TOP-END TRI-SUITS

Want to elevate your racing this season? Then a high performance tri-suit might be just the thing. But what does the extra cash get you exactly? We test 11 of the best to find out...

-  MATT BAIRD

All tri-suits have to meet certain criteria no matter the price. Comfort is vital, both from the chamois and the suit’s material, but it also needs to dry quickly, breathe well and allow you to stash nutrition away as needed.

How fast a suit is will also come into play, especially if you’re competing for age-group honours. So here, as well as testing based on the aforementioned qualities, we’ve also taken all 11 of these tri-suits in the wind tunnel at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub with The Bike Tailor (thebiketailor.​com). We used a baseline suit at a 7.5° yaw angle (simply, the amount of crosswind on your bike) and ran each suit through at 30km/h and 40km/h speeds over a 40km bike leg with the rider in the same position on tri-bars.

For each suit here we’ve provided a summary of those tests, but for more stats and longer reviews please head to 220tri.​com.

CASTELLI PR 2 SPEED SUIT

Castelli hasn’t strayed far from the original’s template with the PR 2, but that’s no bad thing. Its drag-reduction appeal includes the lithe but effective laser-cut arms and legs, the latter hugging the thighs but staying restriction-free on the bike and run. The ribbed sleeves also offer speed-saving potential, while the sizeable two rear pockets should deliver further aero gains due to their low-profile. The covered openings help in the water in non-wetsuit swims, while they’re easy to access at speed on the bike. The kangaroo-style pocket can also carry plenty of gels, and it doesn’t sag when loaded. Castelli bill this for middle- and iron-distance racing and that feels right, with the breakaway zipper helping with toilet stops. The supportive Kiss Tri pad also has long-course appeal. The PR 2 excelled in the wind tunnel and was the second fastest overall – 96secs faster than our baseline suit at 30km/h and 97secs quicker at 40km/h over 40km.

COMPRESSPORT AERO SS