How the HUUB Anemoi 2 22Plus tri-suit optimises aerodynamics beyond 22 mph

We’ve been lucky to spend time in wind tunnels over the years and have seen first-hand how some of the best tri-suits, and notably aero road helmets, perform better at higher speeds than others, and vice versa (and that’s before we get into yaw angles).

Derby’s Huub Design has taken note and applied this to tri-suit design, spending three years on R&D before releasing two suits in 2023’s Anemoi range, and they’re still going strong today.

They are the Sub22 (read our review here) and the Plus22 tested here, constructed with different fabrics and designed to be more aerodynamically optimal at speeds under or over 22mph (35kmh).

Comfort

I rarely hit speeds of 22mph in a car let alone on the race course, but for a mid/back-of-the-pack triathlete I welcome the Anemoi’s flatlock seams for chafe-free comfort.

Flexibility is also impressive on such an aero-focused suit, especially on the shoulders when swimming. The upper-body ventilation is impressive, while the full-length zipper garage keeps chest scratches at bay.

The chamois from Croatian brand YBC continues the innovation. It essentially consists of three plump gel inserts (one that sits under each cheek, one under the perineum) that elevate the rider above the saddle, reducing weight and increasing the quick-drying abilities by ensuring there’s no wasted padding elsewhere.

It achieves that balance of being supportive enough for multiple hours in the saddle, yet staying problem-free on the run leg, and is a pad that I’d happily see more brands utilise. Some grippier outer fabric to stop slippage on the saddle wouldn’t go amiss, however.

The silicone grippers on the legs tended to flay out a little on the lower legs on the bike and run, though, while it is a tighter fit below the waist.

Performance

The aero goods include pinstripes on the sleeves and lengthy laser-cut legs. (There’s a £349.99 Anemoi 2 version with fully-bonded seams developed by aerodynamicist and record-breaking track cyclist Dan Bigham – seams that are said to save an extra four watts over the standard Anemoi suit).

Into the wind tunnel and the Anemoi 2’s aero claims were backed up by 220’s tests at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub with The Bike Tailor.

Its performance over our baseline suit at a 7.5° yaw angle (simply, the amount of crosswind on your bike) was faster by 34secs when cycling at 30 kmph (18.6mph) and 48secs at 40 kmph (28.9mph) over a 40km/29mi bike leg with the rider on the tri-bars.

Storage and design

This Spurs fan personally likes the white and navy-blue colour scheme, but the white frontal area became see-through when wet to reveal some lovely belly hair.

The tiny duo of rear pockets, barely able to hold a gel each, aren’t ideal for anyone wanting to carry much nutrition, however.

Alongside the Zone3 Aeroforce X II and Tri-Fit Geo Lightening, it’s one of the only suits that doesn’t have a breakaway zipper at the front, increasing aerodynamics but making it harder to pee mid-race, although the zip being relatively low helps.

The bottom line

Overall, while I’m self-aware enough to admit that this suit is wasted on me, the extensive development and innovative approach to design make it a strong contender for both short- and long-course speedsters.

And, given everything that’s gone into it, that price tag doesn’t actually feel too bad.

Meet our tester

Matt has been testing kit for 220Triathlon for over a decade and is often out racing whether that’s his local duathlon or most recently taking on Ironman Wales. A speedy cyclist, he’s been able to really put the Anemoi 2 22Plus through its paces during fast bike sessions and competitive racing.

Huub Anemoi 2 Plus 22 specs

Price:	$338 / £299.99
Available from:	Huub Design
Sizing:	XS-XXL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
Pockets:	2
Breakaway zip?	No