What’s the difference other than tri suits are one piece and bike suits are two pieces? Aside from the lower-end bike suit models not offering the pad, they seem similar. I have a set of TYR swim/ tri shorts, and I was thinking of just picking up a cycling shirt like the one below to complete the outfit as opposed to spending $250 on a tri suit.
Even if one wanted a full suit, they offer two piece bike suits for $50 on eBay:
The quality may be a bit lower than the $300 tri suits, but is there any worthwhile difference otherwise?
Depends if a possible gap in the back bothers you… Seems a matter of preference.
P.s. $300 seems high, for example the De Soto tri suits are $200. If the comparison is vs a $75 trishort plus a $50 bike shirt… Not that huge of a difference.
A “bike suit” is probably designed only for riding. A “tri suit” is designed a multi-purpose item i.e. running and swimming, also. The pad in a tri suit is usually smaller and thinner so as not to feel like a wet diaper when you get on the bike.
Bike short = designed for riding, in particular in a more upright position… or with your hips rotated further back on the seat.
Trisuit (1 or 2 piece) = Designed to be swam in and run in and sometimes with a more forward rotated hip angle, so the chamois is smaller… which again makes it easier to run in.
What’s the difference other than tri suits are one piece and bike suits are two pieces? Aside from the lower-end bike suit models not offering the pad, they seem similar. I have a set of TYR swim/ tri shorts, and I was thinking of just picking up a cycling shirt like the one below to complete the outfit as opposed to spending $250 on a tri suit.
The quality may be a bit lower than the $300 tri suits, but is there any worthwhile difference otherwise?
The pad will not shed water/dry, and is uncomfortable for running. The shirt is not designed to be swum in, and will get baggy and slow you down. And you do NOT want to be trying to pulling anything over your head to get on while wet.
Why spend $250 on a tri suit? They can be had for $70 on up.
Actually I spent $25 on my tri shorts, and I can get a bike shirt for $20 shipped on eBay. Who pays MSRP?
Trisuits:
Sleeveless usually to help with over heating
Race fit
No back pockets to slow down aero position
Thinner chamois
One piece option
Cycling Kit:
Short Sleeve usually
Many “fits” from Club to Second Skin
Thicker chamois
two piece
I’ve ordered a few cycling kits off eBay and I typically only use the tops. They aren’t great but they aren’t trash. There is a noticeable quality difference so don’t expect it to last you years and years. I use most of mine while running so I get the back pockets for my phone, gels, ID and money. De Soto Rivera Trisuit was the best $200 I spent with all that taken into consideration.
Actually I spent $25 on my tri shorts, and I can get a bike shirt for $20 shipped on eBay. Who pays MSRP?
Who buys shady things on ebay to save a few bucks? Not me.Shady things?
Let’s see here. eBay shirt made in China = $40
Store-bought shirt which is ALSO made in China = $120 (but less “shady” because you dont know its made in China)
Actually I spent $25 on my tri shorts, and I can get a bike shirt for $20 shipped on eBay. Who pays MSRP?
Who buys shady things on ebay to save a few bucks? Not me.Shady things?
Let’s see here. eBay shirt made in China = $40
Store-bought shirt which is ALSO made in China = $120 (but less “shady” because you dont know its made in China)
FWIW, I race in high-end tri shorts (gotten new for $50 on eBay), and an UnderArmour sleeveless compression top ($19).
That is what I have been doing, and it seems like a good way to go. I use TYR tri/ swim shorts and a compression top.
I dont look cool without all the logos that tri suits have, but it seems to be just as aero and suitable for swimming and running in.
The most important thing is that Tri shorts have a drawstring and cycling shirts don’t. Try diving the pool in with a pair of regular bike shorts, I dare you! I know you don’t dive in Tri, but the shorts will still parachute up. If they are tight shorts this will be manageable, but it is still annoying and slows you down. How do I know all this? Someone told me, I definitely never made the mistake of doing an ironman swim in bike shorts…
Weird Tri shorts and bike shorts. I have never seen Tri shorts without a string or bike shorts with. I’m glad they didn’t slow you down, you must not have been swimming fast enough;)
I have both Louis Garneau and Voler. shorts. Oh and I just make sure to buy the ones that fit, that way they stay on. I also don’t tie the draw string on my Speedo swimsuit. Again, it kind of just fits me. No gut helps
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