For Kona, do I *really* need a wetsuit and/or aerobars?

As others have said, you won't be allowed to wear a wetsuit so that's a no for sure.

You certainly don't need aerobars and you wouldn't be the only one out there without them but *I* would personally want them given the big bang for the buck they provide.  Those winds really can be as nasty as the rumours say!

For the swim, the debate would be whether to acquire a speedsuit or not.  Not necessary but most will be wearing them.

I definately would want some aerobars.  Most of the course is large rollers where you would be in aero pretty much the whole way except maybe towards the top of the climb to Hawi.

A ha.  Super helpful.  I think I "meant" speedsuit.

Similar question: will a speedsuit buy me THAT much time to be worth $100?  I know in the grand scheme it's not a lot of money, but the countless $100 expenses add up.

And re: aerobars... is there a noticeable draft/time/efficiency difference between aeros and just being in the drops?  Or is it about comfort with aeros (easier to maintain for long distances than drops)?

Thanks folks... you're awesome to help out this Kona newbie.

The short answer is no, you need neither.

The wetsuit question has been answered as to why not. EDIT: as has the speedsuit question.

The aerobars question less so. Those who suggest aerobars have ignored the fitting and training aspects necessary to use them to any potential. Obviously, you'll be training for this alot. But just slapping aerobars on won't necessarily magically make you faster because you'll need to be refitted on the bike (more $$). Is that still an acceptable cost? And it'll take a heap of time to get used to holding that new position long enough for those bars to have any benefit.

My opinion--skip 'em if you just want to have fun and finish without the extra expense. -J

THIS

Make sure to get some time in on the aerobars and get a comfortable position you can hold for 112mi.  There are sections climbing up to Hawi where it may be too windy to use them, but they will save you many minutes on the rolling parts of the Queen K and through Kona.

The swim skin might save a minute.  With or without it use a ton of bodyglide (2.4 miles in saltwater chafes!!).

Have a great time and enjoy Kona! 

When I briefly had clip-on aerobars on my road bike I was about 1-1.5 mph faster than without. I'm about 2-2.5 mph faster on my tri bike than road bike, even in the drops. I'd definitely say it's a worthwhile investment.

As an example, if you averaged 19mph for the 112 miles it takes about 5:53. At 20mph it takes about 5:35. If you rented some aero wheels and aero helmet you'd save even more time. Combining clip-on bars, aero wheels, and aero helmet could net you a good chunk of 'free' time!

I just recently put Aerobars on my road bike. Even though I spent most of my time in the drops and felt comfortable, I couldn't believe the difference going into the aerobars.  They are so much more comfortable to me. I'm rarely in the drops now.

I got Profile Design T1+ for a tad over 100 bucks. It's been worth every penny to me.

I thought you can wear a wetsuit for Kona?  According to their policy it looks like you can to me?

http://ironman.com/faq/rulesfaq#axzz1tcb6pnaM

What about other IM events like IM Madison?  

Ironman events allow for wetsuits depending on water temperature.  Kona is never wetsuit legal (it is Hawaii after all).

I did Kona before aerobars were invented so yeah, it isn't pretty, but it certainly can be done.

This is what it looked like back in the day (1986) going up Pay n' Save hill:

So THIS is what they mean when they say, "pick your parents well"? ;-)

Pretty awesome pics.  Not to totally hijack the thread, but out of curiosity, did her splits get better (bike and/or run), or were the conditions too different to make any judgement either way? -J