What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit?

May 18, 17 7:25

Post #1 of 25 (3018 views)

I have a race coming up this Saturday that I am looking forward to. It's going to be an epic local sprint race throw-down amongst my friends and aquaintances. But over today and tomorrow we are getting 9 inches of snow. Race morning water will be 55-57 degrees. Air forecast to be 37 at race start. Partly coudy conditions.

Race director last night said we're definitely swimming (though I would not be surprised if that changes on race morning).

I never thought I'd be one of those guys biking in their wetsuit, but if we do swim on Saturday, I'm thinking that might be the best choice. What say you guys?

-------------
Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

Last edited by: RowToTri: May 18, 17 7:28

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 7:38

Post #2 of 25 (2986 views)

I did a pool-swim triathlon this past weekend. The pool water temperature was 82 degrees. Once out of the water, we went into 40 degree air (according to my Garmin 520) with pouring rain and. It was a nasty nine mile ride. I managed to squeeze into a semi-dry long-sleeved top but couldn't get my gloves on. I was wetter coming off the bike than out of the pool.

Yes, I kidded about wearing a wetsuit but in reality it probably would have been impractical :-).

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 7:38

Post #3 of 25 (2986 views)

Sounds like you're racing the Summer Open Sprint in Longmont. I'm racing it too, and very much considering wearing my wetsuit on the bike as well.

--------------------------
The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [mck414] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 7:40

Post #4 of 25 (2980 views)

Yup. Summer Open. Always a fun race.

-------------
Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 7:42

Post #5 of 25 (2971 views)

Except this year!

--------------------------
The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [mck414] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 7:43

Post #6 of 25 (2967 views)

If you chose the right gear it could still be fun!

-------------
Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 7:50

Post #7 of 25 (2948 views)

I'm racing this year as well! I did Boise 70.3 in 2012 when Matty Reed and several other pros rode in their wetsuits. The funniest memory I have from that day is being relieved after getting into the 53-ish degree water because it was so much warmer than air temp.

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 8:04

Post #8 of 25 (2913 views)

RowToTri wrote:

If you chose the right gear it could still be fun!

Right! Toe warmers and hand warmers are already on the race day checklist.

--------------------------
The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 8:25

Post #9 of 25 (2877 views)

Ha! I was about to reply with some snide comment, thinking, "What weather do these crazy westerners think is cold now?" ...but that is probably right about where I would make that call! How long is the ride? 20k or less, I say you are free to stay in neoprene! Up to 40k, I'd weigh against how long it would take for you to transition to thermal wear. If you'll be over an hour, take the time to dry off and get cozy!

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [Koz] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 8:38

Post #10 of 25 (2843 views)

It's a 20.6k bike. I rode that course in 2 different races last year, once in 30:10 and once in 30:03.

-------------
Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 8:41

Post #11 of 25 (2831 views)

RowToTri wrote:

It's a 20.6k bike. I rode that course in 2 different races last year, once in 30:10 and once in 30:03.

In a wetsuit?

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 9:14

Post #12 of 25 (2775 views)

I'm bringing knobbies and my cross bike. Cross country spikes for the run.

Alex Arman

Strava

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [doublea334] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 9:38

Post #13 of 25 (2736 views)

doublea334 wrote:

I'm bringing knobbies and my cross bike. Cross country spikes for the run.

Haha, are you expecting there still to be snow on the ground or is this supposed to be in pink?

-------------
Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 9:45

Post #14 of 25 (2718 views)

RowToTri wrote:

doublea334 wrote:

I'm bringing knobbies and my cross bike. Cross country spikes for the run.

Haha, are you expecting there still to be snow on the ground or is this supposed to be in pink?

Partially pink, but not counting it out.

Looks like Longmont is getting more rain than snow.

I'm actually contemplating wearing a garbage bag "base layer" under my tri suit to keep the core wind proofed.

Alex Arman

Strava

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [doublea334] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 9:47

Post #15 of 25 (2711 views)

doublea334 wrote:

RowToTri wrote:

doublea334 wrote:

I'm bringing knobbies and my cross bike. Cross country spikes for the run.

Haha, are you expecting there still to be snow on the ground or is this supposed to be in pink?

Partially pink, but not counting it out.

Looks like Longmont is getting more rain than snow.

I'm actually contemplating wearing a garbage bag "base layer" under my tri suit to keep the core wind proofed.

I bought a space blanket yesterday for a similar base layer plan.

-------------
Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 11:31

Post #16 of 25 (2594 views)

We're going to see some record long T1/T2 times for sure.

--------------------------
The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 13:06

Post #17 of 25 (2466 views)

Hello RowToTri and All,

This might work quite nicely ... to keep you warm on the bike ..... and aero too .... probably slicker than many aero suits.

https://www.desotosport.com/collections/t1-wetsuits

Two piece top .... just strip of bibjohn at T1 .... (worn on outside) ...... keep top on for bike ..... might work OK.

Disclaimer: Never tried it with mine .... possibly bibjohn on outside would cause some drag in swim .... ??

I am going to test it sometime .... before I would try it in a race ......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXER9fzhFSc

Take top off at T2 ...... comes off quick ................

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcX2dMvLtEg

Toasty warm.

Cheers, Neal

+1 mph Faster

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 13:13

Post #18 of 25 (2451 views)

I wouldn't. If you do, I'd put in an order for a new wetsuit now since you'll destroy yours biking in it. You're saddle height will effectively be 3-5mm higher while wearing one which may throw off your position. I'd be surprised if you could put out the same power in one since it's so restrictive. (And hot probably)

Not sure if this post is a joke. If it is then haha, if not my advice is above

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [jmjtri] [ In reply to ]

May 18, 17 13:29

Post #19 of 25 (2423 views)

Probably would hurt the suit.

Suppose you could lube it up where it hits the seat to keep down the friction :-p

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 19, 17 3:54

Post #20 of 25 (2242 views)

Problem solved. The latest update is water temp dropped to 45 this morning, the swim is cancelled. We'll get a nice 1.5 warmup run in its place.

--------------------------
The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 19, 17 4:04

Post #21 of 25 (2238 views)

i say find a 1x, get some pogies (37F air!) and go row.
you'll be warmer.

but seriously, the wife and i did a sprint last year w/ water temp 56 and air temp 51.
it was also lightly raining.
i put a jacket and gloves on in T1.
the wife could not feel her toes on the run.
was a memorably terrible experience.
and the air temp was 15F warmer than what you're doing.

not pro, too cold (for me).

no sponsors | no races | nothing to see here

Last edited by: philly1x: May 19, 17 4:09

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [mck414] [ In reply to ]

May 19, 17 4:49

Post #22 of 25 (2200 views)

mck414 wrote:

Problem solved. The latest update is water temp dropped to 45 this morning, the swim is cancelled. We'll get a nice 1.5 warmup run in its place.

Jackpot. :D

Alex Arman

Strava

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [philly1x] [ In reply to ]

May 19, 17 4:50

Post #23 of 25 (2199 views)

Agreed. Conditions like that would be an instant DNS for me. I'm not doing this to be completely miserable.

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]

May 19, 17 13:00

Post #24 of 25 (2066 views)

The GMAN wrote:

...I'm not doing this to be completely miserable.

Yes, you are! We all are! It's the whole point of the sport! If you can handle more misery than everyone else, you win!

Re: What conditions would it take to get you to ride in your wetsuit? [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]

May 19, 17 13:10

Post #25 of 25 (2054 views)

Hail Balls

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