Noticed that there are biking shorts specific for Triathlons, as aposed to biking only. Do these Tri specific shorts allow you to do something more than biking shorts?
In other words, can they be worn under wet suits, used for biking portion, and are comfortable enough to run in?
Yes.
If used for running, do they have the padding? And do they cause chaffing?
Am new to the sport and am wondering if spending the extra money for tri specific shorts is worth it.
thinner pad, dries fast after the swim - much easier to run in. Think of swimming or running in traditional (think thick pad) bike shorts.
Short answer is what CTL said.
Longer answer is that the main difference is the thickness and material of the pad – thinner for tri shorts so that it doesn’t feel like a maxi-diaper when you’re running. Materials are made to dry quicker as well. Length can often be shorter (6" inseam is popular, bike shorts generally run 8-9" inseam).
Tri shorts, like bike shorts, have a pad in the crotch to protect you from the saddle a little. The difference is that tri shorts have a much thinner pad than bike shorts, so it’s easier to run in them.
Yes, you would wear them under your wetsuit.
Most of the time the difference between a short specific to cycling and a tri short is that the Tri short has a significantly smaller chamois and many times it is a layer of fleece or some other quick drying material. If you ever wear a cycling short into the water you’ll notice that the oversized chamois will absorb water and hold it causing it to become heavy like a diaper.
The tri specific short will also be more comfortable on the run because of the smaller pad and they do not cause chaffing when running.
If used for running, do they have the padding? And do they cause chaffing?
Am new to the sport and am wondering if spending the extra money for tri specific shorts is worth it. They have pads, but they are thinner than the pads in traditional cycling shorts and don’t suck up as much water as biking shorts do. They also are designed to dry out quicker than regular cycling shorts. Plus, they have a drawstring so they stay up while you swim. Plenty comfortable to run in, but I would not recommend wearing them to swim in a pool on a regular basis because the chlorine would probably wear them out a lot quicker than they would otherwise wear out.
In addition to what has been said - tri shorts work very well with a tri-specific saddle (like the PD Tristryke). Just try cycling a long way on one of those saddles with regular bike shorts! I’ve done it and it’s not entirely pleasant. Also - everyone has them: don’t you want them too? (That was peer pressure). j
.
And I’m sure you know you don’t wear anything under them.
Also, chamois creme or Bag Balm is your friend.
clm
Thanks Ironclm and others. I was going to ask about wearing something under the shorts. Now, what is better, a one piece suit or is it not worth it?
one-piece all the way
(but race day only please)
.
Hello,
Emilio De Soto here. We make Tri Shorts…we make a lot of Tri Shorts. Tri Shorts can be used for swimming, biking and running all without changing. They have enough padding for the bike, yet you do not feel the pad during the swim or the run. The Tri Short will be one of the garments that as a triathlete you own more of than anything else. You should be able to wear them under a wetsuit or by themselves in open water swims.
Check all of ours out. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The main advantage of the one-piece suit is that you never have to dress/undress during transition, so in a race it helps make transitions that much faster. No advantage other than that.
Even the thin wispy pads of tri shorts seem to take too long to dry after the swim, so I typically race in a speedo. Dries almost immediately after the swim, and more supportive in the run.
The only thing I’d add to what’s already been said is that I would not use your Tri Shorts in the pool, unless it’s a race.
There’s nothing wrong with swimming in them, but the chlorine will destroy the material with repeated use. Get yourself a pair of durable polyester jammers (or whatever style you prefer) for your non-race pool swimming.
Steve
And in some, but not all, the pad will be the same color as the shorts – something that I rarely see in bike shorts. My black De Soto tri shorts have a black pad, which hides the skid marks and allows me to go longer between washes. Thanks Emilio!
Hello,
Emilio De Soto here. We make Tri Shorts…we make a lot of Tri Shorts. Tri Shorts can be used for swimming, biking and running all without changing. They have enough padding for the bike, yet you do not feel the pad during the swim or the run. The Tri Short will be one of the garments that as a triathlete you own more of than anything else. You should be able to wear them under a wetsuit or by themselves in open water swims.
Check all of ours out. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Emilio,
I’m keen to buy a pair of your Forza (Power) Tri Short w/ 4-Pockets # FTF7
I’m based in the UK. Can you order them here ?
thanks
LSD
Look under Products > Mens Racing (it’s a framed site, which is awkward to direct link to).
Gross!
You may order from our site or the UK site.