VESTED TRI-SUITS
If you find short sleeves too restrictive, it’s time to go ‘traditional’ with a vest-style tri-suit. Jack Sexty and Janine Doggett test 12
While it’s now beyond doubt that you’ll bike (marginally) faster wearing a tri-suit with elbow-length sleeves that cover your arms with aerodynamic fabric, there are still numerous cases for a vestedstyle suit in 2020. First, a vested suit will often be cheaper than a sleeved version simply because there’s less of it – it’s easily possible to pick one up new for £50 or less by shopping around online or in specialist shops.
The next consideration is the extra restriction that some triathletes perceive to feel in a short-sleeved suit under a wetsuit. Even now with super technical tri-suits that are purpose-built to cause minimal swim restriction, some fussy pros are still sceptical and opt to roll theirs down to the waist, before putting it on properly during the run through T1. If you’re not convinced you’ll be able to make the time up in watt savings on the bike, it might be best to stick with sleeveless if you feel any discomfort in a short-sleeved suit during swim-to-bike brick sessions.
We used all suits on test multiple times on the swim, bike and run, with sessions being kept mostly short and sharp to replicate how we would be using them in a race.
In these times of uncertainty that may have decimated your racing plans for 2020, you’ll be pleased to know that most trisuits are also perfectly suitable for using on the turbo trainer or home treadmill thanks to their breathability and comfort. So when all of this has blown over, you’ll be well acquainted with it come race day...
How we tested
All the suits here were tested multiple times on the swim, bike and run. We paid particularly close attention to comfort across the chest where some fabrics can prove restrictive, and were looking for form-fitting leg grippers that don’t ride up or fit too loose/too tight. While we weren’t expecting huge pockets, we still expected them to be easily accessible, and we’d also require a quick-drying chamois pad that provides adequate rear comfort.