Collection: PRODUCT GUIDE

Triathlon FAQ's

Choosing Your Tri Suit
Which Surpas tri suit should I choose?

Choose your Surpas tri suit based on your race distance and the level of performance, aerodynamics, comfort and durability you're looking for.

Our Insane Series is our most advanced race range. Developed with world-leading triathletes and sports scientists, it combines ultra-light fabrics with advanced aerodynamics, thermoregulation and hydrodynamic performance. Selected Middle and Long Distance models also feature our aerodynamic Turbulators.

Our Aero Series is built around aerodynamic performance, combining structured aerodynamic fabrics with hydrodynamic materials, mobility and comfort. The current Aero 4 is available for Middle and Long Distance racing.

Our Pursue Series combines performance with comfort and durability. Developed and tested with the Norwegian Triathlon Federation, it uses premium Italian fabrics, a tight-to-body fit and hydrophobic properties, making it a versatile choice for both experienced and aspiring triathletes.

Once you've chosen your series, select the suit designed for your race distance.

What do SD, OD, MD, LD, MDT and LDT mean?

The letters tell you which race distance and configuration the suit is designed for:

SD – Sprint Distance
OD – Olympic Distance
MD – Middle Distance
LD – Long Distance
MDT – Middle Distance + Turbulators
LDT – Long Distance + Turbulators

Our MDT and LDT Insane suits add strategically positioned aerodynamic Turbulators to their Middle and Long Distance constructions.

Which suit should I choose for Sprint Distance?

For Sprint Distance racing, choose one of our SD skinsuits.

Our Sprint Distance suits are designed specifically for short, fast racing. For example, the Pursue Skinsuit SD combines durable Italian performance fabrics with an extremely close fit and a lightweight, triathlon-specific Elastic Interface chamois.

Because nutrition storage is less important over this distance, the Pursue SD has no rear pockets, helping keep the construction streamlined.

Which suit should I choose for Olympic Distance?

For Olympic Distance racing, choose one of our OD skinsuits.

If maximum performance is your priority, our Insane Skinsuit OD was originally developed for the Tokyo Olympic Games. It combines an extremely close fit with ultra-light performance fabrics and thin, flexible triathlon-specific padding designed to dry quickly after the swim.

Our Olympic Distance suits are designed to provide the mobility required for swimming and running while maintaining a close performance fit for the bike.

Which suit should I choose for Middle Distance / 70.3?

For Middle Distance and 70.3 racing, choose an MD or MDT speedsuit.

Our Pursue 2 MD provides a durable, performance-focused option for Middle Distance racing.

Our Aero 4 MD takes aerodynamic performance further, using a golf-ball-like structure across the shoulders and striped fabric on the thighs to optimise airflow on the bike. It also uses an extremely flexible two-density Elastic Interface chamois designed to provide protection in an aerodynamic cycling position without unnecessarily restricting the swim or run.

For our most advanced aerodynamic and thermoregulatory technology, choose the Insane 3 MDT. It combines ultra-light fabrics, aerodynamic structures and strategically positioned Turbulators with Middle Distance-specific padding, nutrition storage and a GPS pocket.

Which suit should I choose for Long Distance?

For full-distance racing, choose an LD or LDT speedsuit.

Our Pursue 2 LD combines durable Italian fabrics with two rear nutrition pockets and long-distance Elastic Interface padding.

Our Aero 4 LD places a greater emphasis on aerodynamics, using structured shoulder and thigh fabrics together with an extremely close fit.

For our most advanced Long Distance race suit, choose the Insane 3 LDT. It combines our ultra-light Insane construction with aerodynamic Turbulators and a Long Distance-specific Elastic Interface chamois designed to provide support in aggressive aero positions. Perforated foams improve airflow and drying, while a central channel is designed to improve comfort over long rides.

What is the difference between a speedsuit and a skinsuit?

In our triathlon range, skinsuits are designed for Sprint and Olympic Distance racing, while speedsuits are designed for Middle and Long Distance racing.

The construction changes with the demands of the distance. Our MD and LD speedsuits include distance-specific padding and nutrition storage, while our shorter-distance skinsuits use lighter padding and streamlined constructions appropriate for shorter races.

Choose your suit according to your race distance rather than treating skinsuit and speedsuit as interchangeable terms.

What are Turbulators?

