Breaking in a 2 piece suit

[BRad704]

I was cruising the At speed section, and a racing talk section on another forum this morning, and it inspired me to fully suit up and cruise the interstate/on-ramps/off-ramps at lunch today. Partly to see if my Teknic suit would loosen up, and partly because I needed to get away from my computer.

I thought the suit was too short for me, and it still may be a little... but by the time i was out in the sun for 45 minutes, everything was smooth and comfy.

So now, if you've read this far... I have a question.

Does your suit (2 or 1 piece) dig into the front of your throat? And puff out behind your neck? Maybe I have bad posture, but it seems like the suit is cut to have your head go straight vertical from your shoulders, and my neck leans out forward a bit.

[csmith12]

If it still has the new leather smell, it sounds perfect. She should break in like a second skin.

[BRad704]

It's "new to me"... Teknic sz 42, but I'm 6'2" and a runner (thick legs). Bought it used and prev. owner went down once in it. Lost some velco from the right knee and a skint spot on right forarm. Besides that, it's in good shape.

It does still smell like leather, but I'm not sure if that's the suit, or the leather conditioner I've used on it...

Either way, I was starting to think it was too short for me until today. Now, I'm happier with it. Also looking to make it to Barber and/or Little Tally in October/November this year. But buying a new suit would have put a stop to that plan also.

[alex.s]

two piece suits are cut for a less aggressive position than race suits.

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by alex.s

two piece suits are cut for a less aggressive position than race suits.

That would certainly help explain the choking feeling. I guess my body has a naturally more aggressive posture than most.

[Lychee]

@alex.s Interesting, what is the source of this info? Have you tried on many?

[csmith12]

If it's already broke in, then your too tall for the size (torso). I were a 2 piece most of the time. That is why it does the stuff around your neck.

[BRad704]

That is one of those things that I "know"... but I don't want to admit that I know.

IMO, it fits me well enough to be comfortable for an hour or more on the bike at one time, and fit better after I had started sweating today (ie, warmed up the leather). Fingers crossed it will get me to and through 1 or 2 track days this fall and I can upgrade over the winter or in Spring.

[csmith12]

If you like it and can't return it, you can try to shower in it to stretch it a bit. Although it sucks to where a wet suit around for a bit.

[BRad704]

Originally Posted by csmith12

If you like it and can't return it, you can try to shower in it to stretch it a bit. Although it sucks to where a wet suit around for a bit.

Interesting idea... and I've certainly done weirder things in my life.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Lychee

@alex.s Interesting, what is the source of this info? Have you tried on many?

just personal experience. i own 4 race suits, 2 two piece suits. have tried on several two piece suits. they feel good standing up and moving around. race suits are uncomfortable in every position except a race tuck. standing up in a race suit can be very painful in the testicle region.

[Lychee]

pretty much sold me on a two piece right there.

[choneofakind]

Standing full upright in my 1-piece means either I have the male form of camel toe, or my shoulders have to droop. Fits really perfect when on the bike though!! Well worth it for that riding comfort.

Chris is right, get it a little wet if you need to. Riding in the rain did that for me. My suit fits me better after that.