Why do cyclists use bib shorts and triathletes never do? It’s a question we asked and frankly we couldn’t come up with a good answer.
Traditional Tri shorts are cut low in the waist because a high waist is uncomfortable and hinders breathing. But that short cut causes extra drag in the swim, makes them short in the back causing exposed skin (sunburn!) on the bike, and they tend to sag during the run and a lot of male triathletes say they’d like a little more support up front on the run.
Drawing from our years of cycling experience, we knew we could solve all those problems with a well-engineered bib short. We’ve taken the absolute minimalist bib from our Tour de France proven Free Aero Race bib shorts, and converted it into a tri version. The bib is ideal because it uses the least amount of fabric possible to make a supportive bib.
The Free Tri Bibshort makes for a smooth jersey-to-short transition for the swim, holds the short up perfectly on the bike, and holds the front of the short up for perfect support in the run. It’s cut low so nature stops are easily taken care of, more easily in fact than with a traditional short, and you don’t have a tight waist band hindering breathing. It’s very aero. Using the Castelli Speed Hooks that allow you to attach the back of any Castelli Tri top to the short, we’ve tested this in the wind tunnel and shown the same aerodynamics as a one piece suit.
For all traditionalists – who will probably never wear bib shorts for Tri racing – the Free Tri BibShort could be a perfect fit for (early season) training to get used to the Kiss Tri seat pad of their favourite tri shorts.
They will certainly be thrilled about how comfortable and supportive these Tri bib shorts will feel on those long training rides, compared to usual shorts.
And who knows: Maybe some swap traditionalism for improved fit and comfort.
5 Comments
These look amazing! I love Castelli gear but your right, triathletes don’t wear bibs. I would love to try a pair
regards Patrick
WOW – I’ve been on the Tri scene for a few years after coming across from Road Racing and I’ve never truly been comfortable. This is a must try for me (no pun intended!)
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does it have pockets at sides? to, for example, carry carb gel…
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