Our Turbulators are strategically positioned aerodynamic structures used on selected Insane Middle and Long Distance suits.

You'll find them around the shoulder area on our Insane MDT and LDT suits, where they work together with structured aerodynamic fabrics as part of the suit's overall aerodynamic construction.

They are one of the technologies that distinguish our MDT and LDT suits from the standard MD and LD configurations.

Do I need Turbulators?

If you're looking for our most advanced aerodynamic race setup, choose an Insane MDT or LDT with Turbulators.

Our Insane MDT and LDT suits combine the Turbulators with structured aerodynamic fabrics, an extremely close fit and ultra-light materials to maximise race performance.

Your aerodynamic performance will also depend on factors such as your riding position, body shape, speed and race conditions, so the suit should be considered as part of your complete aerodynamic setup.

Tri Suit Fit
How should a Surpas tri suit fit?

Our triathlon race suits are designed to fit extremely close to the body.

A close fit helps minimise excess fabric and allows the aerodynamic materials to work as intended. For example, our Insane, Aero and Pursue race suits are designed to sit as close to the body as possible while maintaining the mobility needed for swimming, cycling and running.

We recommend assessing the suit in your actual race positions, particularly your aero position on the bike, rather than judging the fit only while standing upright.

What should I do if I'm between sizes?

Always start with the size guide and sizing information for the specific suit you're choosing.

Our race suits are intentionally very tight, but the exact construction differs between Insane, Aero and Pursue and between race distances. Don't automatically assume that the same sizing decision applies to every suit.

If you're unsure, contact us before ordering and we'll help you choose the right size.

Should my tri suit feel tight when I first put it on?

Yes. Our race suits are designed to feel significantly tighter than conventional sportswear.

Insane, Aero and Pursue suits use an extremely close fit to reduce excess material and support aerodynamic performance. Some suits may therefore feel unusually tight when you first put them on.

The important distinction is between a close race fit and a suit that is too small. You should still have the mobility required to swim, hold your cycling position and run effectively.

Can Surpas help me choose my size?

Yes. If you're unsure which size to choose, contact us before ordering and we'll help you find the right fit.

This is particularly important for our race suits because they are intentionally designed to fit much closer to the body than conventional sportswear.

Using Your Tri Suit
Can I swim in my Surpas tri suit?

Yes. Our triathlon suits are designed to perform across the swim, bike and run.

The construction varies by series and race distance, but features such as hydrophobic fabrics, flexible chamois pads and quick-drying materials are used to help the suit transition effectively from swimming to cycling and running.

Always check the rules for your specific event regarding race clothing, wetsuits and swimskins.

Can I wear my tri suit under a wetsuit?

Yes. You can wear your Surpas tri suit under your wetsuit and remove the wetsuit in transition before continuing onto the bike.

Our tri suits are designed to transition between swimming, cycling and running, so you don't need to change race clothing between disciplines.

Always make sure your tri suit and wetsuit fit comfortably together and follow your race organiser's wetsuit regulations.

Should I wear underwear under my tri suit?

No. We recommend wearing your tri suit directly against your skin without underwear.

Our suits use triathlon-specific chamois pads designed to provide protection on the bike while remaining flexible enough for swimming and running. Adding underwear creates another layer and additional seams, which can increase friction and retain moisture.

Does my Surpas tri suit have a cycling pad?

Our tri suits use triathlon-specific Elastic Interface chamois pads, with the construction adapted to the race distance.

For example, our Middle Distance Insane 3 MDT and Aero 4 MD suits use an extremely flexible two-density chamois. A higher-density insert is positioned to provide protection when riding in an aerodynamic position, while the flexible construction maintains freedom of movement for swimming and running.

Our Long Distance Insane 3 LDT, Aero 4 LD and Pursue 2 LD suits use long-distance padding designed to provide greater support during extended periods on the bike, including aggressive aero positions.

Our shorter-distance skinsuits use lighter triathlon-specific padding suited to Sprint and Olympic racing.

Check the individual suit specifications for the exact chamois construction.

Can I use my race suit for training?

Yes, but we recommend considering the construction of the suit and how frequently you plan to use it.

Our Pursue Series uses durable premium Italian fabrics and is a good option when you're looking for a balance between performance, comfort and durability.

