I tend to get all confuse and undecided over which range of product to choose when I want to buy gears. And what do I do when I faced with this kind of situation? I tend to go for the cheapest option...
Yes, I am very careful with spending :P Alright, stingy if you want to be mean
Am I choosing the correct product for my activity? This is what prompt me to research for more information.
The Findings
If you browsed though 2XU product, you'd have notice they have various range of the 2XU product. They uses different technology for specific reason. Here I have compiled some of the information from my research. They help me understand 2XU better. I hope they help you too.
Competitive range, offering normal apparels without compression feature. The name of the product usually comes with the name COMP for example Comp Tri Short, Comp Tri Top, Comp Tri Suit. I used to mistaken Comp for compression, but apparent that is not the case. Remember this, Comp stands for Competitive.
Endurance range are apparels made for longer triathlon races. They are usually priced higher than the competitive range.
2XU Compression range comes with the word COMPRESSION like Compression Shorts or Long Sleeve Compression Top. Usually, product in this range uses the 50D/CK fabric. The 50D/CK code means it is using a 50 denier elastomeric yarn and CK means Circular Knit technology.
To go one step further from compression, 2XU has come up with the Elite Compression range. The Elite Compression is a technology combining a new generation 70 Denier fabric with the existing high power 50 Denier fabric The new generation 70 Denier fabric is claim to have 15% more support and 25% more power than the 50 Denier fabric. It's easy to guess the name of fabric they use for the Elite Compression, 70D/CK.
Thermal version of the popular 2XU compression tights is only suitable for use in cold weather. Having a weather like Malaysia, we would never need this range at all.
New in 2011
New for 2011, 2XU introduces an entry-level tri short that still holds plenty of performance-oriented features. The Active Tri Short features 2XU’s new SBR NEO SKIN fabric, which utilizes Creora® elastane yarn for comfort and durability.
Comparison:
Comparing products like 2XU Comp Tri Shorts and 2XU Endurance Tri Shorts, you can conclude that the latter is built for longer trainings/races and hence would have a slightly higher price than the former. To go one step further than the 2 mentioned above would be the 2XU Compression Tri Shorts which is tri pants with "Compression".
2XU has different size charts for Compression range and non-compression, so make sure you refer to the right chart when you do your purchase :-)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Pearl Izumi Elite Women's Tri Short
Grey
Features
- Body: 86% nylon/ 14% spandex/ UPF 50+
- Mesh: 75% polyester/25% spandex/ UPF 50+
- Elite Ultrasensor Transfer fabric - Provides compression along with cool dry comfort
- Flatlock seams and elasticated gripper on hem for performance fit and comfort
- 5 inch inseam
- Rear pocket
- Integrated minimal Tri fleece Chamois that transfers moisture and dries quickly
- Elite Direct-Vent integrated mesh panels for fast drying, optimum temperature regulation
Sizing chart
Availability: S, M, L
Price: RM170
Monday, June 6, 2011
Some useful triathlon tips
Updated July 4th 2012.
I haven't been a triathlete for very long, but while doing my first triathlon in PD last year, I did learn quite a few things that I thought I should share.
Useful to own a race number belt
If you do not own one yet, it is probably the best investment you can make for a triathlon. It makes it a lot easier to do away with safety pins and well, it is complicated when a swim is involved and you need to pin on a bib that is made of paper. Update 14 Mar 2013: RunnersUnite now selling our very own Race belt at RM20 only. Contact us to get one today!
Potentially a life saver
Take off cap right after exiting swim
When exiting the swim, I start taking off my swim goggles and swim cap. Believe me, I've seen quite a number of folks exit on the bike with swim caps still on their heads. In our hot weather, it's not a good idea to have something made of silicon or rubber on the top of your head while you bike.
Tape your gels to the top tube
Although I own a tri top that has rear pockets with plenty of room for my gels and other nutrition, I normally tape my gels to my bike's top tube. This makes for much easier access than to reach back to my rear pocket for them. I also make sure I tape them in such a way that when I wish to have one all I need to do is rip it off and stick it into my mouth. Beware, if your gel is on the slightly watery end, it may end up squirting all over your top tube. I use Gu, so they stay pretty much in the packet until it's in my mouth. I save the rear pocket of my tri top for gels during my run.
Hydrate early in the bike
I try to eat and drink as much as I can in the first half of the bike. That's because I don't want to start my run with water swishing all around in my stomach. If I addressed my hydration and nutrition in the first half of the bike, then by the time I complete the bike, most of my hydration and nutrition would have been absorbed by body and I can start the run full of energy. This is not to say that I try to cram everything into the first half of the bike, but I just drink and eat more. Towards the end, I still hydrate by sipping on my drinks.
Water is your friend
I know a lot of runners turn triathlete have plenty of reservation about dousing themselves with water in fear of getting their running shoes wet but if you are starting your run at 9.30am, it might be really, really helpful to be dousing yourself with plenty of water to bring your core temperature down. When your body heats up, your legs slow down.
Put sunglasses on before helmet
I'm not a particularly fast triathlete so I start my run pretty late in the race. Thus I run with my sunglasses. I normally put on my sunglasses before putting on my bike helmet. There is a reason for this. During T2 (bike to run transition), I just want to get my helmet off, my running shoes on and off I go! If you put you sunglasses over your helmet, that would mean you would need take the sunglasses off, then the helmet and put the sunglasses back on again.
Put run stuff into a plastic bag
After the bike, you want to make it out of the T2 transition as soon as possible as every minute in a sprint or OD counts. It helps to put all your run stuff like cap, water and gels in a plastic bag so you grab them as you run out and slowly put them on or consume them as you run.
I haven't been a triathlete for very long, but while doing my first triathlon in PD last year, I did learn quite a few things that I thought I should share.
