Tyr Long Distance Race Short : One Pair, Three Sports

I've got to come clean--I'm not a triathlete. I'm a former runner who's switched over almost entirely to cycling. Not usually worthy of note except for the fact that I'm reviewing the TYR Unisex 5" Long Distance Race Shorts that are made specifically for triathletes. While I can say I've worn the shorts swiming, riding, and running, I can't say I've done so back to back to back. Still, having tried my TYR Long Distance Race Shorts in the three disciplines for which it was designed, I can give it my strong endorsement for the real three-course deal.

More than enough for the bike

Let's begin in the middle, and talk about my TYR shorts as a bike short. As a cyclist, my pre-ride reaction was that they didn't offer much padding between me and my bike seat. In truth, these shorts are not going to be your first or even second choice for a training ride--but that's just fine because these shorts are made for racing. TYR has streamlined the padding with two other things in mind--the swim and the run. And don't let me scare you, in race conditions the TYR Long Distance Race Short provides as much protection as you're going to need. What's more, they've got a sizeable velcro-sealed mesh pocket in back for the swim but can be stuffed with life-saving gels during transition and easily accessed once you're in the saddle.

Sweet for the swim

As for the swim, the TYR Long Distance Race Shorts are slick. Just a very well made swimsuit (not a surprise given that swimming is one of TYR's specialties) that fits particularly well and has special elastic thigh cuffs that I just love--wherever you place them on your thighs, they will stay to race's end. What's most impressive is how streamlined they are in the water despite having a biking pad built in. As I mentioned earlier, the pad is low-profile for a reason. But more important, the shorts and pad are made of a quick drying material that helps ensure a chafe-free bike leg.

Ready for any run

The small pad on the shorts comes in equally handy when you get off the bike and start running. When I ran in the TYR Long Distance Race Shorts I couldn't even tell there was a pad. I even tried running in a pair of my cycling shorts for comparison--a very different, much less comfortable experience. The TYR shorts I tried are the 5" models that come down mid-thigh (they also offer a 9" model that covers a larger portion of the thigh) and I found that to be the perfect length. In fact, my TYR's had me thinking that all those years I spent running races in running shorts I would have preferred more of a quarter-tight design like the TYR Long Distance Race Shorts. Oh well, better late than never.

Bottom Line: The TYR Unisex 5" Long Distance Race Shorts are just that--race shorts. They are smartly designed to manage all the demands that a swim, a bike, and a run--done consecutively and as hard as you possibly can--can throw at you.--D.C. (June '06)

Price: $65

Manufacturer's Site: www.tyr.com

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