EN team gear sizing questions

John Katsoudas

I see that the team gear site is open this week, so I want to order some cycling gear and a race suit, so I wanted to see if folks have any feedback on sizing.  I'm 6'0", 158-160lbs.

For a tri suit, I'm going to go with the Free Tri San Remo SS suit.  The Castelli sizing chart has me at a M based on my waist and hips, but L based on my chest.  Do these suits run small or large?  Any guidance on which size I should go with?  I've read elsewhere that they may run a bit large?

For the Pactimo cycling gear, their sizing charts have me in a M for both the top and the bib shorts.  Does anyone here know how the Pactimo stuff compares size-wise to Castelli?  I have some Cervelo-branded Castelli gear and in that I wear a M top and L bottom.  I'm curious as to how the Pactimo stuff compares to this?

Thanks,
John

Jorge Duque

Hi John, I just ordered today my race kit but have several Castelli kits with the same reference as the EN ones.

I am 6'3" 208 lbs and use XL bottoms and XXL tops

Coach Patrick

You can't compare two things you don't have to each other.    Or I don't recommend it.

I love my castelli kit. Their sizing chart is accurate. The kit is really snug, so if it says 42inches is a large chest you can't put a 45-inch chest in there.  I am 42" chest and 38" waist...so I go Large on Top (Stealth) and Medium Shorts. I prefer the two piece with Stealth top as it has hooks and acts as one piece without being stuck in one piece. My two cents.  

Pactimo I am a large in both per their charts...nothing too funky there. Sizing is good...it's middle ground stuff. Not crazy race tight, not casual sometimes I ride my bike baggy.

John Katsoudas

@Coach Patrick - Hehehe, I think I worded my previous question in just about the most confusing way possible.  It was actually two separate questions in one:

1) tri kit - I'm getting different sizing recommendations based on waist and hip measurements (Medium) vs. chest measurement (Large). It sounds like your recommendation is to size based on the largest of the dimensions, i.e., go with a size large so it's not too tight in the chest.

2) cycling kit - In Castelli cycling gear (not the tri kit above), I normally wear a Medium top and Large bib shorts.  I was wondering if the Pactimo cycling gear sizing is similar to Castelli cycling gear.


Heck, while I'm at it, I'll throw in a third question... how many people train in their race gear?  I normally ride in cycling jersey/bibs but in the spirit of not trying new stuff on race day I'm tempted to pick up a second tri suit and do more of my training in that suit as I get closer to race day. Thoughts?

Mark Hickman

"John Katsoudas" I'll do a couple of workouts in any new gear, and then at least one race rehearsal in the kit.  After I have validated it in a few races, that's normally the only time I'll wear it.  Them things are expensive, and should I meet pavement during a bike or run, I'd rather not ruin my go to race kit (especially as order periods aren't that often).

Jeff Horn

I have one of these Sanremo free one piece sleeved kits last year (black, not team EN) and will say that it is a nice kit.  Fit is good, but material is very lightweight and breathable.  Didn't get any chafing on IM races and even forgot to re-lube at halfway on bike.  The bottoms dry super fast.  The fast "nature break" access is a real winner in my book too.  I am 5'11" 172lb and wore a L if that helps anyone.

Patrick Marsh

I just ordered the Pactimo jersey and bibs.  Looking forward to getting outside this spring in this kit.

Sheila Leard

@Abbey Bonner We women know how important the padding is! Castelli is a high end line. The reviews are always positive. I plan to size up one. The sizing charts do their best to help you order but my experience with triathlon clothing companies is that they are not true to size. 

The pad gets good reviews. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=55&v=iXcgtEBLBH8

ABBEY BONNER

Thanks @Sheila Leard

In case anyone is wondering, my original post was this (I posted it in the wrong forum D'oh!):

Does anyone have the Castelli Women's Free Tri Shorts?  

If so, what's the chamois pad like?  Does it provide enough padding for a long distance bike and also OK to run?

Phil Mills

John Katsoudas said:

Heck, while I'm at it, I'll throw in a third question... how many people train in their race gear?  I normally ride in cycling jersey/bibs but in the spirit of not trying new stuff on race day I'm tempted to pick up a second tri suit and do more of my training in that suit as I get closer to race day. Thoughts?

I'll wear my race gear for my two race rehearsals, but not my training.  The race suit wears out much quicker than a regular bike kit, so not a good ROI to train in them

Al Truscott

Just a thought...if you are going to the trouble and expense to buy a triathlon racing suit, remember it is designed to be aero - you want it tight, with no loose fabric flapping in the 20-25 mph breeze you are riding through.

IMO, the same is true for cycling gear, but...YMMV

scott dinhofer

Western bike works is a big Castelli dealer and they have a big warning on all of their castelli gear about it running a bit small. Last year I ordered the medium bottoms and the medium Top, the top was way too small for me, I traded with someone for a large top.. still skin tight... the bottoms don't seem to be sized down as much as the top, Coach Ps comments above resonate.

Gary Lewis

I went with Large also, figuring if it didn't fit, someone would need a last minute kit and take it off my hands. 

Daria Matthews

@Abbey Bonner- did you ever get your answer on the Castelli shorts? I'm looking for a new pair as well. Thanks!

ABBEY BONNER

Hi Daria, not really and after some internet research I came to the conclusion that the chamois wasn’t suitable (for me anyway).  I currently use the Tyr Competitor Tri Short. They have an excellent chamois for long distance triathlons, but I dont think they sell them here in the UK anymore. I might give the Zoot ones a go.

Daria Matthews

@Abbey Bonner thank you! I just got some castelli shorts and my butt is very happy

Sheila Leard

My Castelli kit arrived!!! LADIES -  I ordered two shorts. The smalls fit. I have a medium for sale. The unisex top XS, is tight in armpits but - when wet it could loosen up. I’m open to a small if anyone has one. 

Bobby Patrick

I got some size "L" Pactimo arm warmers... they are one size large. I need a medium. Anyone out there have a medium for sale?

Daria Matthews

Not sure if anyone will see this post here, but I bought Medium Men's Stealth Top (like Sheila's pic above) brand new with tags from another member here.  I just wore it today on my long run (good-bye tags) and I need to get one size bigger.  I know it should be tight, but this one may be too tight across my shoulders.  If anyone wants to buy this one (worn once - sucks that these things don't come up when you just stand in front of the mirror) or I can also swap for Large Men's or Large Women's Top. Fingers crossed or I'm running my IM leg with an unzipped top so things may get ugly   

Sheila Leard

I have two brand new never been worn W omens Castelli shorts for sale. Sizes Small and Medium.