Useful to own a race number belt
Potentially a life saver
It is also worth investing in some laces that are made of bungee cord-like material so you can yank on your shoes before run and simple pull and tighten your laces. Hassle free and there will be no worries of laces coming undone during the run. There are many brands out there now but I use Speed Laces and Lie Wei uses Lock Laces.
Update 10 Jul 2013: RunnersUnite now selling our very own Lock Laces at RM26 only. Contact us to get one today!
When exiting the swim, I start taking off my swim goggles and swim cap. Believe me, I've seen quite a number of folks exit on the bike with swim caps still on their heads. In our hot weather, it's not a good idea to have something made of silicon or rubber on the top of your head while you bike.
Tape your gels to the top tube
Although I own a tri top that has rear pockets with plenty of room for my gels and other nutrition, I normally tape my gels to my bike's top tube. This makes for much easier access than to reach back to my rear pocket for them. I also make sure I tape them in such a way that when I wish to have one all I need to do is rip it off and stick it into my mouth. Beware, if your gel is on the slightly watery end, it may end up squirting all over your top tube. I use Gu, so they stay pretty much in the packet until it's in my mouth. I save the rear pocket of my tri top for gels during my run.
Hydrate early in the bike
I try to eat and drink as much as I can in the first half of the bike. That's because I don't want to start my run with water swishing all around in my stomach. If I addressed my hydration and nutrition in the first half of the bike, then by the time I complete the bike, most of my hydration and nutrition would have been absorbed by body and I can start the run full of energy. This is not to say that I try to cram everything into the first half of the bike, but I just drink and eat more. Towards the end, I still hydrate by sipping on my drinks.
Water is your friend
I know a lot of runners turn triathlete have plenty of reservation about dousing themselves with water in fear of getting their running shoes wet but if you are starting your run at 9.30am, it might be really, really helpful to be dousing yourself with plenty of water to bring your core temperature down. When your body heats up, your legs slow down.
Put sunglasses on before helmet
I'm not a particularly fast triathlete so I start my run pretty late in the race. Thus I run with my sunglasses. I normally put on my sunglasses before putting on my bike helmet. There is a reason for this. During T2 (bike to run transition), I just want to get my helmet off, my running shoes on and off I go! If you put you sunglasses over your helmet, that would mean you would need take the sunglasses off, then the helmet and put the sunglasses back on again.
Put run stuff into a plastic bag
After the bike, you want to make it out of the T2 transition as soon as possible as every minute in a sprint or OD counts. It helps to put all your run stuff like cap, water and gels in a plastic bag so you grab them as you run out and slowly put them on or consume them as you run.
Pearl Izumi Men's Elite Tri Singlet
Blue
The Pearl Izumi Elite Tri Singlet fits smoothly under a wetsuit and is perfect for events of any distance.
Features
- Fabric: Elite Ultrasensor Transfer fabric
- Fabric Properties: Provides compression along with cool dry comfort
- Cut: Flatlock seams for a chafe free fit
- Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
- Fastening: 12inch front zip for venting
- Pockets: Rear pocket provides a secure place to stash energy product
- Ventilation: Elite Direct-Vent integrated mesh panels for fast drying, optimum temperature regulation
Sizing chart:
Availability: Red L; Blue L
Price: RM150 Reduced price! Clearance
Pearl Izumi Women's PRO Pittards Glove
 Front |  Back |
The women's P.R.O. Pittards® Gel Glove provides P.R.O. level performance combined with the pressure relief of our Comfort Bridge Gel padding.
•Comfort Bridge Gel padding relieves pressure on Ulnar and Median nerves for riding comfort and superior durability
•Pittards® WR 100X Natural Carbon Leather provides superior softness and durability
•Easy-Off Glove Removal Tab
•Direct-Vent mesh ventilates while providing UPF 40+ Sun Protection
•Bamboo carbon mesh palm lining enhances dry time and anti-odor protection
•Soft low-profile wiping surface on thumb
•Simple pull-on design
PALM : 100% LEATHER
BACK : 55% NYLON . 45% POLYESTER
Sizing chart:
Availability: S,M
Price: RM120
Pearl Izumi Women's Tri Shorts
Review:
I personally own a 2007 version of these tri shorts and they are amazing. I have used them in runs, duathlons, triathlons and even a 170km bike ride! They are still going strong! These shorts are long lasting and comfortable.
This semi form-fitting design offers a less restrictive cut for enhanced performance and athletic comfort. Pearl Izumi's SELECT fabric technology keeps wetness at bay with its moisture transfer abilities. As the benchmark for compression technology, this suit holds true to its goal of performing equally for swimming, running, and biking.
• TRI quick dry chamois
- Active carbon yarns
- Silver ion technology
- Optimal thermal regulation
- Anti-microbial protection
• Flatlock seams
- Reduce drag
- Increase comfort
• Silicone leg gripper
• Reflective elements for low-light visibility
• 6" inseam
• 86% Nylon/ 14% Spandex
• UPF 50+
• Imported
Please Note:
This item is not designed for use in a chlorinated pool.
Availability: XS (Waist 24")
Price: RM140
I personally own a 2007 version of these tri shorts and they are amazing. I have used them in runs, duathlons, triathlons and even a 170km bike ride! They are still going strong! These shorts are long lasting and comfortable.
 Front |  Back |
• TRI quick dry chamois
- Active carbon yarns
- Silver ion technology
- Optimal thermal regulation
- Anti-microbial protection
• Flatlock seams
- Reduce drag
- Increase comfort
• Silicone leg gripper
• Reflective elements for low-light visibility
• 6" inseam
• 86% Nylon/ 14% Spandex
• UPF 50+
• Imported
Please Note:
This item is not designed for use in a chlorinated pool.
Availability: XS (Waist 24")
Price: RM140
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