Emerging from your swim and biking into the rain/wind with *just* a tri top on, is a recipe for getting chilled or worse! Consider the tri top your "underlayer." I always keep either a windbreaker or a long-sleeved, microweight wool top in the transition area, to put over my tri top if it is looking to be a chilly ride. The windbreaker should be form-fitting (especially in the arms) so that the material blowing around doesn't create wind-drag. I usually end up preferring the wool top. It is form-fitting (doesn't create any wind drag), regulates temperatures well (if it gets colder or warmer out you'll still be about the right temp), and is good at keeping you warm-ish when wet. A windbreaker (in my experience) is never as breathable as wool; it could keep you wet/sweaty on the inside.
I use this exact Smartwool shirt: http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/756573
It is perfect for your purpose: Light, and form-hugging, so doesn't catch wind.
Most likely you will ditch the shirt/windbreaker when you start running.



Reply With Quote