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2015-05-05 2:46 AM


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Subject: black tri suits
been reading about wearing black tri suits in very hot climates. people have mixed reviews, some say due to the colour it can be toasty in extreme heat, others say its down to the fabric. i got the skins 400. bit late to buy something new now.

but I'm thinking if it gets unbearable on the run, why not just pull the top half down to the waist, what would be the issue?


2015-05-05 5:49 AM
in reply to: casebusy

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Subject: RE: black tri suits
No issue with black suits; most have some kind of cooling mechanism in the fabric. The most popular suit on the Singapore tri scene is probably a black 2XU onesie, and people survive. I have one myself--it has some kind of "cooling fabric" called Ice-X which does seem to lower skin temperature when wet, which is pretty much all the time in a tropical race. I'd probably stick to a light-colored cap, though, or maybe a light-colored visor if I had light hair, which I don't. I have some other colors of tri tops and have honestly never noticed a difference. It's just hot no matter what!

As for pulling the top all the way down, only a option for guys. Most tops do have a front zipper that either gender can pull down to some extent. I don't know about North America (since I'm not a dude, and rarely race there), but in SE Asia both genders have to keep torsos covered for bike and run. Certainly plenty of guys, and some women with sports bras underneath, push the definition of "covered" by pulling the zipper way down, esp. on the run.
2015-05-05 6:29 AM
in reply to: casebusy

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Subject: RE: black tri suits
I think all the tri clothes I have are black. I've never noticed them getting hot but I know what you are talking about and agree it's probably dependent on material. The reason I say that is had compression socks on a few weeks ago and standing in the sun I could feel them getting hot. I have a pair of skins shorts but couldn't find a jersey that would fit. They are so comfortable. Their stuff isn't really made for my build or else I'd buy more of it. Which reminds me I'm pretty sure they're Aussie company and their stuff is designed for heat. Did I mention how comfortable their stuff is!
2015-05-05 10:30 AM
in reply to: casebusy

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Subject: RE: black tri suits

I've worn both 2XU and Louis Gareau black tri tops for several years here in FL and not found them to be too hot. 

During a hot run I've found it feels cooler to keep them zipped up, particuiarly if I have the chance to keep the material damp by dumping water over my head at aid stations .

Mark 

2015-05-05 1:49 PM
in reply to: casebusy

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Subject: RE: black tri suits

Bare skin absorbs UV rays and as a result you feel heat. I live in Florida and often in the morning around 9am without a shirt, the difference with and without sunscreen on the skin is significant.  

Trisuits are made of wicking materials, sweat & water are pulled away from the skin and evaporates for a cooling effect. I cannot recall a race where I wasn't sweating!  

Some suits also limit UV absorption in their material so they do not heat up from the sun, you supposedly feel cooler still.  An example of this is DeSoto Sport with "Coldblack®" used on some of their suits

 

2015-05-05 1:59 PM
in reply to: casebusy

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Subject: RE: black tri suits
I wear black. It might be hotter in theory but I've never noticed.

I believe many / most races outlaw running without a shirt. But I'm sure all you'd get would be a warning.


2015-05-05 2:33 PM
in reply to: smoom

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Subject: RE: black tri suits
Yes id caution running without a top, I also think its rather inappropriate but thats just my opinion. Where I race you're not even allowed to zip down your top, although that usually only covers the finish chute.
2015-05-05 2:49 PM
in reply to: smoom

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Subject: RE: black tri suits

Originally posted by smoom I wear black. It might be hotter in theory but I've never noticed. I believe many / most races outlaw running without a shirt. But I'm sure all you'd get would be a warning.
+

This is a WTC rule, not a USAT rule.

So, unless your non WTC-race prohibits it, it's ok.

2015-05-05 2:53 PM
in reply to: casebusy

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Subject: RE: black tri suits
I do all my work in a black tri suit or black cycling kit, and it has yet to be a significant issue.

I used to have bright green, and never felt a significant difference, but I could see white perhaps reflecting a little more heat for those REALLY hot races.
2015-05-05 7:19 PM
in reply to: ratherbeswimming

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Subject: RE: black tri suits
Its an ITU rule as well. USAT is an outlier in allowing bare torso.
2015-05-06 8:14 AM
in reply to: simpsonbo

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Subject: RE: black tri suits
Most top end black suits have technology that actually helps lower body temperature (beyond wiking). Or at least they claim it.


2015-05-06 12:58 PM
in reply to: #5113118

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Subject: RE: black tri suits
Interesting topic...it caught my eye because I used to wear all black to my A races. It didn't make a lot of sense when you are racing in the NJ summer...but It did sharpen my focus...not sure why but it did
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