Our Insane Series takes a different approach. It uses extremely lightweight, delicate materials designed around maximum race performance. We recommend treating your Insane suit as a specialist race product rather than everyday training apparel.

Using your race suit during selected race-specific sessions before competition can also help you become familiar with its fit and feel.

Product Care: Insane

About Insane
What makes the Insane Suit different?

The Insane is our most advanced triathlon race suit, developed with world-leading triathletes and sports scientists.

Its construction focuses on three key areas: aerodynamics, thermoregulation and low weight. The suit uses an extremely lightweight woven elastane-polyester fabric with graded thickness and compressive structures, while our MDT and LDT models add structured aerodynamic fabrics and strategically positioned Turbulators around the shoulders.

The Insane is designed to sit extremely close to the body while maintaining the flexibility required for triathlon.

Is the Insane Suit designed for racing or everyday training?

The Insane is designed primarily for racing and maximum performance.

Its ultra-light fabrics and extremely fine fibres allow us to prioritise aerodynamics, thermoregulation and low weight, but they also make the suit more delicate than conventional training apparel.

We recommend saving your Insane suit for racing and selected race-specific sessions rather than using it as an everyday training suit.

Why does the Insane Suit require special care?

The same materials that allow us to make the Insane extremely light and performance-focused also require more careful handling.

The suit uses extremely fine yarns that can snag on Velcro, zippers, saddles and other rough surfaces. Its highly saturated colours can also migrate where colours meet if the suit remains damp or is washed incorrectly.

Following our Insane care instructions is essential for protecting the suit.

How should I put on and remove my Insane Suit?

Always use the supplied gloves when putting on or removing your Insane Suit.

Work the suit on gradually rather than pulling aggressively on the fabric, and take particular care around your fingernails, the zipper and other areas where the fine fibres could catch.

The Insane is built from exceptionally delicate performance materials, so careful handling is important every time you use it.

Why are gloves supplied with the Insane Suit?

We supply gloves because the Insane uses extremely fine yarns that can be caught or damaged by fingernails.

Wearing the gloves when putting on and removing your suit reduces the risk of pulling or snagging the delicate fibres.

How can I prevent snagging the fabric?

Always use the supplied gloves when putting on or removing your Insane Suit and keep the fabric away from Velcro, zippers, rough saddles and abrasive surfaces.

Avoid pulling aggressively on individual sections of fabric. Taking a little extra time when putting on, removing and handling your suit will help protect its ultra-fine fibres.

Washing & Care
How do I wash my Insane Suit?

Hand-wash your Insane Suit gently in cool water using a mild detergent.

Do not use bleach or fabric softener, and do not wring or twist the suit. Always follow the care label carefully to protect its ultra-light technical fabrics and colours.

Can I machine-wash the Insane Suit?

No. Your Insane Suit should be cool, gently hand-washed only.

Machine washing can put unnecessary stress on the suit's extremely fine fibres and technical construction.

Can I tumble-dry the Insane Suit?

No. Do not tumble-dry your Insane Suit.

After washing, lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight.

How should I dry and store my Insane Suit?

After washing, lay your Insane Suit flat and allow it to dry away from direct sunlight.

Do not wring or twist the suit to remove water, and make sure it is completely dry before storing it.

Why can colours migrate?

The Insane uses high-intensity, saturated dyes as part of its ultra-light construction.

If the suit remains damp or is washed incorrectly, colour can migrate or bleed where different colours meet. Follow our washing instructions carefully and make sure the suit is properly dried after use and washing.

What surfaces should I avoid?

Keep your Insane Suit away from rough or abrasive surfaces, particularly Velcro, zippers and rough saddles.

The extremely fine fibres used in the Insane are more delicate than conventional sportswear fabrics and can snag when they come into contact with rough equipment or surfaces.

Cycling FAQ's

Choosing Your Gear
How do I choose the right Surpas cycling jersey?

Choose between our Purpose and Shift cycling jerseys based on your riding goals and the level of performance you're looking for.

Our Purpose Shirt SS is our premium aerodynamic cycling jersey. It has an extremely close fit, lightweight Italian recycled fabric, large ventilation panels and moisture-wicking properties. It's designed for performance-focused riding and is particularly well suited to warm conditions.

Our Shift Shirt SS combines a close performance fit with comfort and versatility. Its highly elastic fabric, mesh back, clean-cut sleeves and three reinforced rear pockets make it a great choice for everyday training, long rides and cyclists of all levels.

