Triathlon - Skinsuit

So, Ive become obsessed with triathlons. I hear that the best bang for the buck item to get is a skinsuit (followed by an aero helmet, then wheels). How much will a skinsuit benefit me? Is it that much different than a cycling jersey? Another thing I was wondering is, how do I find out where Time trial events are? I usually go to racesonline.com for tris/road bike races, but dont know where to look for time trials (are they only found on stage races like tour de georgia?) oh, and this last question purely hypothetical :D , What speed do you think justifies getting a tri-bike (just wondering what everyones opinion is)?

thank you guys so much for the time.

A tight-fitting race suit designed for triathlons (which is slightly different than a skinsuit that is designed for time trials, in that a trisuit has no shoulders and maybe back/side pockets) will fit you tight onto your skin, with no flapping fabric like there is on your cycling jersey. At under $100 for a trisuit (sometimes under $50), it's a huge bang for your buck that will give you a significant time boost (maybe 1-3 minutes over 40k? EDIT: NOT QUITE THAT MUCH).

What speed justifies a tri bike? If you're doing a triathlon at any speed you'll be faster on a tri bike. :)

Giovanni - for local TT's, post your state and people here may be able to help. Also post the TT question in the Road Racing forum with your State and I am certain someone will be able to help there...

About getting a Tri bike. Depends really if you can already get into an optimal position (aero without too much power loss) on your current bike, as this is what creates the most drag - you the rider! Aero frame only adds minimal time gains, but frame geometry can help get the optimal position easier (shorter head tube, steeper seat tube angle etc)


it's a huge bang for your buck that will give you a significant time boost (maybe 1-3 minutes over 40k?).

I think that might be an over estimation over standard cycling clothing.

One study (old Damon Rinard article - http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/aero/aerodynamics.htm ) suggests only a 29 second saving using a short sleeve and leg lycra skin suit over 40km)

Another test results showing position / equipment gains...

Study with rider Uwe Peschel

Needed Watts for Speed = 45 km/h :

on a normal bike:

Stevens San Remo bike with normal handlebar 465 Watts needed to go 45 km/h
Same bike Hands down the drops: 406 watts needed
Same bikeEaston Aeroforce bar: 369 Watts
Same bike Triathlon position (5.5 cm lower bar, saddle forwards): 360 Watts
Same bike Triathlon position (5.5 cm lower bar, saddle forwards) and
carbon Tri spoke wheels front and rear: 345 Watt

On a Cervelo P3 (alloy)

Cervelo + Tri spoke front 328 Watts
Cervelo + Tri spoke front + disk rear wheel : 320
Cervelo + Tri spoke front + disk rear wheel +Giro helmet: 317
Cervelo + Tri spoke front + disk rear wheel +Giro helmet + speed suit: 307

I think that might be an over estimation over standard cycling clothing.

One study (old Damon Rinard article - http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/aero/aerodynamics.htm ) suggests only a 29 second saving using a short sleeve and leg lycra skin suit over 40km)

Sounds good to me. I pulled that number pretty hard out of my butt to begin with. :love: