I was reading Jordan’s article on 2XU tri suits and how he likes the rear zipper versions. How easy is it to unzip rear zipper trisuits? Do you need someone to unzip or zip it for you?
the rear zipper thing is definitely a personal thing. If you like a really really tight and form fitting suit the rear zip is nice as it places the not so stretchy zipper in a place that doesn’t get all that stretched, right at your upper back. You get a much more flexible chest panel (plus the 2xu super nice material helps) for less constriction, a nice high neckline for less water entry and no bunching of the top due to the zipper. Downsides are the lack of an option to unzip the front of the suit when it’s hot or when you just feel like it and then the good bit of flexibility training you may have to do to be able to zip it up solo;) I can zip my Super Elite suit up no problem but sometimes it does take a few frustrating minutes if my fingers aren’t cooperating. Also might point out that although personally I’ve done some pretty hot races in the Super Elite that I’d guess most athletes would rather trade a bit more breathability and the option to unzip over the super aero fit of that suit. Especially, especially if you’re wearing a wetsuit or a speed suit in longer races where you can afford to wear a bit looser top for the bike and the run adn still stay hydrodynamic on the swim. Anyways, as always you need to try it on to really know but not everyone likes rear zip suits… I do love my 2XU suit though!
If the suit comes with a short leash, then it is super easy. Even without the leash, it’s not too hard (and it’s easy to attach a short string to the zipper if you like a leash). I also think that material plays a bigger role in keeping cool unzipping the suit. Unzipping the suit, in my opinion, just makes it easier to breathe on the run. I ran in a top with no zipper at IMC, and it felt great not to have any of that seam and stiffness. I also think the the zipper on the front puts a rather harsh seam (even if taped) right by an area that moves a lot, so you open yourself up to chaffing, which can ruin a race.
I also think there is a lot to be said for the look. Tell me you don’t think this looks a whole lot more appealing than a bunch of dudes exposing their chest and midriff’s to the world. Triathlon is generally not a great spectator sport (except ITU racing). And a big part of it is it doesn’t look professional (even the pros). Pro sports have long recognized the importance of uniforms. Look at David Stern cleaning up the dress code in the NBA. NFL, MLB? Those guys LOOK good. I think it’s underrated.
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I agree that rear zip gives a cleaner, more professional look, but that pic of Macca isn’t a fair point of comparison. I’m pretty sure a rear-zip suit looks like crap too when it’s full of sponges.
Another advantage of a front-zip suit is aerodynamic. Take a look at TT skinsuits used by pro cyclists - all of them have front zips. It’s only likely to make a marginal difference, but it’s an advantage nonetheless