What's under my wetsuit.... :-)

William Jenks

OK, with a title like that, I deserve whatever abuse you give. :-)

But here's a reasonably serious question.  Let's assume we're talking about a wetsuit legal IM-distance race.  I have a pair of bib-bike shorts that I particularly like, and whose pad is unobstructive enough that I don't mind running in them...so they could potentially work as a full-race short.  Also, the back of the bib covers that "tramp stamp" part of your back that can get a bad sunburn when you pair a singlet and normal shorts.  I've considered racing in them.  Just tossing this out there as a think-aloud idea.

If you are swimming with a wetsuit, is there any particular disadvantage to swimming with the bigger pad down there than exists for a normal tri short?  I can't really think of one, but I'm open to hearing about it.

Thanks.

Spokane_Al

I don't think the problem with the bigger pad is necessarily in swimming with it. The problem seems to be in the amount of water that pad may retain which can make it feel as if we are running while wearing a wet diaper.

Nate Parady

Agree with Al, especially if your wearing a wetsuit. I would not be one to wear big shorts/bibs for the run. I would be changing into running shorts in T2. I was worried about running 26 miles in my tri short and tested them out on a 2.5 hour run during training to confirm if they would work for me. They did. You may want to do the same with your bib shorts.

William Jenks

That's a good point. I've run with them plenty, but always for an hour or less as a brick run. They don't bother me then, but it hasn't been really soaking wet.

mattsull

Posted By William Jenks on 10 Aug 2011 03:39 PM

That's a good point. I've run with them plenty, but always for an hour or less as a brick run. They don't bother me then, but it hasn't been really soaking wet.

That could be a problem on the bike as well. 

carls10

I did Lake Placid last year, wore bike shorts under my wet suit and biked in them, then changed into tri shorts for the run. I did not have any issues. I probably wouldn't do it again, only because I am more comfortable riding long in tri shorts now and wouldn't want to take the extra time in T2.

mgraffeo

Or you could try out the Desoto tri bibs

http://www.trisports.com/desoto-mens-forza-tri-bib-short.html

tgarson

I'd presume that most of the water in your chamois/pad would squeeze out when you sat on it on the bike and that it'd certainly be dry after 112 miles. Personally, I can really only do bibs when the weather is cold/cool/pleasant, believe it or not the extra fabric really bugs me when it's really hot out, I feel like I'm wearing an extra layer. It could be completely mental. Likewise, the bathroom factor for bib shorts makes them another no-no for me in terms of racing. May or may not be an issue, but if you do have to use an actual toilet, that's extra hassle.



Anecdotally, I also am way more comfortable on the run in tri shorts than I am in any running shorts. I'm fine with running shorts when I'm cool and or dry, but once I get covered in sweat and or water/ice from aid stations, I can't stand how running shorts start to stick to your legs.



So combining these somewhat disjoint thoughts into something a little more cohesive, I think you could wear the bibs for all 3 if you want but personally, I would need a more compelling argument for the bibs other than it avoids the tramp stamp. If you have a well fitting saddle and a good pair of tri shorts I still think that's the way to go for the whole race, but honestly in the grand scheme of things an extra minute or two to change in T2 into something else for the run isn't going to be the end of the world either if you're not hunting for KQ. But given your season so far, I dunno, maybe you are...

William Jenks

It was more a "think aloud" exercise. Yes, I like the "tights" feel of a tri short (or anything more or less like it) for the run, too. There are enough complicating issues though that maybe it's not such a good idea.

If you burned as easy as I do, you might not think that the burn thing is not such a big deal.... I am also contemplating wearing one of these (white)
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/heatgear-compression/mens/pid1201163-Men-s-HeatGear-174-Longsleeve/1201163-600

Daniela

Posted By William Jenks on 10 Aug 2011 06:30 PM



If you burned as easy as I do, you might not think that the burn thing is not such a big deal.... I am also contemplating wearing one of these (white)

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/heatgear-compression/mens/pid1201163-Men-s-HeatGear-174-Longsleeve/1201163-600

A little more pricey, but DeSoto has a long sleeved top as well, with ice pockets.  I haven't tried any of their cooler gear, but thinking of getting cool wings and maybe the hat.  Partly for the cooling and partly to reduce sunburned arms.

http://www.desotosport.com/merchant.mvc+Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DSS&Category_Code=skincooler

mancona

I used the Zoot IceFill Arm sleeves last year in Kona and they work great. No sunburn on my arms, but my hands did get burnt. Plus when you get them wet they do cool you off... once they dry up though they really don't do anything different than a normal shirt. The DeSoto stuff is basically same and should also work very well. I recomend both if you easily burn or if it is going to be really hot.

William Jenks

The advantage of the UnderArmour over the DeSoto is sun coverage. The UnderArmour (claims) an SPF of 35, whereas the Desoto is SPF of 4. I have an old used underarmour in gray, and I've never gotten a sunburn under it. (But it's old, stretched out and stained)

If it looks like we are going to be not wetsuit legal, though, I'm going to pick up a pair of the DeSoto wings. Al Truscott says they are easy to get on even when wet because you don't have to worry about rolling things down your back.

Will look at the zoot stuff too.

Michael Byerts

I have used the De Soto coolwings several times in races (but only wetsuit legal races). Like you, I burn easily, and with sunscreen underneath, had no problems. They also seem to have done a good job cooling me. I would personally just wear them in the swim because they are fairly light, even when wet, and I try never to try to put anything on in T1 when I can avoid it. You may not care about this, but they look a little goofy, so you may look a little dorky in the race photos (or at least I think I do).
I also have a pair of the De Soto bib tri-shorts, and LOVE them. The only word of caution I have about them is that they have 3 fairly large pockets that could become parachutes.