msfugitivehunter - 2008-08-29 8:36 AM
I am new to the sport and just beginning my training. I have found myself bombarded with info about wetsuits, cycling jerseys, shoes, bikes and on and on. I know there is a really simple answer to my question but I am missing it. Ok, so you need a wet suit to wear in the swim, do you have your cycling/running attire under that or do you change in the transition area or what? Do you wear the same attire for the run as you do the bike? I guess one reason this bogs me down is, most cycling shorts have padding, doesn't it get wet and make cycling difficult? Can someone kinda explain the process for me?
Thanks
First, you only need a wet suit if the race is wet suit legal. Check the race web site, they should post preliminary water temps to help guide you on whether it will be or not.
Second, if the race is wet suit legal than yes, most people wear their tri shorts and a tri top
(or cycling jersey
) underneath their suit. You can't change in transition because nudity is actually a violation of USAT rules
(assuming your race is USAT
). If the race isn't wet suit legal than I think most people still wear their tri shorts and a tri top but I've seen people do the swim with no top as well...so, they must plan on putting their top on in T1. Be careful with that though, I've heard that slipping a dry jersey on to a wet body can't not only be challenging but hilarious to watch ;-
)
Third, most people do wear the same gear for the bike and run. Either tri shorts and a tri top or tri shorts and a cycling top. That way you only have a minimal things to do in T2
(take off helmet, rack bike, change running shoes, grab hat and race belt and you are off
).
Lastly, you are right. Bike shorts have a pretty thick chamois that would make them uncomfortable on the run. Plus, they would be soaked through on the swim
(even with a wet suit your clothes get pretty wet
). That is why tri shorts are preferred, they are designed specifically to dry quickly and they have a thinner chamois. So, they aren't quite as cushioned on the bike but they also are easy to run in.
Hope that helps!
--Chris