Tri-Fit Liberty tri-suit review
Need a new suit that delivers comfort, storage and value in one go? The Tri-Fit Liberty might be the one for you, says Holly Symons...
If you’re looking for a tri-suit than balances design, style and value, you may want to take a look at the Tri-Fit Liberty. Here, top age-grouper and 220 kit tester Holly Symons explores why…
Tri-Fit has made this the Liberty tri-suit a more standout, colourful and fun design, but it still displays many of the features of the brand’s award-winning Tri-Fit Evo suit.
If you do want a splash of colour, then this is a stylish and flattering all-in-one suit and one of our favourite-looking budget suits from those tested.
How we tested
Each tri-suit we review goes through vigorous testing across the three disciplines. At a minimum, we’ll use each tri-suit for several individual swim, bike and run sessions. We also put tri-suits through brick sessions to find out how they feel going from swim to bike or bike to run. Our testing criteria includes comfort, breathability, speed of drying, storage, range of movement and value.
Chamois pad
It has a generous Italian ‘Elastic Interface’ chamois pad if comfort on the bike is a priority, and it really does perform well.
Sometimes a larger chamois doesn’t sit so snugly and can cause rubbing on the thigh, but this had a good balance of thickness without affecting performance.
It’s a great option for longer-distance triathlons when you’re spending considerably longer in the saddle.
The payback for this comfort is a little more cumbersome feel on the run, albeit it’s something you soon get used to.
Pockets and storage
If you’re racing long and like to carry your energy gels and energy bars rather than use aid stations, then this suit has loads of storage thanks to mesh leg pockets and side-access aero pockets on the back.
I really liked the side-access pockets, as they were easy to access without having to contort your arm into a position only seen during a magician’s act.
You just have to be careful to make sure everything’s packed in securely so nothing falls out.
Comfort and fabric performance
The fabric is breathable and provides good ventilation to keep you cool, while also wicking moisture away.
Meanwhile, the material’s flexible around the shoulders, allowing unrestricted movement while swimming, and the sleeves are a good, comfortable length coming just above the elbows.
The Italian silicone leg gripper ensures the suit stays in place through all the disciplines, although they weren’t as comfortable as the Zone3 Activate+ suit I also had on test.
The suits were tested in early spring with a mixture of sunshine and some cooler weather and layering, and it performed well in all conditions.
Fit and conclusion
I tested a medium suit and the sizing and fit is splendid all over, proving true to size for a size eight to 10 female.
Overall, though not as comfortable and slick as the Zone3 suit, it’s a well-constructed number that offers a solid foundation for a beginner triathlete without being clunky and cumbersome.
It’d also be a good option for someone wanting a little extra comfort on a longer-distance triathlon.
For more choice, take a look at our list of the best tri-suits, with over 45 products reviewed and rated. Or if you’re convinced already, you can buy this suit direct from Tri-Fit.
220 Triathlon verdict
The Tri-Fit Liberty is a stylish beginner suit with lots of storage and solid comfort for longer distances. Score: 85%
Pros
- Ample pocket space
- Comfortable chamois pad
Cons
- Leg gripper isn’t as comfortable as some others
- Chamois pad can feel a little cumbersome
Tri-Fit Liberty tri-suit specs
| Price: | £149 / $194 |
| Buy from: | Tri-Fit Athletic |
| Available sizes: | S-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s) |
| Breakaway zipper? | No |
| Chamois pad: | Italian Elastic Interface |
| Pockets: | 4 |
Holly Symons
Ultra runner and age-group long-distance triathlete 
