ROKA Drops Gen.3 Elite AeroSPEC Tri Suit

The first triathletes weren’t thinking about their clothes. Whether you want to say the first triathlon took place in San Diego in the early 70s, or if you want credit the beginnings with the first IRONMAN race in Honolulu in 1978, the one thing we can be sure of is that those initial triathletes weren’t thinking of apparel – they were worried about survival. The dress code was whatever could get you through the day. Dave Orlowski, who finished third in that very first IRONMAN race in 1978, wore cut off jean shorts over a speedo so he had pockets to carry cash to buy drinks and snacks along the way.

It took a while before triathletes started to play around with dedicated triathlon suits for racing. Even just over a decade after the first IRONMAN, when Mark Allen and Dave Scott staged the famous Iron War in Kona in 1989, both swapped into running shorts and singlets for the marathon. It was only through the 90s and 2000s we started to see the development of tri suits – typically sleeveless one-piece or snug-fitting two-piece options.

What came next was all about speed. For years manufacturers had avoided sleeved suits because they were assumed to be hotter and add drag, but sleeves suddenly started appearing due to their aero features. Suits tested in wind tunnels featured textured fabrics designed to shape the airflow around the arms, while hydrodynamic coatings were added to improve performance in the water. Cooling fabrics were added to help during the run, with pockets suddenly becoming a critical feature – not only for fuel storage, but also for ice to help on the hottest days. Speed is always an important factor, but the best new suits also take into consideration comfort, especially for a long day like an IRONMAN. These days, the best tri suits offer ventilation where heat builds, compression to support tired muscles and easily accessed storage for fuel. And, on top of all that, the best suits also make you faster.

Aero for All

The new ROKA Gen.3 Elite Aero Tri Suit adds another unique component that solves a problem most triathletes face. While many of the fastest suits on the market are designed to perform at the speeds only pros routinely reach, this suit has proven benefits at speeds the average triathlete is much more likely to attain.

“Many of the fastest aero suits are designed to perform best at speeds most athletes never touch – adding cost and sacrificing comfort to do it,” ROKA’s press materials say of the new suit. “What’s optimal for a pro averaging 24+ mph will almost never perform as fast for an athlete averaging below 24 mph – a speed even ultrafast podium-level age groupers rarely top over distance. Gen.3 is built with a new proprietary AeroSPEC textile that maximizes SPEed and Comfort across swim, bike, and run, saving up to 6 watts at riding speeds between 16-24 mph over Gen II.”

Other changes to the new suit include redesigned pockets for both nutrition and ice, along with two new sizes for men and women (Medium-Large and XXL) to ensure even more athletes will find their perfect fit

“Creating a next generation tri suit that would make the majority of athletes faster at every distance – and feel great the entire race – took years to get right,” says Kurt Spenser, Founder and CEO, ROKA Multisport. “Gen.3 is a true upgrade. We’re excited for athletes to feel the difference when they suit up to chase the next level and their next PR.”

The Gen.3 Elite AeroSPEC Short Sleeve Tri Suit is available now at rokamultisport.com and retails for US$495.

New features in the suit include:

• AeroSPEC sleeve fabric for enhanced aerodynamic performance and comfort (SPEed and Comfort)
• Lighter mesh back panel for enhanced breathability
• Redesigned storage. Larger pockets for nutrition and ice – including an ice pocket on the back of the neck
• Super flex leg fabric that holds shape while maintaining a silky, second-skin feel
• Superfine printed silicone leg grippers for a comfortable, secure fit that won’t ride up or squeeze
• Updated low-profile triathlon chamois with flat edges for superior comfort across all three disciplines

Features the suit shares with the Gen II suit:

• Patented ArmsUp technology for ultimate shoulder freedom and comfort on the swim
• Premium YKK breakaway front zipper
• UPF 30+ 
• Textile cooling treatment for temperature regulation

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