How do I choose the right bib shorts?

Choose your bib shorts based on your riding style, performance goals and the type of support you prefer.

Our Purpose Bib Shorts are our more performance-focused option, developed in collaboration with Ironman World Champion Gustav Iden. They're made by and for triathletes, with a chamois specifically designed around a triathlete's riding position, technical shaping fabric and wide silicone leg cuffs. They're designed for both training and competition.

Our Shift Bib Shorts focus on combining comfort, support and practical functionality. They feature Elastic Interface padding for protection and stability on long rides, ventilating mesh straps, wide silicone leg bands and a practical rear pocket.

What is the difference between Purpose and Shift cycling products?

Our Purpose range is built around speed and performance. The Purpose Shirt SS combines an aerodynamic fit with lightweight fabrics and large ventilation panels, while the Purpose Bib Shorts use a technical construction developed specifically with triathletes and their riding position in mind.

Our Shift range combines performance with versatility and comfort. The Shift Shirt SS is lightweight, highly elastic and well ventilated, while the Shift Bib Shorts provide support and stability for longer rides with Elastic Interface padding and practical features.

If maximum performance and aerodynamics are your priority, choose Purpose. If you're looking for a versatile setup for regular training and longer rides, Shift is a strong choice.

Which Surpas cycling products are best for racing?

For racing and performance-focused riding, we recommend our Purpose cycling products.

The Purpose Shirt SS is a premium aerodynamic jersey with lightweight fabrics, large ventilation panels and an extremely close fit designed to minimise excess material.

Pair it with our Purpose Bib Shorts, developed in collaboration with Ironman World Champion Gustav Iden. They're designed for speed, with technical shaping fabric and a chamois developed specifically around the riding position of triathletes.

The Purpose Bib Shorts are designed for both training and competition.

Which Surpas cycling products are best for training?

For versatile everyday training, our Shift cycling products are a great choice.

The Shift Shirt SS is lightweight, highly elastic and breathable, with a mesh back for ventilation and three reinforced rear pockets for carrying nutrition, clothing and other essentials. It's designed as a versatile jersey suitable for cyclists of all levels.

Pair it with our Shift Bib Shorts, which combine a close fit with Elastic Interface padding for protection and stability on long rides, ventilating mesh straps, wide silicone leg bands and a practical rear pocket.

If you prefer a more race-focused setup during training, our Purpose range is also designed to perform in training as well as competition.

Cycling Fit
How should a cycling jersey fit?

Our cycling jerseys are designed to fit very close to the body.

Both the Purpose Shirt SS and Shift Shirt SS have an extremely tight fit, designed to sit as close to the body as possible. This helps create a streamlined fit while the elastic fabrics allow you to move comfortably in your cycling position.

If you're unsure about your size or your measurements fall between two sizes, we recommend going up one size.

How should bib shorts fit?

Our bib shorts are designed to sit close and securely against the body, keeping the chamois and shorts in the correct position while you ride.

The Shift Bib Shorts have an extremely tight fit, with wide silicone leg bands that help prevent the shorts from moving and mesh straps that provide support and ventilation.

Our Purpose Bib Shorts also use a performance-focused construction, with wide silicone cuffs and technical shaping fabric designed to provide a secure fit over longer rides.

What should I do if I'm between cycling sizes?

Always check the sizing information for the specific product you're choosing.

For our Purpose and Shift cycling jerseys, we recommend going up one size if you're unsure or your measurements fall between two sizes.

The same recommendation applies to our Shift Bib Shorts, which have an extremely tight fit and are designed to sit as close to the body as possible.

Should I wear underwear under bib shorts?

No. We recommend wearing our cycling bib shorts directly against your skin without underwear.

The chamois is designed to sit directly against the body to provide support and protection between you and the saddle. Wearing underwear adds another layer and additional seams, which can interfere with the intended fit and increase friction while riding.

Cycling Conditions & Care
What should I wear when cycling in warm weather?

For warm-weather riding, choose lightweight, breathable products that provide ventilation while maintaining a close performance fit.

Our Purpose Shirt SS is particularly well suited to warm conditions. It combines lightweight Italian recycled fabric with large ventilation panels and moisture-wicking properties, while its extremely close fit is designed with aerodynamics and performance in mind.

