If you’re a cyclist, finding the perfect Bike Short is a quest many of us understand deeply. The debate between bib shorts and regular bike shorts is ongoing, and personal preferences vary widely depending on the ride and individual needs. Like many dedicated riders, I’ve experimented with numerous brands and styles, always searching for that ideal balance of comfort and performance.
For years, I was a staunch bib-shorts devotee, rarely considering anything else. However, my perspective shifted when I discovered the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts. This unexpected find has since become a staple in my cycling wardrobe.
The discovery happened on a rushed afternoon. Preparing for a post-work ride, I realized I had left my bib shorts at home. As a road cyclist and bib-shorts enthusiast, this was a minor crisis. My previous experience with non-bib bike shorts was far from positive. An ill-fitting, budget pair I’d bought early in my cycling journey had been a disaster. They were uncomfortably tight, unflattering, and I quickly learned the crucial lesson of skipping underwear with bike shorts – a rookie mistake that compounded the discomfort and chafing. Those first bike shorts were swiftly relegated to the back of the drawer, never to be seen again.
Desperate, I mentioned my predicament to a friend, who offered a solution: her Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts. Initially skeptical, given my past experience, I was out of options. My friend lived nearby, and returning home for my own gear wasn’t feasible. I decided to try her bike shorts.
Slipping into the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts, I was genuinely surprised. The comfort and fit were remarkable. So much so, that I soon purchased my own pair and they have become a regular part of my cycling rotation.
For casual rides, especially indoor cycling sessions and neighborhood jaunts, the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts are now my go-to choice, often favored over even my bib shorts.
The popularity of the Terry Breakaway Bike Short has led to the introduction of different variations within the line. Today, you can choose from the original Terry Breakaway Short, the Breakaway LTD Bike Short, and the Breakaway Hi-Rise Short.
What makes these bike shorts stand out? Essentially, they are a comfortable, reliable, and reasonably priced option for cyclists. Let’s delve into the specifics with a detailed review, including pros, cons, and where to purchase Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts.
Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts Review: Quick Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Variety of styles: Available in three versions (Original, LTD, and Hi-Rise) to suit different preferences for rise and style.
- Exceptional comfort: Soft and comfortable fabric for a pleasant feel against the skin.
- True-to-size fit: Eliminates guesswork and ensures a comfortable, supportive fit.
- Secure leg cuffs: Leg cuffs stay in place without digging in or causing discomfort.
- Integrated chamois: Seamlessly designed chamois minimizes chafing and enhances comfort.
- Comfortable waistband: Waistband design prevents rolling down and provides a secure fit.
- Competitive price point: Offers excellent quality at a reasonable price.
- Satisfaction guarantee: Terry Bicycles stands behind their product with a full satisfaction guarantee.
- Editor’s Choice: Recognized by Bicycling Magazine as an editor’s choice.
- USA Made: Manufactured in the USA at a green energy-certified facility.
- High-visibility option: The LTD Bike Short features flattering high-visibility stripes in bright pink or yellow for enhanced safety.
Cons:
- Limited color options: Original Breakaway available only in black and grey; Hi-Rise only in black, potentially limiting style choices for those seeking more color.
- Thinner material: Fabric is lighter than some other bike shorts, which may not appeal to those preferring a more substantial feel. However, durability remains excellent.
- Chamois thickness: Chamois may be slightly thin for very long rides, potentially less cushioning for extended periods in the saddle.
Price: $99 (Original) / $110 (Hi Rise) / $110 (LTD Hi Vis)
Terry Bicycles: A Pioneer in Women’s Cycling Apparel
Terry Bicycles’ story is rooted in understanding women cyclists’ unique needs. Founded in 1985 by Georgena Terry, the company’s mission is clear: to empower more women to cycle comfortably, safely, and stylishly.
Georgena Terry, a 5’2” cyclist, revolutionized the industry by designing bikes specifically for women, addressing the fit issues prevalent with standard men’s frames. As the first to create women-specific bikes, Terry Bicycles naturally extended this philosophy to cycling apparel, becoming a leader in outfitting female cyclists.
With decades of experience, Terry Bicycles is synonymous with quality women’s cycling gear, and their Breakaway bike shorts are a testament to their commitment.
Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts: Bridging the Gap to Bib Short Comfort
Comfort is paramount for cyclists, and bib shorts are often cited as the gold standard. Women often prefer bib shorts for their secure fit, elimination of waistband roll-down, smooth silhouette under jerseys, and reduced pressure points.
The Terry Breakaway Bike Short comes remarkably close to replicating the comfort of bibs. This is largely due to the wide, comfortable waistband that stays in place without digging in or restricting movement. The Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short takes this a step further with an even wider waistband, further minimizing the chance of roll-down.
While I am petite (5’2″), the High-Rise version does come up quite high on my torso, and the very top edge experiences a slight roll. However, this is a minor issue, and I find the overall support and coverage of the High-Rise outweighs this slight roll, making it my preferred fit over the original rise.
The slightly thinner fabric of the Breakaway bike shorts, while listed as a potential con for some, contributes to their non-constrictive feel, enhancing overall comfort.
It’s important to note that these are not compression shorts. They offer support without feeling restrictive or overly tight. This may be a consideration for riders who prefer a more compressive feel in their bike shorts.
