Tri Shorts

[teigyr]

I figured I'd stick this question in here because while it's apparel, it's a tri specific question.

If people wear tri shorts for an IM distance, are tri shorts acceptable riding shorts without the tri? I guess what I'm saying is I know why road shorts don't work due to the extra padding taking longer to dry. But if tri shorts are comfy enough for distance riding in a longer tri, do people opt to wear them in situations other than tri's?

[KnottedYet]

I don't, just cuz I like thicker chamois. It depends on what you like, really.

In fact, I wear road shorts (Terry) during my tri.

[Offthegrid]

I have DeSoto triathlon shorts that I got on sale. I do like the mesh pocket on the leg to stash the gel and the empty gel pack when I'm done. The padding is pretty minimal, so I'd probably only wear this for a sprint or an oly.

I've never done a long-distance tri, but if you are doing a long-distance tri like a half-Ironman or an Ironman, there are changing tents so you could wear regular cycling shorts if you wanted and change before the run.

[Wahine]

I figured I'd stick this question in here because while it's apparel, it's a tri specific question.

If people wear tri shorts for an IM distance, are tri shorts acceptable riding shorts without the tri? I guess what I'm saying is I know why road shorts don't work due to the extra padding taking longer to dry. But if tri shorts are comfy enough for distance riding in a longer tri, do people opt to wear them in situations other than tri's?

Yes, I wear my tri shorts for longer rides. It is more comfortable to ride with bike shorts, but once you get used to it, it's OK. To be honest, the reason I do it other than race day is to get used to it. If I wasn't going to race in tri shorts, I wouldn't bother riding in them.

The other factor that is different about tri shorts besides the chamois is the cut at the back. They are cut shorter so you are more likely to have exposed skin while riding. Something to keep in mind if you burn like I do.

[teigyr]

oooh -- I'll have to look out for the different cut. Yes I burn! More disturbingly, I just have these horrible images of the person behind me viewing buttcrack. I am always hiking my shorts up just in case! I get really nervous if I'm riding and feel wind back there.

Thank you everyone I guess I keep thinking there are rules and while there are kind of, it's all to personal taste. I did notice that the transition times tended to be longer for distance tri's so that makes sense. These are all good things to know!

[Tri Girl]

Tri shorts are the only shorts I ride in. I just like the thinner chamois for most of my rides. Although, anything longer than about 60 miles I wear shorts with a thicker chamois. For my IM I wore more heavily padded shorts- I just couldn't stand 114 miles (yes, the course was 2 miles long) in tri shorts. Makes me marvel at the pros who wear bathing/tri suits for the whole event. I'd be the mayor of Chafe City if I tried that for even a sprint.... Ouch!