in search of perfect tri suit

[thegreenbean]

Hi, I just signed up for my first half ironman and I am in search of a really good all in one tri suit. I want something with lots of support...any suggestions???

[sbrkelly]

I was curious if someone knew/knows exactly why women professional triathletes tend to use the bathing-suit type of tri-suit, when that's where you'd think you'd want something with a little more padding?! I, too am looking for a tri-suit, for half-ironman and ironman competitions...I am not, however, a professional triathlete, and have issues like, well, somewhat of a belly and bigger thighs to deal with! (Am thinking, too, about that whole 'going-to-the-bathroom' issue.) Any thoughts?! Have fun out there!

[Wahine]

I hadn't addressed this thread because I am not a bigger triathlete. Well, actually I am but not in a way that I need more support from my tri suit. I'm glad this thread got bumped up so that some of our more curvy triathletes can comment.

As for the pro suits. A lot of serious triathletes build up enough of a thickening on their sit bones that padding is no longer an issue and for some of us more padding means more chafing. So I am personally much more comfortable with a very minimal chamois. I ride that way all the time now, not just when I race. The one piece suits are nice because they don't expose your low back on the bike and help to protect the skin. As for going to the bathroom... pro triathletes will pee in their suit before they will stop for a potty break. For guys, they can stop and hike up one short leg, hang it out the bottom and away they go. I don't know any women that have managed a similar technique though I suppose it might be possible. If you think you'll need to use the porta jon during a race, get a two piece.

I race with a two piece that I wear under my wet suit. That way at transition I have only shoes, wetsuit and helmet issues to worry about. Makes life much easier.

[sbrkelly]

I did end up ordering a 'highly compressive' two-piece Louis Garneau tri outfit...we'll see how that works! As for the whole 'peeing in your suit thing' haha...that will/would take some getting used to! (Although, if I'm getting close to the bike cutoff time in IM AZ, you had better believe, I'm gonna start taking some drastic measures, to ensure that I can continue to the run and (please, please, please) the FINISH!!)

[KSH]

I did end up ordering a 'highly compressive' two-piece Louis Garneau tri outfit...we'll see how that works! As for the whole 'peeing in your suit thing' haha...that will/would take some getting used to! (Although, if I'm getting close to the bike cutoff time in IM AZ, you had better believe, I'm gonna start taking some drastic measures, to ensure that I can continue to the run and (please, please, please) the FINISH!!)

Two piece is good! Cause if you aren't willing to pee on yourself.. then a one-piece might be a pain.

[ginny]

Alrighty, for what it's worth, I just chose two piece tri top and shorts with minimal chamois. I will say I just got a Zoot Suit to try (shorts) and the cahmois had some sort of seam all the way around... not so fun! I'm sending it back. I like the jog bra and jersey integrated together in most tri tops, but I'm very small on top. I'm wearing a wet suit for the HIM swim, so possible drag is not an issue. I opted for a full length top so my back doesn't get sunburnt on the ride, and tried shorter tights thinking it would be better for the run and swim, but 3" is just too short to ride a bike with... So, just thought I would pass along a little of my beta testing to you. I did opt not to get the one piece suit, for I have no intention of piddling on myself, and if I do have to tinkle, I'll just drop trou rather than show everyone what I (don't) have