So I’m wondering why I don’t see any pros or amateurs wearing TT skinsuits during 70.3 and IM races. I’ve never worn one, so I don’t know how long it takes to change in and out of a skinsuit, but the time savings “might” be substantial over a 40KM according to the below information. So, IF a skinsuit can save 2 to 8 minutes over an IM distance, why not wear one. I would think the time savings more than make up for the T1 and T2 clothing changes. If your able to swim in a skinsuit under a wetsuit, which I doubt, you could even eliminate a T1 clothing change. I realize the below time savings are based a high end TT skinsuit compared to a traditional jersey and shorts, but most tri wear has a ton of “compression” seams and 5 pockets waiting for gels.
Interesting the the frame is only worth 17 sec, yet takes up a massive amount of argumentative bandwidth here, and most triathletes pile so much crap on their bikes that it likely adds to the whole package creating a drag factor worse than all these other things combined!!
But most one piece trisuits have pockets on the side and back, and are made to fit comfortably during a marathon. Then again, the counter to this might be that most skinsuits are not made to fit comfortably for 112 miles. I have never worn one so I don’t know.
It seems that a trisuit offers aero advantages over a two piece outfit, but that a skinsuit offers an advantage over a trisuit.
I wore a skinsuit for a HIM, I had to use the restroom during the run, the top half of the suit fell into all the piss on the floor of the porta potty…thats why I no longer wear them.
Because a true TT skinsuit (long sleeve) takes me a LONG time to get on. Have to sorta’ do this dance/wiggle thing, then pull up carefully. Would be damn near impossible wet. Then, you wouldn’t want to run in it. So, that 2-5 mins saved would be lost easily - not to mention the hassle factor.
Interesting the the frame is only worth 17 sec, yet takes up a massive amount of argumentative bandwidth here, and most triathletes pile so much crap on their bikes that it likely adds to the whole package creating a drag factor worse than all these other things combined!!
I would guess the numbers from this diagram are suspect. I’m positive that shoe covers do not save more time than an aero frame. Tom A. and I believe AC have shown most shoes even with all the buckles and crap they have on them these days are more aero *without *covers.
2 minute time savings for a skin suit seems a little high as well. Compared to what?
To answer the OP’s question why. Skinsuits like the ones in this picture look like a toddlers onesy until you squeeze yourself into them. That process takes a couple of minutes and usually the help of another person. If you stand straight up in them the threaten to cut you in half. Forget trying to run in them. They also don’t breath very well…
The closest thing to a skinsuit I’ve found is an ITU suit. I like the one from DeSoto since it has a real chamois in it. No pockets and a nice snug fit.
Uhm, that “chart” doesn’t reflect real world savings. Or, if it does, it’s based of unrealistic comparisons, like “TT Suit… VS a baggy jacket and rain pants,” or “rear disc… VS 1080 rear.”
In Reply To:
Tom A. and I believe AC have shown most shoes even with all the buckles and crap they have on them these days are more aero *without *covers.
Are you sure about that? Doesn’t Tom wear shoe covers?
Because a true TT skinsuit (long sleeve) takes me a LONG time to get on. Have to sorta’ do this dance/wiggle thing, then pull up carefully. Would be damn near impossible wet. Then, you wouldn’t want to run in it. So, that 2-5 mins saved would be lost easily - not to mention the hassle factor.
Exactly. Not to mention swimming in a chamois and then having that sorry thing in your crotch the rest of the day.
I’ve worn a skinsuit for two IMs, mainly because the weather was cold. It’s a Hincappie suit from a couple of years back and it slipped on pretty easily for me at T1 even with damp skin. I never felt like I had to struggle to get it on. Fabric probably has a lot to do with how easily it slips on.
I think there is a place in the market for something between a trisuit and a skinsuit. A compromise between the two, that has some of the advantages of each. Pearl Izumi has a trisuit (I think) that’s a step in this direction, though it doesn’t cover the arms.
I’ve worn a TT suit for each Ironman I’ve done, more for the extra padding, but the Aero advantage helps, nothing flapping in the wind. I was concerned that it may be too hot for Kona, but not a problem. Don’t recall seeing any others in Kona though, most people had on Tri suits. It takes me about an extra 30 seconds to put on and less to take off. If you’re someplace cold I think its a big benefit.
I wore an Assos skinsuit for a 1/2 iron duathlon (sorry, I am just not coordinated enough for the swim), and despite taking it easy on the bike, ended up with the fastest bike split averaging just over 24 1/2 mph, and had no problem durring the first run leg despite the usuall pulling across the front of the body due to the cut of the suit. For the last run leg I pulled the top off while running and lost no time, and actually enjoyed the compression of the fabric on my thighs. I am seriously considering it for Powerman Alabama also. Just my 2 cents worth.
Does the skinsuit have a full cycling pad in it? I can’t imagine running with a wet, sweaty bike chamois. I think there would absolutely be a (small) market for a skinsuit-style tri suit.
