If you’re a cycling enthusiast, the quest for the ideal bike shorts is likely a familiar journey. Like many riders, you probably have strong preferences – bib shorts versus traditional shorts – and understand that different rides call for different gear. Finding the right pair of Ladies Bike Shorts can significantly enhance your comfort and performance on the saddle.
I can certainly relate! Over years of cycling, I’ve experimented with numerous bike shorts across various brands, ultimately discovering a few standouts that consistently deliver.
While I used to be a devoted bib-shorts wearer, exclusively opting for them on every ride, my perspective shifted when I encountered the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts a couple of years ago. They quickly became a favorite and broadened my cycling wardrobe.
The discovery happened quite unexpectedly. Rushing to a ride after work, I realized I had left my bib shorts behind. As a dedicated road cyclist and bib-shorts devotee, this was a minor crisis. My prior experience with non-bib shorts was less than stellar. My first ever pair had been an uncomfortable, sausage-casing experience. Purchased as a cycling newbie with little knowledge, they were ill-fitting and, in my opinion, not true to size.
Adding to the discomfort, I was unaware of the crucial tip: no underwear with bike shorts! The combination led to chafing and unflattering spill-over. Let’s just say confidence was not part of that ride. Those shorts were promptly retired, banished to the depths of my cycling apparel.
Back to the forgotten bibs scenario – I mentioned my predicament to a friend, who reassuringly offered, “No worries, we’re the same size. I’ll grab my bike shorts for you!”
Skepticism was my initial reaction. However, time was short, and her home was nearby. Returning home for my bibs wasn’t feasible. So, with a touch of apprehension, I decided to try her ladies bike shorts.
To my utter surprise, slipping into my friend’s Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts was a revelation. The comfort was remarkable. So remarkable, in fact, that I soon purchased my own pair, and they’ve become a regular part of my cycling attire.
For indoor cycling sessions and casual neighborhood rides, my Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts often take precedence over my other cycling shorts and bibs.
The popularity of the Terry Breakaway Bike Short has led to the introduction of several variations. Today, the lineup includes the original Terry Breakaway Short, the Breakaway LTD Bike Short, and the Breakaway Hi-Rise Short.
What makes these ladies bike shorts so special? Essentially, they offer a comfortable, reliable cycling short at a competitive price point. Read on for a detailed breakdown of pros and cons, an in-depth review, and where to purchase Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts.
Terry Breakaway Ladies Bike Shorts: Quick Review
Pros:
- Variety of Styles: Choose from 3 versions to suit your preferred rise and aesthetic.
- Exceptional Comfort: Soft and comfortable against the skin.
- True-to-Size Fit: Reliable sizing for easy ordering.
- Secure Leg Cuffs: Stay in place without digging or constricting.
- Integrated Chamois: Seamlessly incorporated with chafe-free seams.
- Comfortable Waistband: Stays put and avoids rolling down.
- Competitive Price: Excellent value for the quality.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Terry stands behind their product.
- Editor’s Choice: Recognized by Bicycling Magazine.
- USA Made: Manufactured in the USA in a green energy-certified facility.
- LTD High Visibility Option: Flattering, bright stripes for enhanced safety.
Cons:
- Limited Color Options: Original Breakaway limited to black and grey; Hi-Rise only in black. Fewer choices for those wanting bolder colors.
- Thinner Material: Lighter fabric might not appeal to those preferring a more substantial feel. However, durability has proven excellent over time.
- Thinner Chamois: May be less ideal for very long rides requiring maximum padding.
Price: $99 (Original) / $110 (Hi Rise) / $110 (LTD Hi Vis)
Terry Bicycles: Pioneering Ladies Bike Wear
Terry Bicycles holds a unique and respected position in the cycling world. Founded in 1985 by Georgena Terry, the company’s mission is clear: “Get more women riding bicycles — comfortably, safely, and beautifully.”
Georgena Terry, a 5’2” cyclist, revolutionized the industry by creating bikes specifically designed for women. Realizing that standard men’s bikes were ill-suited to women’s proportions, she became the first to dedicate herself to crafting women-centric bikes. This pioneering spirit continues to drive Terry Bicycles’ commitment to providing exceptional cycling gear for women.
As the original women’s cycling gear company with decades of experience, Terry Bicycles has consistently delivered quality and innovation. It’s no surprise that their ladies bike shorts, like the Breakaway, are highly regarded for their design and performance.
Breakaway Bike Shorts: Bridging the Gap to Bib Comfort
Ask any female cyclist about bib shorts versus standard cycling shorts, and comfort will likely be a key factor in their preference for bibs. Bib shorts are renowned for staying perfectly in place, eliminating waistband roll-down, providing a smooth silhouette under jerseys, and distributing pressure more evenly.
The Terry Breakaway Bike Short stands out as the closest I’ve found to achieving bib-like comfort in a traditional short. This is largely thanks to the wide, exceptionally comfortable waistband that resists rolling and avoids unnecessary constriction. The Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short takes this a step further with an even wider waistband, further minimizing any potential for roll-down.
The image below illustrates the waistband difference, with the High Rise version on the left and the LTD, featuring the original waistband, on the right.
While I appreciate the High-Rise design, being petite at 5’2″ means the waistband does come up quite high on me, leading to a slight roll-down at the very top. However, this is a minor issue, and I still prefer the High-Rise for its enhanced support and overall fit compared to the original rise.
The slightly thinner fabric, mentioned as a potential con, likely contributes to the non-constricting feel of all Breakaway short versions.
These are decidedly not compression shorts. You won’t feel squeezed or restricted, which might be a drawback for riders who prefer a more compressive feel. However, for everyday comfort and ease of movement, this is a significant advantage.
