Unlike a sprint or Olympic distance triathlon you must be comfortable on the bike to race an Ironman or your performance is significantly degraded.  Small discomforts that are tolerable over shorter distances become progressively intolerable as the miles stack up.  These issues should be addressed in the fit process, but I have some favorite upgrades that may drastically improve you cycling comfort level; and they do not cost an arm and a leg.  Before you throw in the towel and spend thousands on a new bike you may want to try some of these fixes.

1. Profile Design FC-35 Armrest Kits.  Manufacturers have finally woken up to the fact that aerobars need to be comfortable and adjustable.  If you cannot spend the cash on a new aerobar upgrading the armrests to the FC-35 may significantly improve your comfort.  The armrest is wider, flatter, and retrofits on most Profile (and some other brands) of aerobars.  The old velcro straps are gone and the pads affix directly to the armrest.  Starting at just $34.95 for the injected plastic kit it may be the best money you spend this season.  The pads also come in three thicknesses up to 21mm, and the armrest kit also comes in aluminum (better durability) and carbon fiber for you weight weenies. $34.95-$129

2.  Giro Synthe Helmet.  We have come full circle on helmets.  The full aerohelmet with face shield is a great option for short course racing but many athletes did not like it for long course.  Although aero with most of the face and ears covered athletes felt like their head was in a bubble and hearing was compromised.  Some complained of neck fatigue but worse yet was a lack of ventilation.  An full aerohelmet could fairly cook you during long climbs on hot days.  Enter the semi-aerohelmet, a hybrid of a road helmet with the improved aerodynamics of an aerohelmet.  Although their are varying degrees of "aero" my favorite is the Giro Synthe, not just for aerodynamics but it is incredibly comfortable.  The Roc Loc Air retention system is so good you forget you have it on.  $249.99 

3.  Profile Design FC35 Hydration System. Profile makes my list again with the FC35 (or smaller FC25)  They seem to have white boarded all the problems with previous aerobottle systems and addressed them directly.  No longer is the straw poking you in the eye (folds down), or drink splashing you in the face (no splash refill port features hands free re-filling).  The mounting system is very easy and solid (no zipp ties or rubber bands) and stays in place.  There is a built in storage space for your gels (get rid of that ugly bento box), and the computer mount is right where it needs to be out front so that you can see it without moving your head.  And it may actually improve the aerodynamics of your bike by acting as a fairing in front of your cables and stem.  The system allows you to comfortably stay aero longer which effectively makes you faster.  $109.99

4.  ISM PN 1.1 Saddle.  The PN 1.1 borrows it's shape from the ISM Attack, one of our best selling saddles but adds more padding.  It still has the narrow nose which solves the chaffing/contact issue experienced with other ISM saddles.  Although a bit heavier, at $75 less than the Attack many riders find this saddle more comfortable.  $149. 

5.  Shimano TR-60 Triathlon Shoe.  When it comes to dropping inertial weight (moving weight that really matters) one of the least recognized places to address it is your shoes.  You can spend thousands on a wheelset, many hundreds on a carbon crankset, but shoes offer one of the best ROI's.  I have had athletes drop 3-5oz per SHOE which is weight that gets moved thousands of times throughout an Ironman.  Shimano TR-60 in carbon is my favorite shoe, not just because it is light but it is also very comfortable.  I like the wider toe box and single strap closure which helps address foot numbness caused by compression.  The interior is comfortable enough for barefoot riding and it has great ventilation and drainage.  $249.99