Tri Top vs. Bike Top

For imaz, I wore one during the bike and run. I agree with you, on longer distances, I like the bike jersey over the tri top/suit. Didn't have any chaffing issues or anything. However, I caution you not to go cheap on the bike jersey. Some of the lower models I have, the seams are too big and in the wrong places, and can cause some problems during the run.

I just got my first bike top a couple of weeks ago, I won it in a raffle after a race. I havent ever used a tri top and I never really wanted a bike top cause I dont really like the "sponsered" look.. I normally swim and bike shirtless and throw on a running tank in T2. Anyway, since I now had this fancy new bike top, I figured I give it a try. I loved it on the bike, very comfortable. Then I tried in the water. It felt like I was swimming with a parachute and it weighed a ton out of the water, retaining a lot of water.

Since I liked it on the bike, I figured I'd wear it in my next race, putting it on in T1. Again really nice on the bike. But I didnt like it on the run. Keep riding up, tight, felt very restrictive. Even with it upzipped all the way it was bothering me. I wont wear it again, unless I am just biking.

I still need to try a tri-top...

I suggest you dip your bike jersey in water then go cycling and come back to the post.   Personally I would never wear a jersey under a wetsuit.  I am having bad chaffing visions in places where the shirt bunches up. 

Tri tops are typically made of a quick dry material.  While the pockets are not big and deep in a tri top, I have yet to buy one that doesn't have something in the back.  You also need to ask yourself what you need those deep pockets for in a race.  The only time I have needed pockets in a race was to store a gel flask or nuun container, so the tri top worked perfectly.  I plan on racing IM in a tri top

For casual group rides or long training rides, I often do wear a jersey.  But I also pack an extra tube, cell phone, 2-3 bars, etc.

 

Edited by ADollar79 2007-06-05 1:25 PM