IRON MA NT R I-SUITS

Possess the Ironman bug for 2020 but haven’t got a stitch to wear? Then read on as we test nine long-course suits on the roads and in the Silverstone wind tunnel

Multisport brands are increasingly realising the aerodynamic benefits of trisuits (remember that 80% of drag is caused by the rider, not the bike) and this 2020 collection of Lycra is the most tech-happy yet, with fabric boasting dimples, ribs and more all present and correct. With this increased emphasis on speed, we jumped at the chance to test these suits under the watchful eye of aero specialist Stephen Roche of The Bike Tailor (thebiketailor.com, 01273 569006) in the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub (silverstonesportshub. co.uk) to assess the aero properties of each suit. Garments were tested at a variety of yaw angles and at 45km/h on a mannequin in the tri-bar position.

Yet, with anything from 7:35hrs to 17hrs of racing, obviously aerodynamics are only one of the factors that come into play with an Ironman tri-suit. Comfort is king for many athletes, so we’ve tested these in the Ironman hotspot of Lanzarote and on the roads of our beloved Somerset (where the nation’s first-ever official full Ironman took place at Sherborne in 2005) to assess their long-course credentials, from pocket positions to pad plushness and gripper/zipper abilities for 226km racing (and with half an eye on middle-distance events). Versatility, durability and style (you’ll want the suit to look good even if you’re crawling up the blue carpet at 11:59pm) were further considerations, as were the non-wetsuit swim performance and ability to tackle warmer climes via venting and UV protection.

Not racing Ironman in 2020? Then look out for vested tri-suits next issue (377, out 16 April) and short-sleeved suits for multiple distances in issue 378 (on sale 14 May).