Ease of Wear: Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts for Quick Rides
The thought of wrestling into tight cycling gear can sometimes be a barrier to getting on the bike. The Terry Breakaway Bike Short excels in ease of wear. All three versions are incredibly easy to pull on.
There’s no struggle involved; the leg cuffs are comfortably snug without being tight, sliding easily into place. Crucially, you avoid that “sausage casing” feeling often associated with cycling shorts.
These bike shorts are perfect for spontaneous rides, indoor cycling workouts, or quick neighborhood spins with the family when convenience is key.
Chamois Comfort: Designed for Shorter to Mid-Length Rides
Chamois preference is subjective; some cyclists prefer thicker padding, while others find it bulky. An overly thick or poorly placed chamois can feel cumbersome.
The Terry Breakaway Bike Short chamois is on the thinner side, a design choice that avoids any diaper-like sensation. The placement feels well-considered and effective. The chamois is consistent across all three Breakaway versions.
However, for longer rides, I do notice sit-bone discomfort more readily with the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts compared to shorts with thicker chamois padding. This makes them ideal for shorter rides and less intense cycling activities.
It’s worth noting that the chamois seems to improve with washing and wear. Initially, the chamois in newer pairs felt slightly less optimally positioned, but after a wash and a ride, they conformed perfectly, mirroring the feel of my older, well-worn pair.
Secure Fit: Bike Shorts That Stay in Place
One common complaint with cycling shorts, often driving cyclists to prefer bibs, is waistband roll-down. The Terry Breakaway Bike Short effectively eliminates this issue. The waistband stays securely in place.
Some manufacturers attempt to address roll-down with overly tight waistbands, which can be equally uncomfortable. The Terry Breakaway waistband avoids this constriction.
Similarly, the leg bands on all versions of these bike shorts stay put without riding up or squeezing excessively. Some bike short leg bands can be so constricting that they induce knee pain during rides. The Terry Breakaway leg bands are comfortably secure, preventing this issue.
Exploring the Terry Breakaway Bike Short Lineup: 3 Versions
The expansion of the Breakaway line to include new versions was exciting, and I was eager to test them all. Here are my impressions of each Terry Breakaway Bike Short variation:
Terry Breakaway Bike Short (Original)
The original Terry Breakaway Bike Short has been a reliable favorite for years. It’s a comfortable, well-fitting, and flattering bike short that I consistently choose. Despite years of frequent wear, my original pair remains in excellent condition.
I particularly favor the Breakaway Bike Short for Peloton workouts and neighborhood rides. The chamois, being thinner, is less ideal for extended, long-distance rides.
However, pairing these bike shorts with the Terry Butterfly Saddle significantly mitigates this. The Butterfly saddle offers more substantial padding compared to saddles like the Specialized Power with Mimic. If you use a more padded saddle, the original Breakaway bike shorts may be perfectly adequate even for longer rides.
It’s likely Terry designs their saddles and bike shorts in conjunction, with a slightly thinner chamois in the shorts complementing the padding in saddles like the Butterfly.
Terry Breakaway LTD Bike Short
The primary distinction of the LTD short is its enhanced visibility. It’s a more vibrant and visually striking option compared to the original Breakaway, adding an element of fun to your cycling attire.
More importantly, the bright colors improve rider visibility on the road, increasing safety by making you more noticeable to motorists compared to standard black or grey bike shorts.
The design of the LTD version is also thoughtfully executed, incorporating bright colors in a way that is flattering and accentuates the body’s natural contours.
Terry Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short
While I was a devoted fan of the original Terry Breakaway Bike Short, the High-Rise version has become my new favorite.
My preference for high-rise styles in general aligns perfectly with the Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short. I appreciate the gentle support and coverage it provides around the midsection.
The original Breakaway doesn’t offer quite the same level of high-rise coverage. The High-Rise version addresses this perfectly, making it my preferred choice. Beyond the higher rise, the core features and comfort remain consistent with the original Breakaway. Ultimately, the choice between the original and High-Rise versions comes down to personal preference regarding waistband height and coverage.
Final Verdict: Comfortable and Reliable Women’s Bike Shorts
All Terry Breakaway Bike Short versions are excellent choices for women cyclists. They are dependable, comfortable, and ideal for quick, fuss-free cycling. They’ve become my go-to bike shorts for indoor cycling and casual rides.
While I might opt for bib shorts with a more substantial chamois for longer, more demanding rides, the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts meet my needs for most cycling activities. Their exceptional comfort and ease of wear make them a frequent choice. The 8.5” inseam is also perfectly balanced – neither too short nor too long.
With a reasonable price point and versatile neutral colors, the Terry Breakaway Bike Short is a highly recommended option for women seeking comfortable and reliable bike shorts.
More Resources for Cycling Comfort
If you’re unsure if Terry Breakaway bike shorts are the right fit for you, explore our guide to the best women’s bike shorts for more options.
For those experiencing saddle discomfort, we also offer articles addressing common cycling-related discomfort and solutions.
About the Reviewer
Stacy Ann Smith is a New England-based cyclist and founder of Sascy Cycling, dedicated to empowering women to appreciate their bodies through cycling. Her mission is to encourage a focus on body capability over appearance. Beyond cycling, Stacy is a high school history teacher and enjoys family time with her husband and son. For more women’s cycling tips and insights from Stacy, visit Sascy Cycling at www.sascy.com or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
