If you’re a cyclist, the quest for the perfect pair of bike shorts is likely a familiar journey. Finding that sweet spot of comfort, performance, and fit can be transformative for your ride experience. Like many, I’ve experimented with various brands and styles, developing strong preferences along the way, particularly when it comes to choosing between bib shorts and standard bike shorts, and understanding when each excels.
My cycling wardrobe is a testament to this search, filled with different bike shorts, each promising the ultimate ride. While I’ve been a long-time enthusiast of bib shorts, favoring their secure fit and comfort, my discovery of the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts a few years back marked a turning point. They’ve become a staple, proving that not all Short Bike Shorts are created equal.
My introduction to the Terry Breakaway was serendipitous. Rushing for a post-work ride, I realized I had left my bib shorts at home. As a dedicated road cyclist and bib shorts devotee, the thought of resorting to regular bike shorts filled me with dread. My previous experience with non-bib shorts was far from pleasant. An ill-chosen pair from my early cycling days had been a compression nightmare, unflattering and incredibly uncomfortable. New to cycling and unaware of key features to look for, they were a sizing disaster.
Adding to the discomfort, as a novice, I hadn’t yet learned the cardinal rule of skipping underwear with bike shorts. The result was chafing and an unflattering fit that killed my confidence. Those shorts were swiftly relegated to the back of the drawer, never to see the light of day again.
Desperate in my bib-short predicament, I mentioned my dilemma to a friend. Luckily, she offered a solution: her Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts. Despite my skepticism, I was out of options. Her place was close, and returning home for my own gear wasn’t feasible. I decided to give these short bike shorts a try.
Slipping into the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts was a revelation. My apprehension quickly turned into surprise, then delight. They were so comfortable and well-fitting that I soon invested in my own pair. Now, for indoor cycling sessions and casual rides around my neighborhood, the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts are my go-to choice, often surpassing my bibs and other cycling shorts in frequency of wear.
The popularity of the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts has led to an expanded range, now featuring the original Breakaway Short, the Breakaway LTD Bike Short, and the Breakaway Hi-Rise Short. But what makes these short bike shorts stand out? Essentially, they deliver exceptional comfort and reliable performance at a reasonable price point. Let’s delve into the pros and cons, a detailed review, and where you can find your own pair of Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts.
Review in a Nutshell
Pros:
- Variety with 3 versions catering to different rise preferences and color choices.
- Exceptionally soft and comfortable fabric.
- True-to-size fitting.
- Leg cuffs that stay in place without digging in.
- Seamlessly integrated chamois that prevents chafing.
- Comfortable waistband that stays put and doesn’t roll down.
- Competitive pricing for the quality offered.
- Full satisfaction guarantee from Terry.
- Awarded Bicycling Magazine editor’s choice.
- Proudly manufactured in the USA in a green energy-certified facility.
- The LTD Bike Short offers high-visibility stripes in bright pink or yellow for added safety and style.
Cons:
- Limited color options for the original Breakaway (black and grey) and Hi-Rise (black only) may disappoint those seeking bolder colors.
- The material is lighter than some other bike shorts, which may not appeal to cyclists preferring a more substantial feel. However, durability has proven excellent even after years of use.
- The chamois, while comfortable, might be a bit thin for very long rides, potentially leading to discomfort on extended journeys.
Price: $99 (Original) / $110 (Hi Rise) / $110 (LTD Hi Vis)
Terry Bicycles: Pioneering Women’s Cycling Gear
Terry Bicycles stands out as a remarkable company with a rich history. Founded in 1985 by Georgena Terry, the brand’s mission is clear: “Get more women riding bicycles — comfortably, safely, and beautifully.” Georgena Terry, a 5’2” visionary, revolutionized the cycling world by creating bikes specifically for women, recognizing the inadequacy of ill-fitting men’s designs for female cyclists. She was a true pioneer, and her legacy continues to drive Terry Bicycles’ commitment to outfitting women cyclists with superior gear.
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 they excel in creating exceptional short bike shorts tailored for women’s needs and comfort.
The Comfort Factor: Terry Breakaway Short Bike Shorts vs. Bib Shorts
Ask any female cyclist why they choose bib shorts over traditional cycling shorts, and comfort will invariably top the list. Bib shorts offer a natural, secure fit, eliminating waistband roll-down and creating a smooth, flattering silhouette under a jersey. They minimize pressure points, enhancing overall comfort on the bike.
The Terry Breakaway Bike Short distinguishes itself as the first pair of short bike shorts I’ve encountered that rival the comfort of bibs. This remarkable comfort is largely due to the wide, non-restrictive waistband that stays in place without digging or rolling. The Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short takes this a step further with an even wider waistband, virtually eliminating any chance of roll-down and increasing support.
Below, you can observe the difference between the High-Rise version (left) and the LTD, which features the original waistband (right).
While the High-Rise version is my personal favorite, it’s worth noting that, being 5’2″, the waistband does come up quite high on me, with a slight roll at the very top edge. However, this minor roll is negligible compared to the overall superior comfort and support offered by the High Rise, making it my preferred fit.
Despite the fabric being on the thinner side, which I initially considered a potential drawback, it seems to be a key factor in the non-constricting feel of all Breakaway short bike shorts versions. These are definitely not compression shorts. They provide a gentle, supportive fit without any squeezing or constriction. While some cyclists prefer the feeling of compression, for those prioritizing comfort and freedom of movement, this is a significant advantage.
