike Roller to start your training program. It will be used to warm-up for races only.
The Live Roller R500 is my recommended (preferred) model, however, it only works for bikes no smaller than an expert XL frame, (for kids about 12-13 years old, to be on the safe side). For the younger athlete, I would recommend a bike trainer in lieu of the roller. Keep in mind that most common bike trainers on the market are made for bikes larger than our typical 20" BMX bike. Bike trainers that fit a 20" bicycle are very limited and hard to find. Below are two links for bike trainers that will fit our wheel size. I recommend the Redline Bike Trainer (preferred), however, it is often out of stock. My second recommendation would be the Minoura Liveride.
Heart Rate Monitor
Step Box
Resistance Tube
*If you are old enough to get a gym membership, you do not need to purchase a resistance tube.
Stopwatch
Measuring Wheel, Spray Paint, Cones
Bike Equipment
*If you are old enough to get a gym membership, you do not need to purchase a spin bike.
As a reference, I have included a link to the TTP approved bike measurement chart that you will use to make sure that you are riding the right bike for your upcoming season. TTP Bike Size Chart
Athlete height: 4'6"-6'6"
Athlete height:
4'-5'
The most frequently asked question is regarding my younger athletes:
Do I really need a spin bike or can I just use the Bike Trainer?
My answer is... yes. You could just use the trainer. However, if it were me, I would use the spin bike. The trainer will be used for the race warm-up only. As mentioned in the video, some tracks will not have good rideable ground and you will need your trainer to warm-up properly.
For the endurance sessions, older athletes will be able you use the spin bikes at their local gym, however, younger athletes who cannot get a gym membership will need to have a spin bike at home. The endurance sessions in the training program are anywhere from 30 min to 1 hour. For comfort reasons, I personally would not want to sit on my BMX bike for that long. A comfortable, quality spin bike will simply be more appropriate for these training sessions. I have suggested a few options depending on your child's size. The smaller Spin Bikes are very hard to find. In the event that my suggestions are out of stock and you cannot find another option, purchase a mountain/road bike for your child and follow the suggestions below...
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Use your local high school running track (if allowed) and do your interval/endurance workout there. Ride in circles non-stop until the end of workout.
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Find a safe neighborhood to ride around the block where there are no hills, stop signs or stop lights, etc. Ride in circles non-stop until the end of workout.
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Get a mountain/road bike for yourself as well, drive outside city limits where there are no stop lights or stop signs, do the workout with your child and thank me later.
Jump Rope
Click this link to be sure your jump rope is the correct length. Jump Rope Size Chart