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Race Suit or Shorts/Top for IM?

sccrutch's picture
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started by sccrutch on July 20, 2007

I've always worn shorts and a top for Sprint and Olympic events.

I am signed up for IMCDA '08, and have noticed that the suits appear to be gaining a lot of popularity.

What are the pros/cons of the two-piece vs. the one-piece?

triNick's picture
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triNick posted 50 weeks ago.

Congrats on getting in for IMCDA '08!

There aren't too many pros and cons, it's more of a personal preference. I've worn one piece suits for sprint distance tris but on both of my IM's I've done the short and top option.

If you have separates you can change your top in T2 pretty easily if you want/need to. You can get some additional cooling on the run if it's hot by lifting it up but not off. With a one piece you are restricted on additional cooling besides using ice or sponges if they have some. Depending on the one piece, it might have no pockets or small pockets, are you going to need them?

What I would say is, use both options during your training, especially on the long training days (bike and run). See what you like and go from there.

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azstinger11's picture
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azstinger11 posted 50 weeks ago.

I wouldn't really recommend using a suit for anything longer then olympic distance for this one reason, if you need to go #2 those are pain in the arse to get out quickly. And like triNick said easier to cool off in a two piece then a single. Hope this helps.

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beads1985's picture
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beads1985 posted 50 weeks ago.

I have tried a one piece but I have trouble finding one that fits just right because I have a long torso.
(okay a little wider than I would like as well) :rolleyes:
It tends to pull in the crotch, which is uncomfortable.

I have been using a top(a trifuel top is nice!)
and Desoto tri shorts, with 4 pockets.

Definitely personla preference based on comfort for me.

Good luck!:D

sccrutch's picture
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sccrutch posted 50 weeks ago.

Beads......I was thinking the same thing....I am 6'2" and pretty long through the middle.

Thanks for the advise. As with most everything, trial before the event is key.

I'm pretty much sold on two-piece. Now I've just got to make sure I get something that feels good, and, of course, LOOKS good! :)

beads1985's picture
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beads1985 posted 50 weeks ago.

Check the trifuel shop.

I am wearing the trifuel tri top made by 2XU.
Very comfy

Tribro done good.

I am wearing mine tomorrow.

I'll be so damn sexy!:rolleyes:

Red5's picture
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Red5 posted 50 weeks ago.

I always race in a one piece suit, just my personal preference.

_______
Bryan

Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!

christri25's picture
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christri25 posted 50 weeks ago.

sccrutch;73659 wrote:
I've always worn shorts and a top for Sprint and Olympic events.

I am signed up for IMCDA '08, and have noticed that the suits appear to be gaining a lot of popularity.

What are the pros/cons of the two-piece vs. the one-piece?

have you thought about a red thong ? it is what we all wear.

Chris

``It's not as if I'm going to sit around and be a fat slob,''
Lance Armstrong 2005

Sandman's picture
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Sandman posted 50 weeks ago.

You will find a majority of IM racers wear the two piece kit. It is easier to change into and out of.It is more comfortable. It also is easier to remove if you have to find a nice quiet place to relieve yourself.

beads1985's picture
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beads1985 posted 50 weeks ago.

christri25;73932 wrote:
have you thought about a red thong ? it is what we all wear.

I wear mine under my tri shorts, for support :D

Red5's picture
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Red5 posted 50 weeks ago.

Sandman;73933 wrote:
You will find a majority of IM racers wear the two piece kit. It is easier to change into and out of.It is more comfortable. It also is easier to remove if you have to find a nice quiet place to relieve yourself.

Yeah, I actually find the one peice more comfortable, so that's a little subjective. :p
I have never actually gotten changed during a race, not sure why you would want/need to. And as far as going #2, well, I take care of that before the gun go's off, regular like clockwork! :D

_______
Bryan

Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!

brittda's picture
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brittda posted 50 weeks ago.

I go two pieces --especially for long races. Dont want to mess with pulling down the full suit in the porta potty or on the side of the road:
1. Wont pee myself on the bike (I suppose if it meant a Kona slot i might-
2. What if (god forbid) its "big potty" and have to get out of it quickly:eek: due to tummy issues.

Just my 2 cents

Red5's picture
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Red5 posted 50 weeks ago.

brittda;73947 wrote:
I go two pieces --especially for long races. Dont want to mess with pulling down the full suit in the porta potty or on the side of the road:
1. Wont pee myself on the bike (I suppose if it meant a Kona slot i might-
2. What if (god forbid) its "big potty" and have to get out of it quickly:eek: due to tummy issues.

Just my 2 cents

I pee on the bike and you can strip down a one piece mighty fast if the need be. :eek:

_______
Bryan

Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!

brittda's picture
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brittda posted 50 weeks ago.

Red5;73952 wrote:
I pee on the bike and you can strip down a one piece mighty fast if the need be. :eek:

I am not that cordinated when I am tired and my hands are swollen up (thank god for quick laces on the shoes).

YOU have reason to pee on the bike--me not so much