Home› General Training Discussions

Racing kit - bib short recommendation

Patrick MarshPatrick Marsh
in General Training Discussions
Does anyone wear bib shorts (i.e., with suspenders, like cycling bib shorts) for triathlon?  Castelli makes the Free Tri bib shorts, for example.  I am wondering if anyone has tried these or similar bibs and has a recommendation.  I always cycle with bib shorts and prefer them to shorts.  I haven't done a lot of triathlons, but I like racing in a one-piece suit.  

As the days are getting longer, I am starting to think about race season.  I notice that the EN store only sells a tri-shirt.  (Separately, it looks like we have cycle-specific kit.)  There does not appear to be any selection for EN shorts or a one-piece.  Therefore, I am curious what shorts others use for races.

Comments

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Are these bib tri shorts without the diaper padding?  Seems like this would have a built in time penalty such as pulling suspenders up after the swim, or making a complete change in both T1 and T2, or having to pull them down to take a leak, etc.  However, there is mostly definitely an EN one piece print using the LG M-2 sleeved suit.  Click on my profile photo for a better look.  Orders for these are taken a couple of times a year.

  • Patrick MarshPatrick Marsh
    Thanks Paul.  The Castelli chamois is supposed to be thin and doesn't retain moisture - i.e., doesn't turn into a diaper.  Also, it is looks sufficiently low cut enough in the front to allow for bio breaks.  Not sure how range of mobility would affect the swim.

    Would be interested in a one-piece EN suit if the inseam works (I'm only 5'8"...).  I definitely prefer a one-piece singlet option to wearing shorts, especially for long bike rides.    
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    @ Patrick - I am 5' 8" and my legs are 30" inseam so you can judge based on what you are seeing on me.  I did IM Louisville and IM Switzerland in that suit.  Both times I swam with it fully on under my wetsuit and continued on through the entire race.  
  • scott dinhoferscott dinhofer
    @Patrick Marsh - lots of peeps on the team have used the desotos including R n P. I can't remember if its the carrera or the riviera tri bib, but look on their site, really good stuff. I actually have a brand new black one that you can buy from me cheap, tags still on it.. just have too many good items of my own already. We could easily do a drink/ coffee handoff... 
  • Patrick MarshPatrick Marsh
    @Scott Dinhoffer - Thanks Scott.  We should definitely get together for drink/coffee.  Will send you a PM to get more details on the desoto bib.  Glad to see that you are also doing Quassy and IMLP.  
  • Dave GardnerDave Gardner
    @Patrick Marsh I'll second the desoto riviera, I love the size, shape, thickness and material of the chamois. Im 5'9" 168 and the medium is perfect. . 
  • Patrick MarshPatrick Marsh
    @david gardner - Thanks!  Sounds like a medium would work for me.  The desotos seem great.  I am happy there are good options other than doing a full IM in tri-shorts.  
  • Dave GardnerDave Gardner
    Excellent!  Looking on their website it looks like they're clearing out the 2016 ones
  • Patrick MarshPatrick Marsh
    To close out the loop on this thread, I raced in the De Soto tri-bibs this weekend at LP.  They were comfortable on the bike and run.  After several training rides and a full-distance IM race, I can give the tri-bibs a big thumbs-up.
Sign In or Register to comment.