Tri suit (gift) advice

Mulberry

Hi all,
The OH is gradually getting into triathlons (sprint) and has all the kit now bar the tri suit. As Father's Day is imminent I thought this would be a handy gift.
I don't want to spend much, and he's a normal enough medium size.

Questions:
- does he really need to try on or can I just pick one up online?
- is there any need to invest, is a cheapie one good enough for 3-4 sprint triathlons a year?
- if Yes to both of the above, any suggestions for sites to buy good value suits online?

Thanks!

68 lost souls

Just to confirm you are talking about a trisuit like this https://static.evanscycles.com/production/clothing/skin-suits/product-image/969-638/zone3-mens-lava-distance-trisuit-black-white-grey-red-EV204886-8590-6.jpg and not a wetsuit like this https://www.scuba.com/_homepage2012/images/category/headers/wetsuits2a.png ?

Just to ensure there is no confusion. Wetsuit being for the swim and the trisuit being worn throught the event and while running/cycling.

Mulberry

Yes, thanks a mill, that is indeed what I'm looking for. He bought a wetsuit recently.

68 lost souls wrote: »

Just to confirm you are talking about a trisuit like this https://static.evanscycles.com/production/clothing/skin-suits/product-image/969-638/zone3-mens-lava-distance-trisuit-black-white-grey-red-EV204886-8590-6.jpg and not a wetsuit like this https://www.scuba.com/_homepage2012/images/category/headers/wetsuits2a.png ?

Just to ensure there is no confusion. Wetsuit being for the swim and the trisuit being worn throught the event and while running/cycling.

68 lost souls

Perfect, most brands will have a range of offerings at different levels. I would say personally if I was starting out I wouldn't need something overly expensive but the sizes across brands can vary. I've only ever raced with a cheap Aldi/Lidl brand tri suit as I've moved around a bit over the past 4 years but will be investing in a club suit for next season once I'm settled and not moving about anymore. Most of the time it's been grand but I have gottten a bit self conscious at times and I have gone through 2 in suits on about 4/5 years at €25 or so each. I reckon a better suit would have lasted me all that time but hey.

Others may have other opinions. I think as well the sizing is not as critical as a wetsuit but is still important as any looseness will add drag and overly tight will be uncomfortable and perhaps a little embarrassing when it turns see through.

Would you be able to hazard a guess at height and measurements to follow a size guide such as this (you are looking at the tri apparel one https://racezone3.com/sizing/

Mulberry

Looks like he's bang on a medium. He has very broad shoulders which luckily shouldn't matter here.

I will search around for the lower end options so. Thanks for your help 68 lost souls!

68 lost souls

If you shop around you should find a good deal on a slightly higher end if you like. If you like to post on here what you are looking at someone might be able to help you decide

joey100

Wiggle's own brand DHB are now doing Trisuits. I haven't used them but have used their bike gear and find it very good and great value for money.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?s=dhb+triathlon+suit

Probably need to be ordering it today though top get it in time.

cjt156

I bought a 2XU suit 5 years ago when I started doing triathlons. I got it on sale on one of the usual websites. For 50 quid or so I found it far superior to Aldi/Lidl stuff I bought for training.

Edit to say I see Wiggle have one now for 60stg but its only in XS.

Boardnashea

I went with the club suit for my occasional outings over the past couple of years. It wasn't expensive and I'm sure they could sort out any sizing issues.

Mulberry

Hi again folks
If anyone has any views on these I'd be grateful:

Free delivery:
€69: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/orca-core-equip-race-suit/
€53: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-mens-tri-suit/

This looks good but have to pay an additional 10-12 euro delivery:
€89: https://www.wetsuitoutlet.ie/2017-2xu-active-trisuit-director-blue-navy-mt4361d-p-21393.html

Thanks!

PS Boardnashea, he's not in a club so no options there.

peter kern

the wiggle one looks like good thick material and 22%elastane which is higher than the orca suit

cjt156

I can't say you'd go far wrong with the DHB at that price. Their cycling stuff gets good reviews as said above, so I'd imagine this will be similar.

Mulberry

Went to purchase the DHB and Darn thing has just sold out in Medium!

cjt156

Cheaper delivery on the 2XU if you use Parcel Motel or a competitor. Free UK delivery + 3.50 Parcel Motel fee.

fletch

I have an Orca Core Basic Race Suit similar to the one linked above and it's fine. I do find it a bit tight on the run and have to open the zip a bit (I don't like anything restricting my breathing). I'd go for a slightly larger size as I got a medium size but I tend to wear small or extra small t-shirts so bear that in mind,