Tri-suit vs Bib anyone?

[Fetchez la vache]

As per the title really...
I'm toying with getting bib shorts, but also do plenty of running, so wondering about killing 2 birds with one stone. Would also come in handy if I ever decide on a duathlon.
Not interested in a triathlon due to the swimming.
At. all.

Any reasons why not?

[scotlandtim]

Tri suit - OK for swimming. OK for running - annoying padded bit, OK for cycling - annoyingly small padded bit. Great for tri discipline event.

Bib shorts - Great for cycling - nice large padded area, Crap for Running - Annoyingly large pad area ( feels like running in a nappy) Awful for swimming in - wet chamois!!

Tri suit - not much support at the front for the jewels - so a good pair of runderwear (Seamless running jocks) can make a huge difference to comfort and dignity

For Duathlon - I'd wear my tri suit probably - depends on length of each discipline and if your'e going for a good finish (Short transitions) or just to finish - then change from bibs to running shorts??

For Tri - Always tri suit

Individual disciplines - sport specific clothing.

Hope that helps.

[Scabutz]

^ As above. Only time I wear a tri suit is when doing a triathlon. Wouldn't wear for run training ever. Bike at a push maybe if it was a short ride but usually bibs.

Unless you are skint and want to save ash I see no benefit of this at all.

[Barchettaman]

I’ve trained in a trisuit and found a more padded saddle helped for longer rides.

I swapped in a Terry saddle with a cut out. Worked fine for the high intensity (70-90 mins) stuff I was doing at the time.

[m444ttb]

I’d buy one for racing a duathlon and perhaps doing some race specific brick workouts. Otherwise I wouldn’t wear one

[Steve vRS]

As above.

My tri suit isn’t padded enough for longer rides. It’s ok for running in though, maybe as the pad is so small!

[Fetchez la vache]

OK. Many thanks! - glad I asked

Seemed like a good idea at the time, but it looks like in practice.....

[upsidedownmark]

To add, not all trisuits/trishorts are created equal. The cheaper / short course ones have little more than a bit of felt in the pad area. The ones targetted at longer distances have a smaller/thinner version of a full pad, and 5+hr rides are fine - although I'd still prefer to be in 'proper bike' shorts given the option. If you're starting out, (non-bib) bike shorts over running gear can work for the bike leg - obviously not if running gear is baggy, but plenty I know put on shorts over the trisuit for longer rides, then ditch at the second transition.

Anyway, very much agreed with the above sentiments - horses for courses.

[shatter]

As above, the only times I wear a Tri Suit are when I am competing or when I ride into work and then run home. It saves having to carry as much clothing.
Other than that I always wear the specific clothing for whichever sport I happen to be doing that day. A good quality pair of Bib Shorts are a good investment regardless.