Newbie question about tri clothing

cormacjones

I'm keen on starting training for triathlons. I need to do some training myself before I join a club (to avoid complete embarassment) and need advice on clothing.

I was under the impression that triathletes only wore one suit for all 3 disciplines but when I look at online tri stores they sell full wetsuits and separate running gear? Do you change out of the westuit or are there specially designed ones? Apologies if this is a retarded question.

On a separate issue:

Are tri bars worth putting on my racer? What are the benefits?

searay

We all have to learn somewhere. It's possible to use a trisuit for all 3 disciplines if you're doing a triathlon in a non-Irish climate. However, in Ireland it's usually compulsary (and sensible) to wear a wetsuit for the swim and have a trisuit on underneath. Usually people wear all in one trisuits but they come in tops and bottoms as well.

The suits/bottoms usually have padding for the bike but alot less than cycling shorts to make them easier to run in.

On the tribars, you don't have to have them and I haven't bought any yet. They are probably best for nice flat courses. I'd suggest you see if you like the sport & see how competitive you are before buying them.

cormacjones

Searay,

Many thanks. That's cleared it up and exactly the information I needed.

I'll take your advice on the tri bars too........walk before you run and all that!!