jareed58

What is the pros and cons of Tri suits versus Tri Separates? Going to purchase one or the other, but need to make an informed decision, being they are not cheap.

MikeD1

I had to make the same decision a couple months ago. I went with separates because a) much easier if bathroom time is needed, b) I can use the shorts alone for swimming or running with a t-shirt if I choose. I haven't regretted my choice at all. Will probably pick up additional tops and shorts as I see them on sale etc.

Zoxe

I got a Zoot Tri Suit, but only because I got it on clearnace and it was cheaper than buying separates.

It's comfortable enough, although as @MikeD1 points out, it makes it somewhat a pain to hit the joy john before the race.

jareed58

I went with the one piece for our team logo suit, but bought a two piece to train with. Will compare when they arrive.

pinoy92231

Go with a two piece. They are more versatile and some come with bigger rear pockets to carry essentials on training ride.

rumrunn6

I used a trisuit for a year and I liked it. the fit wasn't perfect, meaning it fit with the exception of my height, like it was made for someone with the same body juts a bit shorter. if you get a perfect fit you might like it a lot. you feel kinda like a super hero in it.

my take away from the experience was that I liked the thinner tri short type liner. also it started to tear cuz I was too tall for it. very happy now w my zoot trishorts and I can wear whatever I want up top

Leinster

All the one-pieces I tried had this problem too. Which is strange, because at 5'10 185 I wouldn't think I'm longer or skinnier than most triathletes. So I bought separates, and I use the tri shorts for shorter rides, and sometimes use the top as a light base layer for warmish days.

sgtdirt

what tops are you guys wearing? i prefer separates but having a hard time finding tops.

Sufferage

I have done all of my Tri's in my one piece zoot tri-suit. The suit itself is amazing and fits very well. I love the thing for short triathlons but I wish I had a two piece for the longer distances. Doing my first Ironman in it was comfortable and amazing apart from using the bathroom. Going to the bathroom was a pain to say the least. When I do Ironman again next year I will defiantly use a two piece but for the short tri's I will use my one piece.

Leinster

My top is a Zoot. I think it came up on clearance at one of the online stores.

Zoxe

Mine too. Mine is the blue one. The pattern is pretty popular. We end up with a lot of pictures of random guys in blue zoot suits on my dad's telephoto lense when he comes to take pics for us.

Hammondc

What do you guys like for tri shorts? I am not quite ready to ditch padding 100%. Do you run in padded shorts?

Leinster

My tri shorts have a very thin pad on them. They're ok for running. Running 10k in them is easier than biking 10km in my running shorts. I use them for some short bike rides.

Hammondc

This is actually my first Olympic. I've done a few sprints, but just always did them with no pad shorts. I'll probably just pick up some tri shorts from Zoot/PI and run in a cycling. I have several that would work.

TrillTrax

I went for the suit and am glad I did. Just easier overall, and no extra fabric at your waist.

cvskates

I think it's easier to like a one piece suit if the zipper is in the front. Mine is in the front, and if I need to make a pit stop it only takes 10 seconds longer versus just pulling down shorts.

I use both a suit and a shorts / top combo depending on how I feel that day (let's be honest, almost everyone will eventually collect more tri clothes than a single outfit), and something I was warned about that had never occurred to me is that you top can ride up and expose your lower back - so you could end up with a nasty sun burn.