tri suit for first tri?

Yes, get a tri suit .

You will wear it for the entire race, and no clothes changes will be necessary. Depending on the water temp, etc., you might need/want to wear a wetsuit for the swim. If that's the case, the wetsuit will be worn over your tri suit and stripped off during T1 (swim-to-bike transition).

You can get a one-piece or two-piece tri suit. I prefer two as it makes things easier in the portopot before the race, but it's really a matter of personal preference. Also, make sure you get a race belt. You can affix your number to your race belt and then throw it on in either T1 or T2 (some races require you wear your number for the bike, others just require it ofr the run).

I hope that helps. Good luck and have fun !!!!

Oh, and for your first tri suit, I would recommend trying them as opposed to "guessing" your size and ordering online.

Hey, there is no shame in getting a trisuit for your first race. I did. I'm a chick, so I wouldn't have to change shirts from swimming, but I also figured that a tri top might ride up during the swim, since the race was in August and I wasn't using a wetsuit. Definitely go try them on, though. Different brands fit very differently. I have a Zoot trisuit and the same size in a different brand did not fit me AT ALL (and I'm by no means fat - my Zoot is an extra small, but I couldn't even zip the Descente x-small I tried on - I felt fat then!). But I managed to get mine on sale, and I didn't even get it at a tri-specific shop. Since tris are becoming more popular, some of the outdoorsy stores like REI, etc are starting to cater to the sport.

So if you're worried that it will make you look like a poseur, it won't

Sage words from the Baggyman.  My first sprint I had everything planned out, including the "wardrobe" changes.  Came out of the pool and got to transition.  Had my way-cool bike jersey to put on, slid it over my head...and tried to slide it down my torso.  It didn't slide.  It rolled up like a fruit roll-up. Stuck.  Take it off, try again.  This time more like a rolled-up cold cut.  Meanwhile, head is spinning, and I am vastly aware that my already tired arms are getting more tired and not operating properly.  Tick tock tick tock....5 minute transition...in a SPRINT.  So, I finally give up and hop on the bike and there I go.. looking like a fruit roll-up/cold cut.  It appeared like I was wearing a sports bra until I dried off several miles into the ride.  I am a dude and I wasn't going for the "bro" look.

My 2nd tri I wore a tri suit.  Transition time and energy saved.  Live and learn.  Now it's your turn...to learn...and...

Go with the tri-suit.

Did you have the matching manties for your bro??  That would have been HOT

Uhhh... negative, Ghostrider, that pattern was full...ahem...BLACK tri shorts... I'd post a picture, but I thankfully made it out of transition like that before anyone could point and click.

I am actually considering the (gasp!) topless route this season, excluding IMAZ, of course.

It kind of depends on body type.. but Zoot does a fine job.  1 piece and 2 piece are a toss up.. 2 piece for longer races.  I am sure someone will post a link for some places like www.trisports.com or www.zootsports.com or the BT store right up top.. but I am too lazy, and late getting to the gym.

Good luck and happy racing.

Chris

Haha, you've never seen me race