Why do I need a Tri top?

I get really cold cause I'm quite skinny, mine also has pockets for food.

Many races require you to wear a top on the bike & run.  A tri top is made to be comfortable in all 3 sports, but any decent tight-fitting athletic top should work for the bike and run.  Although I haven't tried it myself, many folks say that running in a cycling-specific jersey is leads to chafing, but a good running top should work on the bike too.  I do all of my training (bike & runs) in tri tops now - they are just super comfy.  You can find good deals on them if you look - you don't have to spend big dough for them.

Cheers, Chris 

Cause they are sexy??

Oh yeah - that too!   

Because some sort of top is required at a lot of races and if you're used to wearing one you don't have to worry about whether THIS race allows it or not.

Just wanted to follow up on some legality questions regarding men having bare upper torsos for bike and run...

I recently got an email for an upcoming race indicating that since it is a USAT event and not an ITU/WTC event, bare chests for men are OK.

Each race can be a little different (especially at the local level), but the larger events (like the M-dot races - both distances) they require that you wear a top.  They will reitterate this during the race meeting.  Just make sure you clarify with the RD ~ don't want to risk penalty or DQ!  That would really suck!  Good luck!

Sexy... especially when physiques like Aguagirl's are clad in them!   

On you a potato sack is sexy

I'm the same as you in regards to running, training with no shirt on.  I was told at my last event by another competitor USAT rules stated you had to wear a shirt, yet several competitors did not do so.  I think one of them even placed... so it doesn't seem like he was DQ'd or anything.  I'm going to ask the RD from now on what the deal is before hand.  I need to get some shorts with pockets and will look into this "bento box".  

Most races in TX, except for some of the larger ones, don't require shirts.  A few guys at Buffalos Springs got warnings or time penalties for being shirtless.  Check with the race director to be sure.  I'll do sprints shirtless, and sometimes Olys (to avoid sunburn).  But mainly I just choose not to train or race much in the summer.  Too hot!!

Brian

Edited by famelec 2009-07-20 2:23 PM

If your in Kentucky, then you'll fit in with the common crowd of going shirtless.... might as well wear cut off blue jeans and a Chevy trucker cap as well.  But seriously, I wear mine because of the sunscreen protection and of course being considerate and professional.  You don't see a baseball player going shirtless do you?

I was wondering about rules on this as well so glad this thread cleared that up. I have redhair and so I am fair skinned and planned to wear one regardless but I was curious what the average percent of people who wear them for the swim as well as the bike and run?


also just something else to toss in but are there rules with tattoos and piercings? The professional comment reminded me of this? Earings (plugs) would come out simply because they tend to loosen and fall out in the water. But if you were to compete in an event that allows no shirt to say nipple piercings have to come out? Are they picky with visible tattoos? The baseball comment reminded me of that since there was the one pitcher recently they made wear something that covered his sleeves. I  have a half sleeve right now so would a tank tri top be allowed still?

Baseball players don't swim during the game. Or exert themselves. for that matter.

No.

I can't comment on rules aspect or fashion, but I never train shirtless.  A good top offers a bit of sun protection, and high performance fabrics act as a mini-radiator if you keep 'em wet (more efficient at evaporative cooling than bare skin).  And it may add a bit of a barrier to road rash if you go down on the bike

Thanks for the quick reply, I was hoping not. Especially the tattoo since I like to look at the one I can see out of the corner of my eye when I run and ride, sometimes swim. It motivates me, having learned what HTFU was today (had an idea) it is actually one of my triggers for that.. even though it has flowers on it haha