I stick to sprint distance triathlons, and I don't plan on owning a wetsuit for those events. In previous events I've worn just bike shorts for the swim, then a jersey for the bike/run.
I think I'm going to get a trisuit and do all 3 events in it.
Can anyone weigh in on this topic?

I bought a pair of tri shorts with a thin chamois in it. I use it for the swim, then just throw on a sleeveless shirt like EMS techwick or underarmour and use it for the rest. No problems with chafing wearing those wet shorts on the bike, and the chamois is not so big that you even notice it while running.

that is exactly what the tri suits are intended for. I have seen some with solid pockets with stretch closure, these are not very good because they fill with water and create drag. Look for a suit with zipper pockets or no pockets(if you mainly do sprint I dont think there is anything you really need to carry)

I bought a pair of tri shorts with a thin chamois in it. I use it for the swim, then just throw on a sleeveless shirt like EMS techwick or underarmour and use it for the rest. No problems with chafing wearing those wet shorts on the bike, and the chamois is not so big that you even notice it while running.

I even sometimes swim w/my tri singlet. I have a friend who does all of his races with a trisuit and he loves it. It's an Orca brand, but not sure which model.

Yes. I wear a Desoto tri suit. If the H2O is warm enough, I go without a wetsuit.

I wear a Tyr trisuit for the whole event.
(this one: http://www.tyr.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=TSSO6&Category_Code=139.)


The pocket and side panels are mesh, and the chamois is very thin. It dries off quickly, almost completely (depending on the weather), before the run.

I had to look back at my order from last night. I got the Orca Distance Trisuit from trisports. It doesn't have any pockets, but I haven't used the pockets in my jersey in the past except for one gel which I consume early in the ride, I can just rubberband that to my base bar.
I realize now it has a 6" inseam? Man, I'm 6'4", I'm gonna be all legs.
I shopped a couple of the largest LBS's over the weekend, including the one that is primarily a tri shop, so much for finding off the shelf trisuits, heck, so much for finding anything worthwhile off the shelf, except for some nice bike jerseys.

Features
Moisture Transfer paneling
Stretch-mesh back panel
1 rear pocket
Control Zip
Micro-fleece chamois
6" inseam

Features
Moisture Transfer paneling
Stretch-mesh back panel
1 rear pocket
Control Zip
Micro-fleece chamois
6" inseam


Huh... I sure couldn't see a pocket.
Does anyone know if it's a zip pocket or something?

Probably. I can't imagine them selling something called a "distance" suit and not have a pocket in it.