Tips for Fast Transitions?

Try and do as much as you can while moving..i.e shoes, race number, watch.  Also go over the process in your head frequently.  I find myself going over the entire upcoming race transitions while swimming.

Newbz advice is excellent! I would spend a few moments to organize your race station at your bike rack so you can quickly and methodically get your bike gear on and go. I use a tri-suit and wear it under my wetsuit so I never change. You'll have a wet bum for the first part of the ride but a little lube and you'll be fine. I would also practice your transition several (many MANY) times so it is second nature! ANd know exactly where you bike is at! Practice getting to it before the race! Good luck, Jim

Isn't this a violation of USAT rules? I thought your helmet had to be strapped until you re-racked your bike???

5.9 Helmets.

(a) Type of Helmet. All participants shall wear a protective head cover, undamaged and unaltered, which meets or exceeds the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  Helmets manufactured prior to March 10, 1999 must meet or exceed the safety standards of (i) the American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z-90.4), (ii) The Snell Memorial Foundation (Protective Headgear for Bicycle Users), or (iii) ASTM F-1446 or F-1447, and which is clearly labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying such standards. Removal of helmet cover, if required for that helmet to meet such safety standards, shall constitute an impermissible alteration in violation of this Section 5.9(a). Any violation of this Section 5.9(a) shall result in disqualification.

(b) Chin Strap Violations. The helmet must be fastened before the participant first mounts the bicycle, at all times when the participant is on the bicycle, and must not be unfastened until the participant has dismounted. Any violation of this Section 5.9(b) which occurs while the participant is in the transition area shall result in a variable time penalty. Any other violation of this Section shall result in disqualification.  This Section 5.9(b) shall be enforced at all times while at the event site on race day.

To add onto what newbz said, I too am pretty fast in transitions.  Usually top 10-20%.  Some of the things I have learned over the years that have helped.

Helmet - this works better without an aero helmet because of the lack of vents on top, but I turn my helmet upside down, and rest it on top of the aero bars and put the straw (s) from my aerobottle through the vents to hold it in place and stop it from falling off.  Figured this one out last year and it eliminates having to bend over to get the helmet.  Sunglasses are also in the helmet (I even wear them in a sprint ), bars upso they are easily grabbed and put on, then the helmet. 

Shoes - Sprint, don't worry about socks but make absolutely certain you train enough without them that you are used to it.  Oly, no socks unless you haven't trained in them, then use em.  HIM and longer, take the time to put them on, from what I hear it is well worth it.  I used socks last year in my lone Oly (for the first time) and only put them on after the ride.  This way the feet were a little more dry and easier to get on.  To prepare, I rolled them down and put them slightly into the shoes, then, come race time, threw them on the toes and yanked em up.  Worked perfect.  Again, took a little practice.

Practice, practice, practice - there is a workout in one of the planned programs available.  I did it last year.  I think they called it the Ohio Brick?  anyway, it was a 5 minute run, then a 10 minute bike then a 5 minute run with a rest after the last run.  Can't remember how many sets of those.  Treat each and every transition like it was real life (use the first run to mimic coming out of the water).  You learn how to quickly get the shoes on and get going.  Both on the bike and on the run.

Thanks for the baby powder hint.  I'm gonna have to use it. 

But I need my sunglasses.  My baby blues are much too sensitive. 

I practice transitions by setting up my bike / transition area in the garage and setup just like I have it on race days. To make it fun for our kids, I let them spray me with the hose in the yard. Then I run around the house, hittting different textures such as grass, concrete and agregate driveway 'cause you never know what you'll encounter on race day. I have my goggles and swim cap in hand. Throw on my helmet, race belt, shoes and I run with my bike to the end of the driveway and this is also good practice for flying mounts. Bike a half mile. Then back at the end of the driveway, dismount and run with bike back into T2. Change shoes and bolt out for a half mile run. Do it 6 or 7 times and it is a killer workout! Marma even has a "sport" listing for practicing transitions in our logs.

The neighbors look at you funny, especially running down the street with a race belt and number, but it is great practice and does wonder for race day!