2nd set of team jersey/bibs or skinsuit?
 

The other skinsuit thread got me thinking. I was planning on buying another jersey/bib combo for the season, don't have to wash as much for multiple races in a week or for in case I shred one. Although, I have the option to get a skinsuit instead. I won't be doing many tt's but I will do many crits & a full season of cross. Any thoughts?

I would get another set of jersey/bib. The gains from a skinsuit are minimal, and if you have to choose between the two, I think a new bib/jersy kit is a better investment.

personally, i much prefer the skinsuit. they're great for crits, track, 'cross. just about all the racing i do. i have no need for pockets in any of these, and i find the skinsuit much more comfortable.

How do you define minimal?

I only ask because Nico Teutenhoof tested the difference between 2 very similar skinsuits to be around 25 seconds for a 40 km TT. The difference between a skinsuit and jersey shorts would be quite a bit greater.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.c...engine#2614310

I was referring to minimal as compared to the gains which can be had from other, possible cheaper things (such as position). I've never used a skinsuit, but it just seems as though a jersey/bib would be more versatile, and a better choice for someone on a budget.

Well first it gets really cold if you don't wear anything but have a great position. I've also found that while deep profile rims can make a big difference when used in wheels, They really slow you down when you strap them to your chest instead of a skinsuit; so that's kind of a false comparison. Second, without knowing the time benefits or the functional penalties from using a skinsuit, how can you weight the tradeoff of speed for versatility?

Idk, maybe I'm wrong. Regardless, I'd rather have a jersey/bib.

If you only have one set of bibs/jersey, I'd buy another. A skin suit is perfect for cross, track, and crits, but I'd rather have 2 kits first and then buy a skinsuit. Or maybe you can do it the other way around. I'd love to race crits in a skinsuit. Damn.

/facepalm...

Lj, as much as you fall over, get the second kit.


oh yes I did.

Stay out of this you.

I had to make the same calculation this year. I went with two kits even though I have put one long TT as an "A" ride on my schedule. It isn't just about racing. The sponsors actually want us to be rolling billboards and if I have two kits I can do all of my rides in my team kit. It is also the preferable situation for omnium weekends.

there is no maybe.

Is this a joke or do people actually do races other than TT's in skinsuits? I always wondered why people didn't race in skinsuits; you'd figure every (legal) advantage would be used.

as he wrote: crits, track, cross, and even moderate length road races. if you don't need pockets, then a skinsuit does the job.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tbO1TIjkpV...E-ECHAPPEE.jpg..

Dave Z even ran one in a stage of P-N and Wiggins in the TDF. Are you required to run your kit for training rides, if so definitely another kit.

EDIT
Damn Nate beat me to it by a minute

alex stieda wore a skinsuit during a road stage at the '86 tour, which helped get a jersey. http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3624/43400054.jpg

Not required. Also, the skinsuit has the same logos/branding as the kit anyway so not a problem there. I'm mostly thinking of wearing it for the local crit series & cross season.

I usually buy Jersey/Bibs, SS skinsuit, LS skinsuit and 1 extra jersey. When its colder out, pop on a jersey over top of your skinsuit.

Why not wear something under the skinsuit?
Wearing something over it just gets rid of the benefit it was giving, no?

depends on your body fat %

I liked racing crits in my skinsuit. Just felt good. Unfortunately, that year our suits were white and had a little bit too little material in the rear area. Needless to say, it wasn't pretty being behind me.

I race crits in a skinsuit.

It sounds like you want it, just get it. A good option is to get (if it's available from your team) a wind vest with pockets. Worn over your skinsuit it provides the needed pocket space, but it can be easily removed at race time. Also, I have a teammate that uses the skinsuit as a baselayer in the cold and it seems to work for him.

Of course the correct option is to just buy both the Skinsuit and the extra bibs/jersey. Every winter I order the stuff I think i'll need for the following year, and every spring when it shows up, I find myself wishing I'd ordered more.

i wear a skinsuit+jersey for training if its colder, or a cold road race where I want pockets