I can't decide what to wear.
The black top is the official Triathlon NZ racing top that is worn by NZ team members competing at the shorter distance world champs races. Its smart looking, designed to be worn in the swim as well, and breathes superlatively. Two problems though. Its zip is on the back, so I can't easily unzip it to help cooling when on the run, and secondly, black is supposedly hotter to wear, absorbing the sun's heat more readily. The white top is the one I've worn at the last two NZ ironman races. Its zip is on the front, it is supposedly a cooler colour, but is not as tight, and cannot be worn in the swim.
Then there's the helmets. The white one is a true aero helmet, and assists with aerodynamics especially once you're going faster than about 35 kph. On the downside though, it is not as well vented as the other one, and so potentially, its hotter to wear. The darker, traditional cycling helmet is not that aerodynamic, but has great air flow.
I've worn both tops, and both helmets whilst here, and I'm still not sure which is the better. In terms of the tops, I actually think that the black top radiates heat away from my body more efficiently. I've been doing some trawling on the internet to see if there is any definitive answers on which is the better top to wear, and its seems that the quality of the fabric (in terms of wicking moisture - ie helping evaporation and therefore cooling) might actually be the key factor. I think the black one works best.
With the helmets, its less clear. I can pour water through the vents to keep my head wet on both helmets. Its seems that the aero one is only at a real disadvantage when I'm going slow - such as up the steeper climbs. I think I'll base my decision on the weather forecast closer to the race.
Does anyone out there know of any science to help me decide which top to wear?
There is another option - wear the black top on the swim and bike, and change to the white top for the run. It would only add another 10-15 seconds to my transition, so its an option worth considering.
