Tri Clothing: Fast Race Wear

You’ve got two basic choices when it comes to triathlon racing or training apparel, one-piece or two-piece. Whatever your preference, manufacturers have once again managed to improve their triathlon apparel to optimize comfort, cooling, aerodynamics and to simply to make you look and feel lightning fast.

::GEARBOX
Elite Lazer Tek Suit $200
Louis Garneau
64028

Serious tri and aero geeks need to take notice of Louis Garneau’s Elite Lazer Tek line of apparel. All items are wind tunnel tested, use a combination of innovative fabrics (Tritek, Carbon-X Mesh and Lazer Rev) to maximize performance and yet remain as comfortable as can be. The full suit feels slippery, light, and fast. The front zipper is practically invisible, it has two well-hidden side rear pockets and the fabrics provide compression for muscle support, water resistance, UPF/SPF 50 protection, durability, breathability and quick drying capabilities. Particularly impressive is the super-soft skin-like panels surrounding the arm and leg openings that provide a seamless and secure seal that does not slip. The minimalist Tri Elite Chamois features Crabyon, which is antibacterial, aids in wound healing, tissue regeneration and provides ample padding for the bike without feeling cumbersome for the run.

::GEARBOX
Elite Lazer Tek Sleeve -less $130
Louis Garneau
64026

If the one-piece suit is not your preference, similar benefits can be had with the Sleeveless top. There will be a slight loss from the overall aerodynamics of the one-piece suit, but you will gain a rear pocket and the ability to use the shorts of your choice.

::GEARBOX
Elite Lazer Tek Shorts $130
Louis Garneau
64027

While they work best when coupled with the Elite Lazer Tek Sleeveless top, these tri shorts offer full thigh coverage and all the fabric benefits of the full suit. Like the sleeveless top, you also gain a rear back pocket with these shorts.

::GEARBOX
226 Race Suit $175
Orca
64029

The 226 represents the total kilometers in an Ironman, therefore apparel with this tag is built for the rigors of long distance training and racing. The re-designed 226 Race Suit is highlighted by Orca’s 70 denier Killaskn Kompress fabric, which supplies graduated compression in the legs and shoulder. The wide arm openings offer a full range of motion and the Tri-Enduro mesh fabric, along with the Vapour fabric, works to keep you ventilated, cool and comfortable in the heat. It also has a subtly padded 3.5 mm Tri-tech chamois, two hidden pockets on both side of the upper back, an internal left chest pocket, low drag Hydroseal leg grippers and reflective logos.

::GEARBOX
226 Tri Top $115
Orca
64030

Due to its short sleeves, for extra sun protection, and three rear elastic pockets (like most cycling jerseys), this top can be used for every training and racing session that you wish to throw at it. With a slightly looser fit, it makes use of Orca’s KillaSkn Kompress (compression), Vapour (moisture management) and Tri-Enduro mesh back panel (breathable and wicks moisture) fabrics.

::GEARBOX
226 Tri Tech Pant $125
Orca
64031

True to the 226 line, this is a Tri short that is made for long haul. First of all, it has two hidden thigh pockets that are perfectly sized to accept gels, along with a larger rear pocket that is marked by the 226 logo and a reflective strip. Like the full suit, the 3.5 mm thick Tri-tech chamois is hydrophilic, anti-microbially treated and provides sufficient comfort for longer rides. The KillaSkn Kompress fabric offers graduated compression, anti-bacterial qualities, water repellency and UPF50+ sun protection. It has full upper leg coverage (23 cm inseam) and soft Hydroseal leg hems that snugly grip the legs for low drag in and out of the water.

::GEARBOX
W Elite Tri Support Singlet $80
Pearl Izumi
64032

This form fitted singlet is aerodynamic (Elite Aero fabric), provides excellent moisture transfer, cooling and chlorine resistance (Elite Transfer fabric and vented back), and has a supportive internal bra with a smooth elastic lower strip for increased comfort. The attractive shoulder straps are smooth, vented, and below it are two rear hidden side pockets.

::GEARBOX
W Elite In-R-Cool Tri Race Short $90
Pearl Izumi
64033

As the name suggests, these Tri shorts feature the ELITE In-R-Cool fabric for exceptional cooling performance, chlorine resistance and UP-50 protection. The shorts have a wide waistband along with thin wide leg panels with internal silicone strips to prevent the shorts from riding up the legs. The Tri chamois is quick drying and thermal regulating, and it has a fairly sizeable rear centre pocket.

::GEARBOX
W’s P.R.O. Tri Speed Suit $280
Pearl Izumi
64034

The hallmark quality of this suit is its flashy, slick and super light P.R.O. Aero fabric with In-R-Cool. Its streamlined design and flatlock seams add to the aerodynamics and the fabric also offers excellent cooling and UV protection. It has an integrated and supportive bra top, a centre rear pocket just below the open back area, a quick dry Tri chamois and a thin internal grip strip at the leg opening to keep the bottoms securely in place.

::GEARBOX
Ultra Tri Racesuit $220
Zoot
64037

With this suit you’ll get lots of support and comfort. It starts with the ULTRA BIOwrap Muscle Support (stabilize muscles and reduce damage caused by vibration), an extensive Dynamic X bra construction with a front zipper to customize cooling and smooth SeamLink stitch construction. The ULTRAsol fabric adds moisture and heat management, while the titanium core yarns provide 50+ UPF protection. The TekSheen fabric also contributes both muscle stabilization and ventilation. The Integra SBR 2D fleece pad is soft for long course comfort and it has spacious side pockets.

::GEARBOX
Endurance Aero Tri Singlet $110
2XU
64038

Updated for 2011, this singlet dries quickly and keeps you cool thanks to 2XU’s ICE X fabric and 70D KINETIC SPEED fabric with dimpled airflow technology. The front zipper provides additional cooling management.

::GEARBOX
Endurance Aero Tri Short $120
2XU
64039

Also updated, it has the excellent cooling and drying fabrics of the Aero Tri Singlet but adds a compressive component to improve power output and blood flow. It is appropriate for long distance use due to its Italian long distance chamois and rear pockets to carry extra nutrition.

::GEARBOX
Endurance Trisuit $160
2XU
64040

Applicable for short and long course use, this suit combines the best characteristics of the Aero Tri Singlet and Short such as light compression and the ICE X fabric that can reduce body temperature by up to 5°F. You’ll also get benefits of silicone leg grippers to keep the bottoms secure, a rear pocket and contoured panels for improved aerodynamics.

::GEARBOX
Carbon Zipper Back Short John $270
Tyr
64121

Available either with or without a chamois, this speedy suit has lots of high-tech features designed to help keep you cool, and even lower your heart rate to get through all three sports quickly. This snug-fitting suit uses compression technology to provide muscle support for all three disciplines. During the swim you’ll appreciate the hydrophobic Teflon coating that helps you cut through the water. The quick-drying material is extremely effective and, once you’re out on the bike and run courses, you’ll be amazed at how well this suit wicks moisture away from your body, too. The carbon utilized in the material helps keep you cool and lower your body temperature and also provides SPF and UV protection. The Silicone beaded leg grippers keep the legs in place and the 12″ zipper with its removable clip lanyard makes it easy to get on and off. There’s also a built-in Carbon Amp Pad chamois to keep you comfortable on the bike, but it’s small enough that it won’t bother you once you are out on the run course.