Effortless Wearability: Ready to Ride in Seconds
The thought of wrestling into tight cycling gear can sometimes be a barrier to getting on the bike. There are days when you crave the spontaneity of a ride, wanting to jump on and go without the fuss of changing. This is where the Terry Breakaway Short Bike Shorts truly shine. All three versions are incredibly easy to pull on.
There’s no struggle, no tugging, and the leg cuffs glide smoothly into position without being restrictive. Crucially, you avoid that “sausage casing” sensation. These short bike shorts are perfect for those spontaneous indoor workouts or quick neighborhood rides with family.
Chamois Considerations: Designed for Comfort
Chamois preference is subjective; what one cyclist loves, another might find less ideal. A too-thick or poorly placed chamois can feel bulky and cumbersome, almost diaper-like.
You won’t encounter this issue with the Terry Breakaway Short Bike Shorts. The chamois is intentionally thinner, and its placement is, in my experience, near perfect. The chamois design appears consistent across all three versions, so your choice can be based on other features rather than chamois variation.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that on longer rides, I do experience sit-bone discomfort sooner with the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts compared to shorts with a more substantial chamois. This is why I typically reserve my Terry Breakaway shorts for shorter rides or leisurely neighborhood cycling with my son.
Interestingly, the chamois’s fit improves after washing. Initially, the chamois in newer pairs might feel slightly off, but after a wash and wear, they conform perfectly, just like my older, well-loved pair.
Stay-Put Performance: No Adjustments Needed
One common complaint about cycling shorts, and a primary reason many cyclists opt for bib shorts, is waistband roll-down. The Terry Breakaway Bike Short effectively addresses this issue. The waistband stays securely in place throughout your ride.
Some manufacturers attempt to combat roll-down with overly substantial waistbands, which can be equally uncomfortable, creating excessive constriction. Conversely, the Terry Breakaway waistband provides secure support without feeling restrictive.
Similarly, the leg bands on all versions of these short bike shorts stay put without riding up or rolling. I’ve experienced leg bands on other shorts that squeeze so tightly they induce knee pain during rides. The Terry Breakaway leg bands, however, are remarkably comfortable, eliminating this problem entirely.
Discover Your Perfect Fit: 3 Versions of Terry Breakaway Short Bike Shorts
The expansion of the Breakaway line with new options was exciting news. Having tried all three versions, here are my impressions of each Terry Breakaway Bike Short.
Terry Breakaway Bike Short (Original)
I’ve been a loyal wearer of the original Terry Breakaway Bike Short for years. These short bike shorts offer a flattering fit, exceptional comfort, and are my reliable go-to for countless rides. Despite years of frequent use, they still maintain their shape and performance, a testament to their durability.
I particularly favor the original Breakaway Bike Short for Peloton workouts and casual neighborhood rides. The chamois, being on the thinner side, isn’t ideal for longer, more intense rides for me personally.
However, pairing these short bike shorts with the Terry Butterfly Saddle significantly mitigates this. The Butterfly saddle offers more substantial padding compared to my usual Specialized Power with Mimic saddle. If you use a more padded saddle, the chamois thickness might be perfectly adequate.
It’s worth noting that companies producing both saddles and bike shorts often design them to complement each other. Terry’s thinner chamois design may be intentional, considering their saddles, particularly the Butterfly, are generally more padded than some other women’s saddle options available.
Terry Breakaway LTD Bike Short
The primary distinction of the LTD short bike shorts version is enhanced visibility. They are significantly more vibrant than the original Breakaway, adding a fun element to your cycling attire.
Beyond aesthetics, the brighter colors improve rider visibility on the road, increasing safety by making you more noticeable to motorists compared to standard black or grey shorts.
Furthermore, the design of the LTD version is thoughtfully executed. The bright color accents are strategically placed to be flattering, enhancing your body’s natural curves, a detail I truly appreciate.
Terry Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short
While I was deeply attached to the original Terry Breakaway Bike Short, the High-Rise version has won me over. I now prefer the high-rise fit in almost all my cycling apparel.
The gentle tummy support provided by the Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short is a major draw. The original Breakaway doesn’t quite offer the same level of coverage, whereas the High-Rise version provides complete comfort and security. This higher rise is the main difference, making it a matter of personal preference.
Bottom Line: Comfortable, Durable, and Stylish Short Bike Shorts
All versions of the Terry Breakaway Short Bike Shorts are excellent choices. They are reliable, comfortable, and perfect for those grab-and-go moments when you want to hop on your bike without any fuss. They’ve become my preferred short bike shorts for indoor cycling and casual rides with my son.
While I might opt for bib shorts with a thicker chamois for longer, more strenuous rides, the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts are generally more than sufficient for my needs. Their exceptional comfort and ease of wear make them my most frequently chosen cycling shorts. The 8.5” inseam hits the sweet spot – neither too short nor too long.
With a price point that’s accessible and versatile neutral colors, the Terry Breakaway Short Bike Shorts are a fantastic investment for any cyclist seeking comfort and performance.
More Help Keeping Your Bottom Comfy
If you’re unsure if the Terry Breakaway Short Bike Shorts are the right fit for you, explore our curated list of favorite women’s bike shorts for more options.
Experiencing discomfort in the saddle? Check out these helpful articles for solutions and tips.
About The Reviewer
Stacy Ann Smith is a passionate cyclist based in New England, dedicated to enjoying every ride. As the founder of Sascy Cycling, her mission is to empower women to embrace their bodies and celebrate what they can do, rather than focusing on appearance. Beyond cycling, Stacy is a high school history teacher and enjoys sharing pizza with her husband and son. For valuable women’s cycling advice and to connect with Stacy, visit Sascy Cycling at www.sascy.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
