Speedsuits

A speedsuit or skinsuit is a one-piece road cycling outfit that combines a jersey and bibshort in one seamless suit. They are made of close-fitting, aerodynamically optimised materials that give less air resistance at higher speeds than separate jersey and bibshort. Used by road cyclists in competitions, criteriums and time trials where every watt counts.

The range contains road skinsuits for road cycling and criteriums, TT speedsuits for time trials with maximum aerodynamics and versatile models that are usable for both disciplines. All models are available for men and women. The most important selection criteria are the type of use (road cycling, criterium or time trial), the fit in riding position and whether the suit has an integrated chamois.

Which speedsuit or skinsuit suits you?

The right choice depends on the discipline and purpose. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You ride road cycling or criteriums and want one suit that is lighter, tighter and cleaner than a separate combination: A road skinsuit is the most direct upgrade from a jersey with bibshort. The suit eliminates the seam where jersey and shorts meet, prevents the jersey from riding up and reduces the total amount of fabric standing in the wind. The aero advantage compared to a well-fitting jersey + bibshort is limited at lower speeds but noticeable at criterium speeds and in breakaways. Road skinsuits generally have an integrated chamois for comfort on the bike and sometimes a few back pockets for nutrition.

You ride a time trial and want maximum aerodynamic performance: A TT speedsuit is optimised for this. Smooth, dense materials without seams at aero-critical points, sometimes extended sleeves to the elbow or wrist and as smooth a surface as possible on the back for optimal airflow. TT speedsuits are more strictly optimised than road skinsuits and are less suitable for prolonged comfort — they are intended for maximum effort over a defined time trial distance.

You want one suit for both competition road cycling and high-level training: Versatile speedsuits combine the aerodynamics of a competition suit with slightly more comfort and freedom of movement than a pure TT suit. They are usable for multiple competition types without being tailored to one discipline.

What to look for when purchasing?

Fit is everything

A speedsuit or skinsuit only works if it fits perfectly. Too loose means fabric will move in the wind — which is exactly what you want to prevent. Too tight restricts freedom of movement on the bike and becomes uncomfortable on longer rides. Use the brand's size chart and measure chest circumference, waist circumference and leg length. Always think in the riding position: a suit that feels tight standing up can fit perfectly in the bent cycling position.

Chamois

Road skinsuits and versatile speedsuits generally have an integrated chamois for comfort on the bike. TT speedsuits sometimes too, but the chamois thickness in aero-optimised models is deliberately kept minimal to keep the suit as smooth as possible. Check the product description for chamois thickness if saddle pain or comfort is a relevant consideration for you.

Material and surface structure

The material of a speedsuit is not homogeneous: manufacturers use different fabrics on different zones. Smooth, dense fabric on the back, shoulders and arms for low air resistance. More elastic, slightly rougher material on the abdomen and sides for freedom of movement. TT speedsuits are made of smooth aero fabric over a larger surface. Road skinsuits balance more between comfort and aerodynamics.

Zip closure and practical details

Most road skinsuits have a zip closure at the front that you can open for ventilation during intense climbs or warm weather. TT speedsuits generally have a shorter zip or only a half zip for a cleaner aero profile. Also check the sleeve length (short or three-quarter) and whether the suit has back pockets for nutrition — with a pure TT suit, pockets are sometimes deliberately omitted.

Our advice: Always wear a speedsuit or skinsuit at least once during a training before using it in a competition. The fit in the riding position feels different from standing up and the tight construction requires putting on and taking off in a specific way. Know how the suit sits and feels before standing at the start.

Speedsuit, skinsuit or trisuit: what is the difference?

The three terms are regularly used interchangeably but refer to three different products.

A trisuit is a one-piece suit for triathlon. It is intended for swimming, cycling and running and has a small chamois, quick-drying material after swimming and back pockets for nutrition. Comfort and versatility across three disciplines are the priority. Triathlon trisuits can be found in our trisuit category.

A road skinsuit is a one-piece suit for road cycling and criteriums. No swimming function, focused on comfort and aerodynamics on the bike, generally a full chamois for prolonged cycling. Better than a trisuit for pure cycling use.

A TT speedsuit is an aerodynamically optimised suit for time trials. No concessions to swimming or running, focused on maximum airflow management on the bike at high speed. Less comfortable on longer rides but aerodynamically superior for the purpose for which they are made.

Who are speedsuits and skinsuits suitable for?

• Competition road cyclists who ride in criteriums, road races or club competitions and want to make the switch from separate jersey and bibshort to one integrated suit.
• Time trialists and triathletes who want to extract maximum aerodynamics from their outfit for the cycling section of a time trial or triathlon.
• Advanced cyclists who consciously invest in performance-oriented clothing and understand that fit is the decisive factor here.

A speedsuit or skinsuit is less suitable for recreational cycling, longer touring rides where comfort is the priority, or as a first purchase priority for a cyclist who has no experience with close-fitting competition clothing. In that case a quality separate jersey with bibshort offers more comfort and flexibility.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a speedsuit or skinsuit but are not sure which model and size suits you best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about speedsuits and skinsuits

What is the difference between a speedsuit and a skinsuit?

In cycling the terms are used interchangeably. A skinsuit refers to the one-piece suit that combines jersey and bibshort, without a specific aero focus. A speedsuit more often refers to an aerodynamically optimised model for time trials or competitions where maximum performance is the goal. In practice the boundaries are vague and manufacturers cover both terms on comparable products. Look at the intended use (criterium, road cycling or TT) and the material choice to determine which model suits you.

Is a speedsuit faster than a separate jersey and bibshort?

At higher speeds and in headwind yes, but the difference is small. A well-fitting speedsuit eliminates the seams and overlap zone between jersey and shorts, and prevents fabric from moving in the wind. At criterium speeds and in time trials that is measurable. With gentle recreational cycling or low speeds the advantage is negligible. The fit is the biggest variable in that: a poorly fitting speedsuit is slower than a well-fitting separate combination.

Does a speedsuit always have a chamois?

Road skinsuits and versatile speedsuits generally have an integrated chamois. TT speedsuits sometimes have a minimal chamois or no chamois, because the aero optimisation of the material profile has priority. Always check the product description if saddle comfort is a relevant criterion for you.

Can I use a speedsuit as a trisuit?

Technically yes, but it is not optimal. A cycling speedsuit is not designed for swimming: the material dries less quickly than a trisuit, there is no quick-drying construction and the suit is not resistant to prolonged contact with chlorine or salt water. For triathlon use you preferably use a specific trisuit. Speedsuits are the better choice for the pure cycling section of a time trial or for road cycling.