General Discussion Triathlon Talk » bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim? Rss Feed  
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2007-03-02 9:28 AM

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Expert
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Seattle WA
Subject: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?

Hi all,

I want to wear bike shorts during the bike leg at IMAZ. To avoid having to change, can I wear them under my wetsuit?

THe chammy would get wet, but I don't think that would cause any large problems. It'd dry out I imagine, until it gets wet agan with sweat and water poured over myself.

thanks,

tom 



2007-03-02 9:45 AM
in reply to: #708802

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Champion
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Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?

I use DeSoto Tri Shorts under the Wetsuit. 

I would experiment some in your training swims.  Compare using Bike Shorts vs Tri Shorts and see if their is any more binding, excess water soppage,  Hop on the bike and see how much water squishes out....

 

2007-03-02 10:39 AM
in reply to: #708802

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Not a Coach
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Media, PA
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?

I wouldn't.  Bike shorts have a much larger chamois pad than tri shorts.  If you like the comfort of bike shorts, I'd just change.  But if you do wear them, just make sure you've tried it out beforehand.  Don't assume that it won't be a problem. 

Personally, I'll wear tri shorts for the whole race.  But I rarely wear bike shorts even just for biking.  I prefer the smaller pads.

2007-03-02 11:34 AM
in reply to: #708802

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Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?

Ever seen someone from behind running with wet bike shorts?  There aren't that many things I can think of that look more uncomfortable.  R-A-S-H for sure, I would think

Another option is getting a DeSoto gel seat cover and using tri shorts.

2007-03-02 11:35 AM
in reply to: #708957

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Expert
897
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Seattle WA
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?
Well, the problem is it's tough to try it out - it's winter up here and starting out a bike with sopping wet shorts would be a bad idea. Also, dont' want to swim in my expensive bike shorts in a chlorine-filled pool. But, I might soak them in the sink and then get on the trainer...
2007-03-02 11:39 AM
in reply to: #708802

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Champion
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Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?
No problem.  I did my whole first triathlon season wearing bike shorts and was okay. The  synthetic shammies used in cycling shorts these days dry quickly enough and do not chafe.


2007-03-02 11:55 AM
in reply to: #708802

Master
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Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?
Friend of mine did her first Ironman in bike shorts and didn't have a problem. The most important thing is comfort.
2007-03-02 12:07 PM
in reply to: #708802

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Not a Coach
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Media, PA
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?
Well, sounds like others have had success in wearing them.  Still, personally I'd want to be sure.  112 miles is a long way to be having second thoughts. 
2007-03-02 12:48 PM
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Champion
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Atlanta, Ga
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?

Wearing bike shorts and wearing them AFTER the swim are two different animals.  Definetly put them in the sink and jump on the trainer.  And for a LONG ride, not an easy hour ride.

Transitions in IM are not that super speedy.  Take the 20 seconds to change into them.  Then you won't have the issue/question at all.

2007-03-04 6:06 AM
in reply to: #708802

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Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?

I'm with Marv.  It's a long day, and you get the luxury of a changing tent.  Unless you're trying to qualify for Kona in your AG, I'd take the extra minute to put on dry stuff.  What if it happens to be cold like at IM Wisconsin last year?  You'll be freezing at the start of the bike loop.  The comfort factor will be enormous!

 



Edited by max 2007-03-04 6:07 AM
2007-03-06 11:12 AM
in reply to: #708802

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Veteran
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Owen
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?
I wore mine under my wetsuit for my Ironman and I had no problems but I would pack a extra pair just in case it is cold. It was warm for my Ironman so I dried out quickly and were a high quality pair of shorts so I didn't have any chafing problems.


2007-03-06 3:15 PM
in reply to: #708802

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Calgary
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?

I would not suggest bike shorts being wet and then hopping on your bike for a bunch of hours.  Have you tried any long distance rides in tri-shorts?

I wore tri-shorts for Ironman under my wetsuit last year.  I did 4 or 5 160km rides in training in both tri and high end bib shorts with the most comfortable diaper-chamois I could find.

The tri-shorts were by far and away MUCH more comfortable over the long haul.  

If you're dead set on wearing a set of bike shorts for IMAZ, I would definitely change into them in the transition, baby powder or a tad of body glide on teh leg bands will make the transition that much quicker.  I think a big wet chamois starting the bike leg is a blister in the making.  Either route you take, make sure to use either body glide or lots of chamois butter on pad and you're golden.

b. 

2007-03-06 3:33 PM
in reply to: #708802

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Elite
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Hendersonville
Subject: RE: bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim?
I did it last year. I think I will probably do it again this year. The alternative is to wear a swim suit under my wetsuit and I don't want to do that. Too much changing. I don't remember having any problems last year.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » bike shorts under wetsuit during IM swim? Rss Feed