General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tri shorts only vs. tri suit Rss Feed  
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2005-01-28 7:54 PM

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Subject: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit
Is there any advantage to a tri suit (singlet or shorts/shirt) over tri shorts alone and going shirtless the entire race, or is it just a matter of comfort/personal preference?


2005-01-28 8:37 PM
in reply to: #109872

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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit
I'm not 100% sure but I think shirtless is illegal in most triathlons.

Christian.
2005-01-28 8:53 PM
in reply to: #109878

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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit

I'm not 100% sure but I think shirtless is illegal in most triathlons.

Not down here. 90% of the men were shirtless in the two I did last year. Don't think USAT addresses it.

2005-01-28 8:54 PM
in reply to: #109878

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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit
Christ - 2005-01-28 8:37 PM

I'm not 100% sure but I think shirtless is illegal in most triathlons.

Christian.


I've heard that before too, but it's apparently not down here in the Southeastern USA where many have gone shirtless in the races I've done. Anyone know the deal on this?
2005-01-28 11:10 PM
in reply to: #109872

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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit
Personally, I would opt for the singlet, or some kind of top in the hopes that it would wick moisture and aid in cooling my body. Yeah, I know, with high heat and humidity, this can be a pipe-dream, but I'd still go that way.
2005-01-29 12:46 AM
in reply to: #109872

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Subject: Check with the RD, but usually...
I don't know about other parts of the country, but here in the great northwest it is usually a DQ if you are without a shirt. Rules usually state "the torso must be covered". I don't think I've ever seen anyone without a shirt at any tri that I've been to. I'm quite certain that all IM's have this rule. Check with the RD before you attempt to go shirtless!


2005-01-29 8:08 PM
in reply to: #109872

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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit
I can only find the transition area "public nudity" rules:
Public nudity in the transition area or at any time during the event is prohibited. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.

Since various forms of nudity and wardrobe malfunctions of all types exist I think it's up to the race organizer. This would explain the variation between regions and climates. Most races I've been in up in Ohio just required number visibility. If it means topless and a number belt that's fine...

I kinda like the trisuit since it's convenient, no shirt changing, swims well, back pocket for whatever, etc. I've never swum in 2 pieces, but I wonder if the women have any insight to competing in 1 piece vs 2 piece?

-Harry
2005-01-29 8:52 PM
in reply to: #109872

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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit
MobAlTri - 2005-01-28 6:54 PMIs there any advantage to a tri suit (singlet or shorts/shirt) over tri shorts alone and going shirtless the entire race, or is it just a matter of comfort/personal preference?
comfort and personal preference. About a month ago there was a thread discussing this same thing where I mentioned it's hard to adjust the twig and berries on the bike with a tri suit. also, it's hard to go to the bathroom in a tri suit (gotta strip off the top).i've raced in the zoot suit and hated it. sometimes when I got out of the saddle to climb or accelerate i would have to adjust the twig and berries and it's VERY difficult to do in the suit. I was pissed because I spent $90 on the suit.after that i ended up racing in $35 desoto tri shorts and a $45 saucony tri top.
2005-01-29 10:19 PM
in reply to: #109885

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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit

USAT rules don't have anything specific on going shirtless.  At Nationals last year the Head Referee said it was fine to go shirtless.

ITU rules require that the torso be covered.  They have specific rules on how much can be exposed.

Some local race directors may require a top, but it should be stated in the race rules.  I don't know if IMNA has specific rules about it, though I can't imagine wanting to do 112 miles on the bike without something covering the majority of my back.

2005-01-29 10:31 PM
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Subject: RE: A woman's perspective.....

I have raced in 1 piece tri-suits, bathing suit with tri shorts, tri shorts with a sports bra, tri jersey with tri shorts.  My preference is the tri-suit with zipper down the front.  It's comfortable, and if it's hot I can lower the zipper, and if it's really hot I can pull the top half down to my waist and just have the sports bra showing on top.

A warning to the ladies if you drop the top 1/2 of your tri-suit down, make sure you don't have a white sports bra on.  Or if you do, make sure you pull it back up before crossing the finish line.  My finish line photos from last years Nationals indicate a wardrobe malfunction due to a very sweaty white sports bra on top.  Can anyone say wet teeshirt contest?  :-O

2005-01-30 12:32 AM
in reply to: #109872

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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit
California 1/2 IM packet has these interesting rules.

1. Crawling on the run course is allowed.
2. Alcohol use during the race is prohibited.
3. And, oh yes, Shoes and covered torsos are required on the bike and run course.

It's good to know that I'm allowed to crawl, but not crawl while drunk, and if I'm going to crawl, I better follow the "no shoes, no shirt, no service" rule



2005-01-30 10:02 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri shorts only vs. tri suit
I've tried both and have opted for a tri suit. In my first Sprint Tri, I had a hell of a time getting my shirt on in T1 - it bunched up and it took a couple of tries to get it on. At the time, I had pinned my race number to it as well, and it ripped from two of the pins, but I discovered race belts later on that season.

I like the tri suit for simplicity - one less thing to worry about in transition. And hey, if you are in a place where you can legally run without the top, you can simply unzip the suit and pull the top down. I did this during the Hawaii Tinman Oly race when it heated up.

Tommy
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