Triathlon - Triathalon Suits

Ok not to sound stupid but I plan on getting into a Triathalons next year. One thing I'm confused on is getting a swim suit. Now the ones I plan on doing are going to be in June and August here in Iowa. So its going to be prety warm. Now here comes the stupid question. So getting a triathalon suit, is that the same one I wear on the biking portion or do I wear just my biking shorts on underneath that. I hate to post this but there is no shops in town to help me and would rather look here for some help. So mainly looking what do I need to have for clothing when I go to do this next year. I want to get a swimsuit now so I can wear it in during the winter, but all I have now is just my biking jersey and shorts. What else is needed and suggested. Now currently I'm 6'2" and 240lbs. Thinking I'll be in the 220lbs. range by next spring but I know that makes a difference on what to get. I just want to get something that is worth while but not dropping major $$$$. This is just to get me started.

All tri shorts/suits will have a pad in them that drys quickly and also is very comfy to run in. So you'll be in the same pair of shorts for the whole event.

Tri shorts/suits will wear out just like anything else, and wearing them in the pool over the winter probably would reduce their life by a fair bit.

If you're just getting into it I'd probably invest in a pair of tri shorts for your racing, and then just buy a pair of jammers or whatever swim wear you like. Just swim in the shorts and when you come out throw on your bike jersey or whatever you want to wear for the bike and the run.

I plan to get a Tri Suit like this for my first Tri next spring/summer. You wear it for all three events and it's got a small chamois pad built it.
http://www.3-athlon.com/productsimgs/detailed//d_771.jpg
I figure not changing from one leg to the next has got to save me a few seconds and make things that much less hectic for a first timer. It's not recommended for chlorine water though I may wear it once in the pool prior to the Tri to help get used to it. I plan a few open water (lake) swims also were I will definitely have it on. It's supposed to be slightly buoyant and slicker than skin so it should improve my swim a bit.

check this place out

http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/promo/

I picked up a TYR tri suit on clearance. It has a small chamois and you can wear it for all three events without having to change.

To make it last longer I save it only for race day. I train in my regular swim suit/clothes.

I bought three tri suits and ended up bulking up around the legs so they did not work so well. Also, I did a half ironman this summer and did not wear the suit, I just wore my swimsuit with a paid of cycling shorts over. Cheap, easy and not difficult to go pee (no zippers to pull down or up).

What you train in and what you race in are two different matters. I would have a swim suit (jammer or brief) and bike shorts (or bibs) for training and then a tri suit or tri shorts and top for racing. The latter you can use in your training some as you get closer to the race. I say this admitting that I have never found tri shorts or tri suits comfortable. I gave away my tri shorts since they were too uncomfortable for me. The tri suits I still wear, although I don't find them the most comfortable.

I typically find that around here in the summer the guys wear only tri shorts and do the race with no shirt on as it is more of a nuissance. I would think putting on anykind of shirt or jersey after the swim is a waste unless it is cold out. honestly a jammer will suffice for sprint triathlons as your not on the bike long enough to get a sore butt...

Find a singlet to wear for the heat. Most races area adopting the "no nipples" rule

:eek:
Find a singlet to wear for the heat. Most races area adopting the "no nipples" rule

Does that mean I need to leave them at home or just cover them up?

they must be removed before the race