I’ve been a reader for awhile, this is my first post (so I apologize for screwing it up if I have). I’ve only done one full Ironman (Tahoe) and I used my cycling bibs under my wetsuit, then did a full wardrobe change into running shorts. The same thing for Vineman 1/2.
I have a 2xu for shorter distances that seems to do pretty well (olympic). However, whenever I go more than 25mi. I get fairly crotch fatigued. Normally when I’m just cycling, I’ll use a set of Assos Mille bibs that are great for any distance (used them for Tahoe and Vineman) … but I’d really like to find a trisuit that I can use for full distance.
So more important for me right now is the chamois … can anyone give me a suggestion? If I’m not comfortable on the bike for 112mi. I’m going to be worthless on the run.
I’ve recently purchased two trisuits, a Kiwami Prima and a Desoto Forza trisuit. I plan to use one in Kona but I haven’t figured out which one yet.
The Desoto material is a little heavier and a little more compression than the Kiwami but I haven’t worn or washed it yet. Desoto has a little more in the leg gripper area.
Desoto has more of a pad, 4mm versus the Kiwami which is the smooth Terry cloth kind. I’ve had good look with the Desoto tri shorts and really like their pad. I’ve done a long ride in the Kiwami and had no problems with the lighter pad.
Both fit well, I’m 6’1" about 182, normal build and I’m a large in both.
Both have front zippers, which I prefer.
The seems around the shoulder on the Kiwami are nice but I haven’t swam in it yet.
The Kiwami has smaller pockets in the back and they seem to fit tight. The Desoto pockets, especially on the legs are bigger.
Wasn’t planning on using a swim skin but may change my mind depending on how my test swims go.
I’m doing a long ride this weekend and will wear the Desoto and report back. Maybe I’ll do a swim in both and see how they feel.
Both are very nice and would recommend either one.
I don’t know which 2xu you have, but I used their Long Distance version for Louisville. I was comfortable for the most part, until the last half of the run. I don’t know if it was due to the bike or not, but i had some really bad chaffing where the edges chamois pad met my legs. Maybe body glide would’ve helped with that, or maybe I was at fault for “trying something new on race day.” But there’s really not way to test out 112 mile ride and a marathon outside of the race. I wore it for a half and was fine.
So I really can’t answer your question aside from the long distance, may not be ideal for long distance.
I went back and forth on wearing a trisuit on my first ironman. I ultimately decided that a 2 piece would be easier. Mostly because the one piece is harder to deal with restroom stops especially once you’re all sweaty and sticky. It’s a pain to get on and off IMO.
And comfort is king. Heck if you’re concerned it’s not much more time to wear biking shorts and change to run shorts. Especially if you’re not fighting for KQ.
But I went with desoto Forza shorts and desoto top for entire thing and was very comfortable.
We’ll see you in Kona, and maybe you’d like to look at the Amphibian, which many use for a swimskin at Kona. We have a booth and will have awesome clothing for you to look at, as well as pick all of our brains as to best uses and technical features of our great line of clothing.
I use a Kiwami Kayman Prima. I decided to go with Kiwami because I was looking for custom printing (I run for charities) and the service they offered (hats off to Andre) was pristine.
Before the Kiwami I used Zoot tri shorts and tri top.
I am 153lbs, 5’8" - I ordered medium, it fits extremely well. Pad is slightly thicker than my Zoot were, but not overly thick. I might not be a reference on chamois chafing, as I have never needed to use chamois butter - I just don’t chafe much in that area. Freedom of movement is great - can’t complain except maybe the zipper rubs a little if I keep it all the way to the top. Two large pockets in back, two small on legs side. It seems to dry faster than the Zoot did, but that might just be the way it feels to me.
Just remember that potty breaks, if ever needed, are longer with a one piece. Or more acrobatic.
Your using the one with the zipper in front? Do you use a swim skin over the Prima or just swim in the Prima?
I race in Canada mostly, so pretty much everything I do is wetsuit legal. Add to the fact that I’m always freezing, I always use my wetsuit over the trisuit.
If I had to (which hasn’t been the case yet), I would swim just in it, no swimskin.
I’ve worn the one piece from De Soto for a full in the past. It was very comfortable for me. The pad is very thin. It was a bit of a pain for bathroom stops. I still prefer a two piece kit for fulls however.