Effortless On and Off: Ladies Bike Shorts for Convenience
Sometimes, the mere thought of gearing up can be a barrier to getting on the bike. For spontaneous rides, or indoor training sessions where motivation might be waning, ease of dressing is a real bonus.
The Terry Breakaway Bike Short excels in this area. All three versions are incredibly easy to pull on.
No struggling, tugging, or wrestling required. The leg cuffs are comfortably snug without being tight, sliding easily into position. Crucially, you avoid that “sausage casing” sensation.
These ladies bike shorts are ideal for those quick indoor workouts or impromptu neighborhood spins with family. Their convenience makes them a go-to choice when you want to minimize fuss and maximize ride time.
Chamois Design: A Balanced Approach
Chamois preference is subjective – some prefer thicker padding, others a more minimalist feel. The chamois in the Terry Breakaway Short leans towards the thinner side.
You definitely won’t experience a bulky “diaper” feeling with these shorts. The chamois is discreet, and I find the placement to be well-considered for comfort and support.
Across all three Breakaway versions, the chamois appears to be consistent. Therefore, chamois preference is unlikely to be a deciding factor between the models.
However, it’s worth noting that for longer rides, I personally experience slightly more sit-bone discomfort with the Terry Breakaway Bike Short compared to shorts with a more substantial chamois. This is why I typically reserve my Breakaways for shorter rides and neighborhood cycling.
An interesting observation: the chamois seems to improve after washing. Initially, newer pairs felt slightly less perfectly positioned, but after a wash and wear, they conformed just like my older, broken-in pair.
Stay-Put Performance: No Ride-Up, No Roll-Down
Waistband roll-down is a common complaint with cycling shorts and a major reason why some cyclists favor bib shorts. The Terry Breakaway Bike Short effectively addresses this issue – the waistband stays firmly in place.
Some manufacturers attempt to combat roll-down by making waistbands excessively tight and constricting, which creates a different kind of discomfort. You might even wish for the band to roll down just to relieve the pressure!
Similarly, the leg bands on all Breakaway versions are designed to stay put without riding up or shifting. I’ve encountered shorts where overly tight leg bands have actually caused knee pain during rides. The Terry Breakaway leg bands are wonderfully comfortable, eliminating this concern entirely.
Exploring the Terry Breakaway Ladies Bike Shorts Range: 3 Versions
The expansion of the Breakaway line with new options was exciting news. Having tested all three, here are my thoughts on each:
Terry Breakaway Bike Short (Original)
I’ve been riding in the original Terry Breakaway Bike Short for years. They are a consistently well-fitting, flattering, and comfortable choice that I reach for time and again. Despite considerable wear over the years, they still hold up remarkably well.
The Breakaway Bike Short is particularly excellent for indoor cycling classes and neighborhood rides. The chamois, being on the thinner side, is less ideal for very long distances for me personally.
However, pairing these shorts with a more padded saddle like the Terry Butterfly Saddle significantly mitigates this. The Butterfly saddle provides more cushioning than my usual Specialized Power with Mimic. It’s likely Terry designs their shorts and saddles in conjunction, with the slightly thinner chamois potentially complementing their more padded saddle options like the Butterfly.
Terry Breakaway LTD Bike Short
The primary distinction of the LTD short is enhanced visibility. It’s noticeably brighter and more eye-catching than the original Breakaway, adding a fun element to your cycling wardrobe.
Beyond aesthetics, the high-visibility design improves rider safety on the road, making you more easily seen by motorists compared to solid black or grey shorts.
The bright color accents are thoughtfully integrated into a flattering design that enhances natural body curves, which is a welcome detail.
Terry Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short
While I was a dedicated fan of the original Terry Breakaway Bike Short, the High-Rise version has won me over. It’s now my preferred choice within the Breakaway range.
This preference aligns with my general fondness for high-rise apparel. The gentle tummy support offered by the Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short is a key benefit.
The original Breakaway, while comfortable, doesn’t quite offer the same level of coverage. The High-Rise addresses this perfectly. Beyond the rise, the core features and comfort remain consistent with the original, making it a matter of personal preference.
Final Verdict: Comfortable, Durable, and Stylish Ladies Bike Shorts
All iterations of the Terry Breakaway Bike Short are excellent choices. They are dependable, comfortable, and perfect for grabbing when you want to ride without any fuss. They’ve become my go-to for indoor cycling and casual rides with my son.
While I might opt for bib shorts with a thicker chamois for longer, more intense rides, the Terry Breakaway Bike Short meets my needs for the majority of my cycling. Their exceptional comfort and ease of wear make them a frequent choice. The 8.5” inseam is also just right – neither too short nor too long.
Priced affordably and available in versatile neutral colors, the Terry Breakaway Bike Short is a solid investment for any cyclist seeking comfortable and reliable ladies bike shorts.
Explore More Comfort Options
Still unsure if Terry Breakaway shorts are the perfect fit for you? Explore our curated list of favorite women’s bike shorts for additional recommendations.
If saddle discomfort is an ongoing issue, you might find helpful advice in our articles addressing cycling-related discomfort and saddle solutions.
About the Reviewer
Stacy Ann Smith is a New England-based cyclist passionate about staying upright and enjoying every ride. She founded Sascy Cycling with a mission to empower women to embrace their bodies and celebrate their physical capabilities. Beyond cycling, Stacy teaches high school history and enjoys pizza nights with her husband and son. For more women’s cycling tips and to connect with Stacy, visit Sascy Cycling at www.sascy.com or find her on Instagram and Facebook.
