Tri shorts vs. jammers + seat cover

Triathlon Forum
1

Was wondering if it would be worth the money to buy some tri shorts. I did a few sprint races last year comfortably with Arena jammers and a QR cover. Plus the padding in my ass. This year, I’m doing some Int distances and my goal is a HIM/70.3bullshit race in September. Will I feel a significant difference with tri shorts? If so, how cheap of shorts can I buy to feel this difference?

Also, people were talking a while back about how tough it is to put the seat cover on a tri saddle. I bought a tri bike this year, so my saddle switched from one where it was easy to slip the cover on to one that is a complete bitch. I tried the condom style, but there was still too much cover sticking out past the end of the seat. I flipped the cover over and cut it a few inches along the seam. Now it fits great and still feels stable under me

Thanks

Scott

2

Jammers = BAD IDEA. There is a seam that runs down the center of all jammers (and most trishorts). The difference between jammers and trishorts is that with trishorts, this seam is often flatstitched and is ALWAYS covered by a thin pad. In jammers, it is exposed and ready to slice your crotch apart. Jammers were never designed to be ridden on. That seam will tear you up. I’ve never ridden in jammers, but I’ve made the mistake of riding in jammer-style spandex compression shorts and it was bad, oh so bad. Really any trishort will prevent this because of the pad. But over 56 miles, jammers would make the run unbearable…

The LG shorts are cheap and work great. Orca and Craft shorts are nicer, but costlier.

3

I think the same goes with running, they will slice you up!

Dave in VA

4

I think that keithstriathlon.com has some zoot trishorts on closeout. If they don’t I would bet $100 that you can find some last years models for about $30 on sale at some online retailer.

5

try sportsbasement.com…just got a pair of zoot shorts with a fleece (fast drying) pad and side pockets for $20…can’t be beat. Don’t forget your USAT discount when you shop there either…good and cheap.

6

If you get a good pair of jammers (TYR fusion or aquapel), they are made quite well and do not rub or cut. They feel fantastic because of the low cut and compression of the muscles in the legs. No seat cover needed, come on, it’s a sprint/olympic race.

7

My ass and general crotchal region thank you gentlemen profusely

scott
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