Hey guys, a question. I’m new to the tri scene and will be doing my first race (Boise 70.3) in June. What are the pro’s vs con’s on a 1 piece tri suit Vs the 2 piece top and bottom. The only big difference that I can tell, is that I won’t end up with some funky tan/burn marks from where the shirt ends up riding up and exposing skin. I have a tri top and shorts, but the top just barely goes over the top of the shorts. Thanks!
I think it really comes down to personal preference but a once piece will not be as Quick/easy for on/off for “natural breaks” as a 2 piece. The once piece may make you a bit more hot as well and zippers vary on them, some are in the front, some are in the back so getting ventilation while on the run may not be as easy. I use a 1 piece for most races but for an IM and some 70.3 races it is just better to go with a 2 piece suit. Some 1 piece race suits do not have pockets so if you plan to carry nutrition for the 70.3, you will have to attach it to your bike. The once piece suit can be handy if you are not allowed to wear a wetsuit. hmmm…trying to think of other pros/cons…but like I started with it really is personal preference in the end.
Short tris: Full suit
Long tris: 2 piece suit, easier for when the nature calls
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Two piece - easier to get out of when you have to take a sh**, shorts wear faster than tops so you can have multiple shorts with one top but the tramp stamp tan line can be an issue for some.
IF YOUR ONLY ISSUE WITH 2 PIECE IS TOP RIDING UP. TRY DeSOTO RIVERA TOP IT IS A BIT LONGER AND GREAT GEAR. IF YOU LIKE THE WAY 1 PIECE FEELS AROUND WAIST LINE BUT WANT A 2 PIECE DeSOTO MAKES A TRI BIB THAT YOU WEAR WITH A JERSEY AND YOU GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. I JUST DID B2B FULL IN IT START TO FINISH AND IT WAS GREAT.
RON ARTHUR
Boxers vs. briefs
Coke vs. Pepsi
Fat chicks vs. skinny chicks
It’s a prefrence thing. Whatever floats your boat.
one issue with a 2 piece in a long course race is the top riding up, revealing a small section of your back to the sun…you’ll have a nice oval shaped sunburn at the end of the day.
As a relative newby, I wore a one piece at Augusta for the HIM and I will not do that again. My suit zipps in the front and I had it zipped down, but it still felt like I was in a cocoon. I can’t imagine a two piece keeping the heat in like the one piece.
Personally prefer the two piece. Easier when nature call before and during the race. Plus you can’t show off your abs with a one piece.
Wow, first race is a 70.3, please do a few sprints and maybe an Oly beforehand.
There are pro’s and cons for each one. I don’t know the climate of Boise but that plays a big part.
A lot of people talk about going for a two-piece for toilet stops, but in reality you shouldn’t need a porta-potty for a race, and you dont stop to take a piss.
I think there are three clear options.
One Piece Rear Zip (e.g. Kiwami Amphibian with Padded Brief) I race in a rear zip top and find it the most comfortable suit, having a zipp in the back ensures a better fit on the front, more ventillation when your cycling and not having a zipp rubbing against your chest when cycling. The downsides is that unless you are lean these suits are not flattering, their is an issue with ventilation too, personally a lot comes down to how good the fabric is, if the fabric breathes well than I don’t think this is an enourmous issue. Jordan Rapp and Matty Reed both race in rear zipps.
Advantages of a two piece suit is that you can open it up to expose a lot of skin too cool yourself on the run. Most two piece tops deliberatly have a gap, not enitrely sure why, but dont stress you wont be the odd one out.
Brands I would suggest are: Kiwami, ZeroD, De Soto and TYR. A good trisuit is a worthwile investment
One piece!
for the same reason that bib-shorts are better than regular cycling shorts.
if they fit properly- they’re more aerodynamic as well, since the lower part will pull the wrinkles out of the chest area on the bike.
One piece!
for the same reason that bib-shorts are better than regular cycling shorts.
if they fit properly- they’re more aerodynamic as well, since the lower part will pull the wrinkles out of the chest area on the bike.
X2. I dont like how the two-piece results in wrinkles over my abdomen on the bike. I have no proof, but this can’t be aero.
I also think that the one piece functions similarly to bib shorts by keeping the chamois snugly in place.
On the downside, the first time I tried on my one piece my 3-year-old told me to “put on some cool clothes”.
Boxers vs. briefs
Coke vs. Pepsi
Fat chicks vs. skinny chicks
Boxers (briefs = sweaty balls and trapped farts)
Coke (Pepsi sucks)
Skinny (duh)
One piece
But for a 70.3, I’d probably at least consider a two piece.
Speedo
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IF YOUR ONLY ISSUE WITH 2 PIECE IS TOP RIDING UP. TRY DeSOTO RIVERA TOP IT IS A BIT LONGER AND GREAT GEAR. IF YOU LIKE THE WAY 1 PIECE FEELS AROUND WAIST LINE BUT WANT A 2 PIECE DeSOTO MAKES A TRI BIB THAT YOU WEAR WITH A JERSEY AND YOU GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. I JUST DID B2B FULL IN IT START TO FINISH AND IT WAS GREAT.
X2
I did the KS HIM a year ago in a one piece. Maybe I just was too nervous, but I didn’t go to the bathroom at all except for peeing once on the swim. Doesnt really answer your question though.
I find I like the one pc suit better, though I’ve never done anything longer than a half. Iv’e raced plenty of sprints in my one pc tyr, but as soon as I get back to the states (live and work in Iraq), I’m more than likely going with a rear zip Kiwami. If its good enough for Rapp, it’s good enough for me.
Aww yes. The tramp stamp tan line. It is very flattering and chicks love it. Honestly, if you’re at a race, you’re gonna have a bunch of other people with that same tan line so I wouldn’t worry about it. If a non triathlete asks about it, it’s always a good conversation piece.
As for your question, it’s all personal choice. I’ve found that the one piece feels more constrictive because my torso is longer than the length of the torso of the kit. So I prefer the two piece. If you’re comfortable in the one piece though, go for it. To my knowledge there has been no research on the one vs. two piece debate. Good luck with your training and race.
1 piece will make you feel like a superhero!
As for your question, it’s all personal choice. I’ve found that the one piece feels more constrictive because my torso is longer than the length of the torso of the kit. So I prefer the two piece. If you’re comfortable in the one piece though, go for it.
Likewise, I’m a pretty squat fella with more of a weight lifter’s build than a triathlete’s build, so I like the two-piece because it doesn’t bunch up around stomach/ass due to my terrible height:width ratio.
1 piece will make you feel like a superhero!
Weirdly, it’s true. Corny as heck, but I agree.
When I rock that DeSoto 1 piece, I feel straight out of Marvel Comics.
Now if only my times matched how I felt, we’d be in business…