What’s a team uniform event?
Every 5-6 weeks, Empire Tri Club sets up a pop-up shop at Finish Line Physical Therapy. All of our gear will be available for you to look at, try on and purchase (or pick up if you’ve pre-ordered).
Where do you host these events?
Finish Line Physical Therapy (119 W 23rd Street, 3rd Floor) If the front door to the building is locked, the code to enter is 2711
Finish Line Physical Therapy (119 W 23rd Street, 3rd Floor) If the front door to the building is locked, the code to enter is 2711
Will anything else be available to purchase besides Empire gear?
Yes! New this year, our cycling sponsor Castelli will be at our team uniform event showcasing and selling some exclusive non-custom items at 25% OFF to Empire Tri Club Members – including apparel, accessories, bags, chamois cream, gloves, etc.
Yes! New this year, our cycling sponsor Castelli will be at our team uniform event showcasing and selling some exclusive non-custom items at 25% OFF to Empire Tri Club Members – including apparel, accessories, bags, chamois cream, gloves, etc.
Why should I attend a team uniform event?
Tri gear fits very differently than your average workout clothes (Particularly Castelli gear, which runs SMALL!) Not only do a lot of people have questions about the gear (what is a tri suit? what’s the difference between bike shorts and tri shorts? does this fit me right? etc.), but most people end up trying on several sizes before deciding what fits best. Our coaches will be there to answer questions, explain what the different gear is used for and help you determine what gear best suits your needs.
Can’t I just purchase gear online?
Yes, you can. But as we mention above, triathlon gear fits very differently than your typical workout clothes, so most people who purchase gear online and “guess” their size, end up having to swap it for other sizes. Attending our uniform events eliminates the hassle of schlepping back and forth a few times to exchange gear for different sizes. If you order gear online, we will let you know when its available for pick up at Finish Line. Please note that it may be a few days.
Do you ship gear?
We do. A $10 shipping fee will be applied when you purchase online. Please note that it may take a few days to process and ship your order.
What’s your return / exchange policy?
We will gladly accept any unworn, undamaged gear within 30 days of purchase. We can either exchange it for another size or refund you for your purchase. After 30 days, no refunds will be given, only store credit. Customers are responsible for all shipping costs associated with exchanging / returning products. Please reference any available size charts before making your selection to ensure a proper fit.
What gear do you offer at these team uniform events?
We offer a large selection of Empire Tri Club Gear including:
- Tri suits – 1 and 2 piece
- Cycling gear – long and short sleeve cycling jerseys, bibshorts, arm/leg warmers, wind vests, thermal vests, thermal jackets
- Accessories – swim caps, water bottles, winter beanies, fleece hats, headsweats hats, etc.
- Run Gear – Tech t’s, run singlets
- And last but not least, our NEW (and awesome) Revici athletic & casual apparel! – burnout tanks, comfy long and short sleeve tee’s, zip up hoodies
We often have “sale bins” with heavily discounted items. Most of our gear can be found online in our shop. (Revici gear is not online currently but will be soon. If you want any of these items including women’s burnout tanks, long / short sleeve tee’s, or zip up hoodies, please email us and we’ll send over an invoice)
Do Empire Tri Club Members get a discount?
ETC Members and athletes enrolled in our beginner tri program get 10% off all purchases. If you purchase gear online, your discount will automatically be applied.
What payment methods are accepted?
We encourage you to PRE-ORDER GEAR ONLINE BEFORE OUR TEAM UNIFORM EVENT. If you pre-order gear, we will have it set aside for you when you arrive.
We ask that you please bring CASH OR CHECK!!! (we will also accept credit cards, but ask that you kindly bring cash or check if possible as it helps speed things along tremendously!)
What if I can’t make it to the team uniform event but want to purchase gear?
You may pre-order gear online, until mid-day on team uniform event days, and we will leave it for you to pick up at Finish Line at your convenience.
Pick up instructions:
Pre-ordered gear will be available for pick up at Finish Line PT (119 W 23rd St, 3rd Floor). When you enter the facility, turn left and walk to the back left corner of the room by the staff room. In the cubbies there are 2 black boxes with Empire Gear. It will be left in a bag with your name on it. Once gear is set aside for you, it is your responsibility to pick it up! Visit www.Finishlinept.com or call (212) 486-8573 for facility hours to make sure they’re open.
Pre-ordered gear will be available for pick up at Finish Line PT (119 W 23rd St, 3rd Floor). When you enter the facility, turn left and walk to the back left corner of the room by the staff room. In the cubbies there are 2 black boxes with Empire Gear. It will be left in a bag with your name on it. Once gear is set aside for you, it is your responsibility to pick it up! Visit www.Finishlinept.com or call (212) 486-8573 for facility hours to make sure they’re open.
NOTE: We will NOT be stocking tons of inventory this year. We have limited sizes in stock for certain items. If you pre-order gear we will set it aside for you at the start of the event. If you don’t pre-order, gear will be available first come, first served. We recommend you stock up on gear early in the season, as we cannot guarantee items will be available later on!! If we don’t have a particular item available in your size, we will accept pre-orders, and place an order if we reach the minimum requirement of 10 pieces per item.
What’s the difference between a one-piece and two-piece tri suit?
Functionally, they do the same thing. A tri suit is something that can be worn for your entire race. If you wear a tri suit, you do not have to change outfits between the swim, bike and run portions of the event. Castelli tri suits are quick drying, have light anti-microbial chamois pad for comfort on the bike, but not too much padding that it retains a lot of water, chaffes, or is bulky for the run. A tri suit is intended to be comfortable and save you time & effort during your race. Our women’s tri tops do NOT have built in support bras. The biggest difference between the one and two piece kit is personal preference.
One-piece tri kit pro’s and con’s:
Pro – You’ll never have to worry about your top riding up.
Pro – less gear to remember / pack / worry about losing
Pro – No elastic waistband / no “muffin top” (some athletes find it more flattering)
Con – more difficult for going to the bathroom
Two-piece tri kit – pro’s and con’s:
Pro – top and bottom clip together in the back, so that it won’t ride up.
Pro – easier for going to the bathroom
Pro – Can be worn as “separates” – ie. mix and match the top and shorts with other gear
Pro – Some people find it more versatile and get more use out of it during training – not just on race day
Con – some athletes find the elastic waistband less comfortable than wearing a one piece
Does your gear run true to size?
Castelli gear runs SMALL! We recommend athletes size up if you’re in between sizes.
Race Ready runs true to size
Headsweats Hats are all “one size fits most”. Our caps have an adjustable clasp in the back
Revici gear runs true to size.
