Is there any real advantage to wearing a tri suit, beyond the obvious potential of saving a few seconds in T1 by not putting on a top?
I’ve thought that perhaps it would reduce one’s aerodynamic profile during the cycling leg, but it could also increase the drag during the swim. Plus, I’m not sure how much I’d really want to be cycling with a soaking wet top on. I value comfort, and being drier is definitely more comfortable, but then again, the need for speed trumps almost anything.
So, is it worth it or not, especially from a speed perspective?
Are there any studies which show something on this?
Thanks!
The only reason I use one is when I want to use a HRM during a race. The suit keeps the chest sensor close to my body during the swim. However, most of my races are short course so I usually just use tri shorts for the whole thing. I don’t think that there is a real aero advantage…that is unless you’re REALLY hairy 
Almost any tri-specific apparel will dry out within the first few miles of the bike unless it is a rainy day. I have never found it to be an issue even in cooler weather. The main advantage of the tri-suit for me is maximum coverage from the sun - especially during longer races. I have a long torso and for reasons unbeknownst to me, NO ONE makes a tri-top that is longer in the back for cycling jersey type coverage.
“You know you are getting old when you see your father in the mirror.” anon.
Trisuit versus non-tri suit…
Good reasons:
-faster transitions if you want to wear a top, you hit that one right on
-some races require you to wear a top (not many) so see #1
-if you’re sponsored it’s more logo room
-you can drop ice down your top in a hot race and this was my savior at the Honu Half last month
-sun coverage
-holds your HR strap in place
-generally not a problem as far as staying wet on the bike, or at least no wetter then your shorts
-a rear pocket, awesome feature
-sometimes they may be faster to swim in, ie fastskin or aquashift but that’s debateable
-no mid-riff exposure!!!
-some two piece suits end up being tight on the lower stomach if the top is worn tight enough to swim in or the waist band may be too tight. A one piece gets rid of this problem sort of like bib shorts versus regular shorts.
Glitches:
-you’ll have to try on a bunch of one piece suits as they either fit or they don’t fit
-you might be better off wearing a two piece as this gets rid of the whole “fits or it doesn’t” dilemma. For myself with a longer torso I have more options in a two piece such as my current Desoto Power bottom and Descente tri top.
-expensive and for say an Xterra if you tear the top the whole suit is toast
-more difficult to go #2 or #1 for women, only applicable for longer races
To Cotton’s point, unless you’re really hairy… It helped me. See before and after pics. I’m much more aero now.
Before race w/o tri suit waiting for my wave:
After purchasing one:
See, it really works! You wouldn’t believe the drag reduction, especially in the water! I hold no stock or financial interest in Tri suits of any kind.
You may want to see this new product from Philips…
Bodygroom, the new all-over shaver for men:
http://bodygroom.philips.com/index_flash.html?kiwis=2
Thanks for the insight.
My main question is mainly if there’s any aero advantage\disadvantage for the top.
My initial reaction is that there would be some savings on the bike (vs a loose bike\run top, which might flap a little and hold the air more), but some loss in the water for most suits, since it would seem that the material would create more friction than just skin. (While I look like Chewbacca’s cousin, I’d probably shave down for the 1/2 IM swim.)
I figured it would be needed if one used a HRM (I don’t), but without it that doesn’t really factor in.
Has anyone done any testing for aero\aquadynamics with and without the suits?
If you are worried about aerodynamics on the bike than it seems that a flapping loose top would probably not be ideal.
As far has hydrodynamics go…swimmers “save the shave” (as in full body shave) for just before a race. The reason being that in addition to the hair coming off, shaving also removes a layer or two of dead skin. This provides a super sensitive sensation to the water which (as the theory goes) helps you maintain a hydrodynamic stroke/form. Whether or not it is actually more hydrodynamic, it definitely ‘feels’ more hydrodynamic which in the end may actually be just as good. (placebo effect) However, if you do age group racing like me, you should probably be more worried about getting clobbered on the swim than hydrodynamics anyway 
With the exception of loose fitting clothing, there are so many factors to address on the bike other than the aerodynamics of your clothing that make a huge difference. I wouldn’t worry about it. For example, do you have a good position? Do you use an aero helmet? Wheels? Frame? Have you reached your power to weight potential? If you invested in a Nike dimpled skin suit like Lance uses you’d only gain a relatively tiny advantage. Especially considering the cost.
I simply find them more comfortable. Make sure you get the right size, so it’s not loose and flapping during the swim (or bike). I often unzip mine and roll it around my waist during the run.
Oh, and it’s the QR Pinnacle tri suit. It’s a nice one and has a rear pocket (I think the Orca ones don’t).
I have always considered the main effect of shaving to be mental vs aquadynamic. Back in college, most of my teammates would save 1/2 - 1 sec per hundred shaved. I, being Chewbacca’s cousin, would be at the higher end. However, you’re dead on about the dead skin, and this is where the mental side comes in. You simply FEEL like greased lightning. You feel faster, so you swim faster. There is certainly some aquadynamics involved, but 1 sec per 100 yds is a pretty big jump which I doubt this comes close to explaining.
I don’t know how “loose” a properly sized bike or run jersey would be, but it’s certainly looser than a tri suit. Coolmax doesn’t hug like a spandex blend, but it’s cooler and dryer.
I’m just curious how much difference there would be in aerodynamics between a properly sized bike jersey and an average tri suit, and if there is any aquadynamic hit for wearing one? I’ve done about as much as I can with the bike, so I was thinking that this was the next place to look for “free time”…
If you belong to a Tri club, and if your club has club jerseys, you get to hear people yelling, “Go! Ipsilanti!”
I used to race in a 1 piece tri-suit. It was handy on the swim and transition, but when I started doing longer races (70.3 and fulls), it made bathroom breaks more of a hassle - although you could just pee through your shorts (I’m not in that much of a hurry…yet). That is the reason I stopped wearing the 1 piece suit and switched to a top and bottom combo. Our new team top by Volea seem to do all right in the water too - At least in a sprint / olympic, I would just swim in it and not feel like I was loosing any sizeable time.