For a brick workout, wear the kit you plan to race in: a trisuit with a thin tri pad, or tri shorts and a fitted top, so you ride and run without changing anything. The point of a brick is to rehearse the bike-to-run switch, and your kit is part of that rehearsal.
A brick is a ride followed straight away by a run, usually with a quick transition in between. This guide covers what to wear, what to swap between the two legs, and what to leave at home. If you are new to the sport, our first triathlon kit guide covers the full race-day picture.
Should you wear a trisuit for a brick?
Yes, if you own one. A trisuit is built to be ridden and run in, with a pad that is thick enough to be comfortable on the bike and thin enough not to bounce on the run. Brick sessions are the best place to find out whether yours fits and feels right before race day. Not sure what one is? Read what a trisuit is, then browse the DTR trisuits.
Can you use tri shorts and a top instead?
You can. A two-piece setup is easy to get on and off and fine for training. The trade-off is a waistband and a hem that can move or ride up when you start running. Our comparison of a trisuit and a two-piece tri kit goes through the differences.
Can you wear bib shorts for the ride and run in them?
You can, but the pad is built for sitting, and it is thicker than most runners want. If you wear bib shorts on the bike, expect the run to feel different, which is useful to know in training but not what you will race in. Our guide to tri shorts versus bib shorts explains how the pads differ.
What do you change between the bike and the run?
Shoes and helmet, nothing else. Swap cycling shoes for running shoes, take the helmet off, and go. Changing your top or shorts in transition wastes time and defeats the purpose of practising a clean switch. If it is cold, keep a light layer on for the whole session rather than stopping to add one. Our transition kit checklist lists what to lay out.
What should you skip?
Skip cotton, loose tops that flap, and anything that rubs when you run. Skip kit you have never worn for more than an hour. A brick is a trial: try the exact suit, socks and shoes you intend to race in, and note any hotspot. If something rubs, fix it now, not on race morning. If irritation persists or gets worse, see a doctor.
What about the swim?
A brick is usually bike and run only, so no swim kit is needed. If you want to rehearse the full race, the setup that goes under a wetsuit is covered in what to wear under a wetsuit.
Quick answers
What is a brick workout?
Two disciplines back to back, usually a ride then a run, to train your legs for the change.
Do you need special kit for a brick?
No. Wear your race kit if you have it, or tri shorts and a fitted top if you do not.
Is a brick workout done in a trisuit?
Often, yes, because a trisuit lets you go from bike to run with no change of clothes.
DTR — performance cycling and triathlon apparel, designed and developed in Ukraine.
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