I migrated from AZ to OH and I have a race coming up in a couple of weeks.
The race starts at 7:30am and I imagine its going to be cold on the bike.
Its only 21km bike ride, however, I will freeze my a$$ off during this time.
I was thinking of just getting arm and leg warmers and wearing them with my tri shorts and jersey, but wondering how warm they keep you and how cold can you go with just these warmers vs riding pants and long-sleeve jersey.
Any suggestions for warmth?
If I buy cold riding gear and use it during the race it seems to me that it would take forever to put on in the transitions.
I live and race in Minnesota. Get some full tights to wear under tri shorts. A long sleeved turtle neck under tri singlet. This usually is good thru the 40’s. Just make sure all this stuff is constructed of a high tech fabric, moisture wicking. Some light weight gloves and a skull cap under your helmet and your good to go. Also some toe warmers for your bike shoes will help. Makes the run transition easier.
Arm warmers and leg warmers are a great investment if you’re planning to do spring or fall riding. A good pair of each can keep you nice and warm in cool conditions.
I migrated from AZ to OH and I have a race coming up in a couple of weeks.
The race starts at 7:30am and I imagine its going to be cold on the bike.
Its only 21km bike ride, however, I will freeze my a$$ off during this time.
I was thinking of just getting arm and leg warmers and wearing them with my tri shorts and jersey, but wondering how warm they keep you and how cold can you go with just these warmers vs riding pants and long-sleeve jersey.
Any suggestions for warmth?
If I buy cold riding gear and use it during the race it seems to me that it would take forever to put on in the transitions.
That’s your first mistake right there…
Given that it’s a pool swim, you’ll exit wet, but warm. Just wear tri shorts (alone or with a wetsuit) for the swim. For the bike a full zip LS jersey should be fine (my recommendation: http://www.become.com/castelli-scia-jersey?&qet ). You should be fine with tri shorts, but have some knee warmers just in case (you can make the call at T1). Definitely use neoprene toe covers for the shoes. Have a tech tee that you can either layer under the jersey in T1 or switch to in T2. Have a windproof jacket in case it rains that day (not that that ever happens in OH ;P). Gloves are a personal call. I also used to stretch a swim cap over my helmet (for aero helmets just tape over the vents) since you don’t need cooling.
You will be warmer than you think, both due to the race effort and body heat from the swim. People race with a lot less clothing than they train in at the same temp.