Top Tri Suits: Look Good and Race Fast

Pearl Izumi

Octane Tri Suit

$370

The form-fitting Octane Tri Suit looks like a speed suit you might see used in a tour time trial, and feels every bit as fast. This suit has short sleeves, which provide a bit more protection from the sun and help you feel super-sleek on the bike. The aero fabric uses In-R-Cool technology to keep you cool and protected from the sun and the quick-dry chamois is really comfortable on the bike and won’t bother you while running. There’s a 10-inch zipper which is enough to provide some venting on the run and two small streamlined envelope pockets in back that aren’t big enough for a phone, but provide ample space for some gels or other food. If you’re looking for an extremely aero suit that will provide a bit more protection from the sun, this is a great choice. Arena

ST Front Zipper Trisuit

$200

Arena’s Powerskin Fabric has a high percentage of Lycra for muscle compression and stretch that doesn’t interfere with your run or position on the bike. Silicone tabbed leg grippers keep the suit in place and keep water out during non-wetsuit swims. The chamois is thin for running comfort with soft, heat pressed edges to reduce chafing. Holes help it drain quickly during the run. Large mesh panels increase breathability and flanking mesh pockets keep gels and other small items handy but out of the way. It’s available in both rear and front zipper options.

 

 

Louis Garneau

Tri Elite Course Sleeveless Top and Tri Course Shorts

Top, $130; Shorts, $120

These pieces work well together and look great with their complementary colours and styling. Designed with Coldblack treated material, the kit is UV resistant and won’t heat up in the sun. Seamless inner legs and hems on the shorts help reduce chafing. The chamois is wide for comfort on long rides, and has holes and a low profile to drain quickly for the run. A small pocket on the back of the shorts fits gels or C02 cartridge. Attention to detail is also evident in the top, which has offset shoulder seams to reduce pressure while wearing a wetsuit. The main seam is in the front, below the zipper. A reflective panel on the back of the shirt helps keep you visible when out on a training ride.

Blueseventy TX2000 Tri Singlet and Tri Short

Singlet, $94; Short, $109

The special uvx fabric and calendered finish of the TX2000 short is designed to reduce water absorption, making this an excellent option for non-wetsuit swims. Even if you pull a wetsuit over the shorts, though, you’ll appreciate the comfort on the bike and run. The Endurance chamois is gender specific and provides lots of comfort without a lot of bulk, so you won’t be bothered during the run. There’s a covered rear pocked perfect for a key or gel. The cold black heat transfer technology, 25-centimetre front zipper and soft mesh back in the Tri Singlet will keep you cool and there are three decent-sized pockets that will allow you to carry lots of food or other essentials.

 

Arena Carbon Tri Top and Tri Jammer Free W TRI Singlet

Top, $250; Jammer, $400

Bringing all the benefits of high-end swimwear construction and compression technology, this high-end combo uses carbon fibre woven into the fabric to provide the perfect amount of compression to enhance performance and maintain comfort. Extremely snug fitting, the bonded super-flat seams reduce surface drag in the water and ensure that you won’t chafe on the bike or run. There are silicone leg grippers on the Jammer to keep water out and ensure the legs won’t ride up during your race, and a mesh insert on the back of the top helps keep you cool on the bike and run. Arena has ensured that you’ll get maximum performance in all three disciplines – especially for a non- wetsuit swim.

 

Biemme Long Woman Top and Bottom Woman Pocket

Top, $89; Bottom, $109

Long Woman Top and Bottom Woman Pocket shorts make a stunning Italian race kit. The light mesh top has large, breathable ventilation pores, but also features elastic stretch so is supportive where it needs to be including through the built in bra. The kit is excellent for hot conditions. A single large back pocket eliminates need to fish for race essentials. The racer back design is cooling and attractive. Ample room under the arm helps avoid chafing. Mesh legs in the shorts complements the durable Lycra that covers the waterproof chamois. A secure zippered back pocket is perfect for salt tabs or a backup gel. Heat welded elastic band grippers keep the shorts in place.

 

Castelli Free W TRI Singlet and Free Tri Short

Singlet, $89; Short, $105

This is an ideal kit for long races where large storage capacity is important. Hydrophobic fabrics make the Free line fast in the water for no wetsuit swims. Mesh side back pockets are engineered into the seams for a streamline fit and provide easy access. While aerodynamic, the pockets are spacious. Micro hooks attach the short and singlet keeping material smooth while low in the areobars, and offer two attachment positions for optimal fit. Flatlock stitching makes the shorts comfortable and elastic leg grippers keep them in place without pinching. The tri pad covers more surface area than most but is suitably thin.

Zoot Performance Tri Racerback and Performance Tri 4 Inch Short

Racerback, $80; Short, $70

Zoot consistently makes eye-catching and stylish apparel and the Performance line is no different. The brightest option is the beet with rainbow trim adding a flare to the race day grind. An opaque and compressive Lycra is used in both the top and shorts optimizing coverage in all the right spots. A built in shelf bra is supportive but comfortable. Two side back pockets make for efficient storage. The shorts are perfect for athletes who prefer no compression though the quads or who have shorter legs and find the standard length too long. A very thin chamois is virtually imperceptible on the run but athletes may notice the lack of thickness on the bike. No grippers are needed to keep the leg cuff in place and a comfortable low-rise, drawstring waist is form enhancing and functional. Two side panel pockets on the shorts add more storage options.

 

2XU Perform Tri Singlet and Perform Tri Short

Singlet, $95; Short, $95

Contoured side panels on the singlet are cooling but also taper the torso with a figure- flattering look. With flatlock stitching, the seams are smooth for a chafe-free fit. Quick dry fabric maximizes ventilation and moisture control. Two rear pockets are perfect for storing gels or other race day needs without adding bulk. The shorts are the ultimate in comfort and support. With 70D elastane, they offer a slight compressive feel and muscle support. Like the singlet, they are form flattering. Silicone-free elastic grips on the leg optimize comfort while ensuring the shorts stay put when putting on and taking off your wetsuit. Two small rear pockets on the shorts enhance storage options. The low- rise waistband will be a welcome feature on the run.–SZ and KM