I typically only ride in tri shorts all the way up to the IM distance, but a recent article (in Triathlete Mag I believe) had a story talking about what the pros do. I believe it was Peter Reid talking about saddle height and the way he used to adjust his saddle height to make up the difference (due to the padding) between regular bike shorts, which he typically used for training rides, and tri shorts which he used in racing.
I’m always looking for some additional comfort, so wanted to know what does everyone typically use? Do a lot of you typically switch and train in padded shorts and race in tri shorts?? I’d love to use bike shorts during training and get some added comfort, but then when you loose that padding on race day (HIM/IM distance) by switching to riding in tri shorts it seems like you’re just asking for it??
I always wear bike shorts for training and tri shorts for racing. I’ve done 18 IMs in tri shorts and never had any issues. Most of my tri shorts have been DeSoto.
Tri shorts on the tri bike where the thinner chamois seems to work better with a tri-specific fit, hips rotated forward. Also wear my tri shorts on the indoor trainer - most of my bike shorts are bibs. LG tri shorts - love them.
Bike shorts (bibs) are normal on the road bike. If I’m running off the road bike, then tri shorts.
I train in bike shorts.For 1/2IM and less tri shorts.Now for IM distance I prefer bike shorts and the seat height is not a issue.I go for comfort on 112 miles.You have to go through the transition tent anyway and 10 sec. inT2 to go to bike shorts to tri shorts to the run is nothing.
I always wear bike shorts for training and tri shorts for racing. I’ve done 18 IMs in tri shorts and never had any issues. Most of my tri shorts have been DeSoto.
So you’ve never had any pressure or pain problems (or rubbing differences) come IM race day? Guess it’s less of an issue than I thought it would be? Just figured it would be a lot more pressure on certain points without the padding there and by not getting your area accustomed to this over long distances it would become ugly come race day.
Guess you could always use bike shorts in the IM and change into running shorts at T2. An option that I’ve thought about, but never done.
I have both and use whatever happens to be laundered at the time. I obviously make sure I have tri shorts if doing a brick but otherwise I mix and match with no second thoughts. Bike shorts might be more comfortable but not enough to make much of a difference in my clothing selection.
I wear tri shorts for the entire event. Not a problem even for full IM distances. regular bike shorts are only worn in an emergency, like when I forgot to take my tri shorts to work. I prefer the minimal pad as the saddle is more than comfortable enought. btw the saddle is a Bontrager inforn RXL.
Timely question, as I’ve been pondering this one myself.
I mix it up but sure appreciate the bike shorts on longer rides (up to 130 miles). However, I had done 100+ in tri shorts but it not the greatest feeling.
Question: For an IM, I was wondering if anyone has tried swimming with tri shorts (under wetsuit), thrown BIKE shorts on over the tri shorts for the ride, and then taking off the bike shorts in t2 for the run. Benefits of added padding for the bike without taking the take for a full change. Maybe a bit crazy, but seems somewhat reasonable.
If you have a good fit on your bike and the right saddle you shouldn’t have any issues. Also you just need to do those long rides and toughen up the butt;-) I’ve had good success with the PD TriStryke saddle.
I tried bike shorts over tri shorts with the same thing in mind during a training ride. NOT a fan… Fabric on fabric caused too much friction (kind of like wearing 2 condoms), or so I’m told.
Why not just go with a seat pad. Adds a little padding to your saddle without have to put on bike shorts. Not sure I would want to try the bike shorts over the tri shorts. Could be some rubbing and discomfort. Last thing you want during a IM.
I wear tri shorts whenever I ride my tri bike, in training or racing, for any distance. The thinner chamois is way more comfy than the Road Diaper Bib Shorts.
I wear regular bib shorts whenever I ride my road bikes.
i wear the desoto forza tri-shorts when i’m on my road bike and tri bike. i prefer them much more than my sugoi, desoto, hind, pearlizumi, santini, voler, and castelli cycling shorts. the compression feels nice on the hamstrings. i never felt like i needed to adjust the saddle height though.