For a more versatile option, our Shift Shirt SS uses lightweight, highly elastic fabric with a mesh back for additional ventilation.

Pair your jersey with Purpose Bib Shorts for a more performance-focused setup or Shift Bib Shorts for a versatile combination designed for training and longer rides.

What should I wear when cycling in cold or wet weather?

For colder, windy or changing conditions, we recommend building your cycling setup in layers.

Start with a base layer and cycling jersey, then add one of our cycling vests or jackets when you need additional protection. This allows you to adapt your setup to the temperature, wind and weather conditions without compromising freedom o

Running FAQ's

Choosing Your Gear
How do I choose the right Surpas running gear?

Choose your running gear based on your type of training, the conditions and the level of performance you're looking for.

Our Stride range is built around versatile training pieces. For example, the Stride T-Shirt combines quick-drying, highly absorbent fabric with additional ventilation, while the Stride Shorts use a lightweight, ventilating fabric and a comfortable regular fit for mid- to long-distance runs.

Our Pace range offers lightweight, technical pieces for runners looking for high-performance training gear. Products such as the Pace T-Shirt LS, Pace Jacket and Pace Vest combine low weight with features designed for ventilation, freedom of movement and protection in changing conditions.

Which Surpas running products are designed for racing?

For racing, choose the lightest and most performance-focused combination for the distance and conditions.

Our running collection includes lightweight Pace products that work particularly well when low weight and freedom of movement are priorities. The Pace Vest, for example, weighs just 70 grams in size L and combines wind protection with ventilation, while the Pace T-Shirt LS weighs 119 grams in size L and combines a close fit with high stretch, quick-drying fabric and large ventilation zones.

For warmer races, pair one of our lightweight running tops with Pace Shorts or Pace Short Tights, depending on the fit you prefer.

Which Surpas running products are best for training?

Both Stride and Pace include products designed for training, but they offer different options depending on the session and conditions.

The Stride T-Shirt is a versatile training top designed for everything from low- to high-intensity exercise, while the Stride Shorts are developed specifically for mid- to long-distance running. For cooler conditions, the Stride Jacket is a lightweight and versatile training jacket with wind protection, stretch panels and ventilation.

For runners looking for lightweight, technical training pieces, the Pace range includes options such as the Pace T-Shirt LS, Pace Long Tights, Pace Jacket and Pace Vest.

What should I wear for running in hot weather?

For warm conditions, build your setup around our lightweight and ventilated running tops, shorts or short tights.

The Stride T-Shirt is a good option for warmer training sessions, with a thin, quick-drying fabric and additional ventilation zones under the arms. Pair it with Stride Shorts for a looser fit or choose Pace Shorts or Pace Short Tights depending on your preferred running setup.

For very warm conditions, you can also choose from our running singlets for a lighter upper-body option.

What should I wear for running in cold or wet weather?

For cooler and changing conditions, build your setup using our Pace or Stride layers.

The Pace T-Shirt LS is a lightweight long-sleeve training shirt with quick-drying fabric and large ventilation zones. When you need additional protection, the Pace Vest is feather-light, windproof and water-repellent, making it particularly suitable for unstable weather. For more coverage, the Pace Jacket provides wind protection while using four-way stretch panels to maintain freedom of movement.

Our Stride Jacket is another option for training in cooler conditions, combining windproof material on the upper body and hood with stretch and ventilation panels for mobility and comfort.

Running Fit & Care
How should Surpas running apparel fit?

The right fit depends on the product and how it is designed to be used.

Our running collection includes everything from close-fitting tights and technical performance tops to regular-fit shorts, pants, jackets and vests. Some pieces are designed to sit closer to the body for performance and freedom of movement, while others offer a more relaxed fit for versatile training.

Check the fit description on the individual product page and use our sizing information to find the right size for you.

What should I do if I'm between running sizes?

Start with the size and fit recommendation on the individual product page.

Fit can vary between our running products, so we recommend choosing your size based on the specific garment rather than assuming the same size will fit identically across the entire Pace and Stride ranges.

How should I wash Surpas running apparel?

Always follow the care label on your specific garment.

Our running collection uses different technical fabrics and constructions depending on the product. Following the individual washing and drying instructions will help preserve the garment's fit, technical properties and performance over time.