Tri-suits vs bike shorts vs wetsuits
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BrianMc posted 3 years ago.
I think we had something about this recently, and it spawned a whole topic questioning the legality of racing naked. Anyways.
First off, its a little difficult to change shorts between each event. You may be able to find someway around this, but generally, ripping off your shorts in the transition area will not be appreciated by fellow athletes and spectators (most of them anyway)
What I would recommend, is to get either tri-shorts (cheaper) or a tri-suit. They don't provide any extra bouyancy in the water (you can wear a wetsuit over the top of them however, and this will make you float better), but they do have some padding. Not as much as bike shorts, but enough to keep you comfortable on the bike, while still allowing to run and swim. They also dry quickly, so you won't be wet for long.
Seeing as it is your first race, I wouldn't bother with the tri-suit. Go with the shorts, and just throw on a t-shirt after the swim (its a little difficult to get on a wet body, which is why people elect to race tri-singlets or a full tri-suit underneath their wetsuit)
Anyway, have a great race. You'll have a blast.
Brian
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JamieM posted 3 years ago.
I'd agree with Bryan. There's too much going on to want to worry about changing outfits during transition. I ran my first race in April in Pearl Izumi tri shorts and a bike jersey. It was comfortable, quick in transitions and versus a tri suit I had the option of just running in shorts if it got too hot.
Just my .02.
Jamie
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1227 days
brfoot posted 3 years ago.
If is't a sprint I just wear my tri shorts through the whole thing. But if it is an oly then I take the extra couple of second to pull on some bike shorts, over the tri shorts. To me comfort is important. then I just peel them off before the run. It may cost me a little time but it's not like that's the reason I didn't win the race.
bryan
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1638 days
Croptop posted 3 years ago.
brfoot wrote:
If is't a sprint I just wear my tri shorts through the whole thing. But if it is an oly then I take the extra couple of second to pull on some bike shorts, over the tri shorts. To me comfort is important. then I just peel them off before the run. It may cost me a little time but it's not like that's the reason I didn't win the race.
bryan
Now I realise that everyone has different tolerance levels for comfort but I would contend that if you are uncomfortable on your bike in tri shorts over an oly distance ride that perhaps there's a problem with your positioning on the bike or you haven't got the right saddle for your build.
Just a thought.
John
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1601 days
caroline24 posted 3 years ago.
I don't know if money is an issue for you but in my first race I borrowed a wetsuit and biked/ran in running shorts. I have a fairly high tolerance for butt pain and no problem with chafing, and it saves $ if you aren't hooked yet. Now I have my own wetsuit (highly recommended b/c its more likely to fit) and tri shorts. Just go with what's comfortable but I concur wtih everyone else that you shouldn't bother all out changing.
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Armour posted 3 years ago.
I tried a tri-suit once in training and really didn't like it. It might not have been the best fit, and that's probably why....but I still think I'd prefer to split up the top and shorts. I got a Pearl Izumi set of tri-shorts and a PI top from all3sports.com and love 'em. The shorts are thin enough and dry fast enough to be comparable to jammers, yet have just enough padding to keep you comfortable on the bike (I also did an Olympic in them and was fine). The padding is also small enough and comfortable enough so as not to get "in the way of things" on the run.
As for the top, sometimes I wear it, sometimes I don't. Lately here on the east coast, it's been so friggin' hot that I don't even bother with a top and just do the race in the tri shorts.
So, I'd say stick with the tri-shorts and top separate. Just my opinion. But, you might also consider what's already been said and just be comfortable on this race if it's your first. Use what you've been training in - even if it means taking more time in the transition to change. Get this one under your belt and if you're as addicted as I was - then you can go out and get a bunch of cool stuff!!
Most importantly - enjoy this one. There's plenty of other races out there to go and win.
Armour
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1266 days
bpcooper14 posted 3 years ago.
Being that I am a newbie with limited experience, I'll just pass on the information that friends have relayed to me. If you have an opportunity to get a wetsuit (ebay can be wonderful. I got a deal on mine there) that would be a huge addition. It gives you more buoyancy and keeps the body in a better position during the swim. I have a friend that claims wearing a wetsuit is the only way that he can make it through the swim because he isn't one of the greatest swimmers. Then whatever you wear for the rest of the race is up to your comfort level.
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kylie posted 3 years ago.
Like Carolyn, my first tri was done in running shorts for the run and bike. I did the swim in a regular sport style bathing suit I had. Really, just depends on how much you want to spend and how your body reacts to materials and such. Make sure whatever you do in the race is something you've done in practice.
Now I race in tri shorts and a sports bra for the swim (with a wetsuit if a longer race), throw on a bike jersey for the ride, and then either leave on the bike jersey (shorter races) or change to a tanktop (longer races) for the run.
I'm getting ready to run my first triathlon in October and I'm wondering whether or not to buy a tri-suit or to get individual suits for each event. Does the tri-suit provide bouyancy in the water? Does it have padding for the bike? Is it easy to run in? Lots of questions like that. Any help would be much appreciated