I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.

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2008-07-30 10:29 PM

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Subject: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.

I did my first tri last week and really spent too much time trying to get my top on during  T1.  I'd like to get a top that I can wear for the whole tri. 

 Mountain bike racing is my primary sport so I don't want to invest in a wetsuit or full race suit.  MTB racing takes enough of my money.

Is what i'm looking to do common among TRI people (I'm new here)? 

Any examples of tops that will work for this?  I know Louis Garneau has a 'shark' top, any experience or other ideas?  I bought a Specialized Tri Singlet from my LBS because it was only $20 (on sale from $60).  It's very tight, but not sure it's built for swimming.  help.

Thanks peeps. 



Edited by guppie58 2008-07-30 10:31 PM

2008-07-31 4:39 AM
in reply to: #1571865

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.

Speedo makes some good gear.

http://www.speedousa.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.browse/categoryID/c27cebf0-ff9b-469a-ac4d-bb0265c41e2a/

2008-07-31 7:32 AM
in reply to: #1571865

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.
The tri singlet you bought is almost certainly fine for swimming. One of the reasons they're so tight is so you don't have massive drag, particularly while swimming.

-Matt
2008-07-31 8:39 AM
in reply to: #1571865

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.
I just wear my top while I swim. It works fine, and my swim time is not affected.
Some times I use the top, sometimes I dont it depends on my mood.
I could not imagine trying to put it on in T1, must be a time sucker.
Or you could just go shirtless.
2008-07-31 9:33 AM
in reply to: #1571865

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.

Thanks guys, my concern with my tops is water absorption.  I read on the Speedo and Louis Garneau that they are water resistent and dry fast. I'm sure the Specialized Tri Singlet has the 'wicking' fabric, but not sure how it will be in the water.  Not that it really matters I guess, only doing tri's for personal challenge.  I'm light years from being competitive. 

2008-07-31 11:03 AM
in reply to: #1571865

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Medina, MN
Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.
Most tri tops are pretty thin fabrics and can't absorb too much water to start with. Also, at least in my experience, the wind from the bike dries them out pretty quickly.


2008-07-31 12:48 PM
in reply to: #1571865

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.
I am surprised that Under Armor has not been mentioned. I am 6'00" and 190# and I have a hard time finding tri tops that actually fit. They are all mostly too short. Although most are pretty convenient with their pockets, I trade that for comfort and I use almost exclusively Under Armor shirts. Their compression tops are fantastic, they are long so they do not ride up, and you can get them in sleeveless or with sleeves. I love them.

Mike
2008-07-31 3:26 PM
in reply to: #1572754

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.

MLJ - 2008-07-31 12:03 PM Most tri tops are pretty thin fabrics and can't absorb too much water to start with. Also, at least in my experience, the wind from the bike dries them out pretty quickly.

 True, plus I'll be sweating my nads off anyways. 

 Any difference between tank and sleeveless?  Personal preference I assume?



Edited by guppie58 2008-07-31 3:27 PM
2008-07-31 3:45 PM
in reply to: #1573992

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.
guppie58 - 2008-07-31 4:26 PM

MLJ - 2008-07-31 12:03 PM Most tri tops are pretty thin fabrics and can't absorb too much water to start with. Also, at least in my experience, the wind from the bike dries them out pretty quickly.

True, plus I'll be sweating my nads off anyways.

Any difference between tank and sleeveless? Personal preference I assume?

A tank top has larger openings in the arms and the neck - like a mens basketball jersey.  Sleeveless is like a regular shirt except w/ sleeves cut out along the seem, like a womans basketball jersey.  ie smaller opening.

Tanks tend to be too loose for me, dont sit right and I find myself adjusting the tank more. 

2008-08-02 10:03 AM
in reply to: #1571865

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.

cool thanks. I order two other tops from Swim outlet.com since it was free shipping.  They are twice the price of the $20 Specialized one I have, but I want to check them out just to make sure I buy the right thing.

I may still keep the Specialized one since I can go buy some Zoot Trifits for $55 (sale at my LBS) and still be under what some of the Tri tops cost.  Then I will have a pure tri outfit instead of wearing my pure bike shorts. 

2008-08-07 2:28 PM
in reply to: #1573197

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Subject: RE: I want a top I can swim, bike and run in (no wetsuit), help.

Rollin' Thunder - 2008-07-31 1:48 PM I am surprised that Under Armor has not been mentioned. I am 6'00" and 190# and I have a hard time finding tri tops that actually fit. They are all mostly too short. Although most are pretty convenient with their pockets, I trade that for comfort and I use almost exclusively Under Armor shirts. Their compression tops are fantastic, they are long so they do not ride up, and you can get them in sleeveless or with sleeves. I love them. Mike

x2 on the UnderArmour compression top: just did my first sprint in a red sleeveless (swim, bike and run), and damn, I looked good Smile

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