In my first year of triathlons, I put on a cycling jersey after the swim and kept it on for the run, It seemed to work for all distances up through the HIM, though it is difficult to put on when wet. This year I plan a HIM and Chesapeakeman 140.6. I was thinking about getting a Tri top. I already use a tri bottom. I don’t think I would like a one piece. Can someone explain the difference between a tri top and sleeveless bike jersey? Also for a full IM distance race would you recommend wearing a tri top from beginning to end, or would it be worth switching to a running shirt for the run. There is a changing tent so I guess I have the option to change top/bottom for the run if I don’t mind taking the time. I am a heavy sweater so, I think it might make since to change shirts and rinse off some of the salt with a wet towel.
Fit is the biggest difference between a cycling jersey and a tri top. The tri top is meant to be skin tight so as not to be an aerodynamic hindrance. If you are not hyper-competitive then you can do everything in a cycling jersey and be just fine. Don’t wear a tri top if you are at all self-conscious either. Once you start to sweat or pour water over your head it will fit just like body painting.
Cycling time trialists wear skin suits that fit much tighter than a regular jersey for the same speed/aero reasons.
Cycling jerseys are larger and cut longer, (especially in the back), and usually have 3 full pockets.
Tri tops fit very snug, often only waist length, and may or may not have any pockets. (Often 2 small pockets on the sides)
Just as you probably wouldn’t run a marathon in bike shorts, you wouldn’t care to run in a cycling jersey either. Chances are, whatever you crammed in the back pockets would bounce out in a few steps. I’d also be concerned about chafing around the biceps and armpits.
There’s really no need to change clothes, but sometimes it just feels good to get out of what you’ve been biking in. Why not put an extra top (and shorts) in your T2 bag, and allow yourself the option to change.
There’s really no need to change clothes, but sometimes it just feels good to get out of what you’ve been biking in. Why not put an extra top (and shorts) in your T2 bag, and allow yourself the option to change.
Don’t forget the Sport Kilt to help with the shorts changing – and to have something relaxing & stylish to wear after crossing the finish line.
I have tried a Louis Garneau tri top and 2XU. I wasn’t a fan of the LG because of how it was cut at the bottom it showed by belly button and i felt like i was wearing one of those cut off t-shirts. I almost liked the 2XU top but after moving around a little bit it would bunch up at the shoulders. In the end I would just race in tri-shorts.
This year I plan on trying out a tri-suit and I have a feeling the overall fit will be better.
A Tri top will fit ~1/2way between a cycling jersey and a skinsuit. I wouldn’t recommend running in a sleeveless cycling jersey; the arm holes are so high that they chafe. The tri tops are great for runs, since they unzip to cool down, and it’s nice to be able to carry a spare gel between aid stations in IMs.
Personally, I like the one piece suits (race in a Desoto Forza) since there is no waistband, and no shirttail to flap in the wind.
My first half IM I tried to put on a long sleeve bike shirt over my wet body—took at least five minutes, a real freak show captured by my wife on video. Now I wear bike shorts and bike shirt under my wetsuit for an IM. I don’t change all day. On the run I find that bike shorts are better than running shorts. With the latter I have to use body glide --even that does not stopping chafing between the legs. With bike shorts no chafing. I currently use Desoto 400 mile bike shorts—somewhat better than the Sugoi IMAZ shorts I used to use. If you are a heavy sweater you are going to soil a new shirt quickly so why make life dificult by changing.