Choosing the right bike shorts is crucial for any cyclist’s comfort and performance. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experimented with countless brands and styles in the quest for the perfect pair. Like many, I used to be a die-hard bib shorts enthusiast, almost exclusively favoring them for every ride. However, my perspective shifted when I discovered the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts.
My journey with these shorts began unexpectedly. Rushing for a post-work ride, I realized I had left my beloved bib shorts at home. As a dedicated road cyclist and bib shorts devotee, the thought of wearing regular bike shorts filled me with dread, especially after a past experience with an ill-fitting, sausage-casing pair that had been relegated to the deepest corners of my cycling wardrobe.
That first pair, purchased as a newbie cyclist, taught me a harsh lesson about bike short quality and sizing – and the cardinal rule of skipping underwear with cycling shorts! The result was an uncomfortable ride filled with chafing and a distinct lack of confidence. Those shorts were quickly retired, never to see the light of day again.
Facing my forgotten bib predicament, I confided in a friend who, thankfully, came to the rescue. “Don’t worry, we are the same size,” she offered, “I’ll grab my bike shorts for you!” Skepticism was my initial reaction. Yet, time was against me, and her offer was my only option.
To my utter surprise, slipping into my friend’s Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts was a revelation. The comfort was unexpected and transformative. So much so that I soon invested in my own pair, and they’ve become a staple in my cycling rotation ever since.
For indoor cycling sessions and casual rides around my neighborhood, my Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts are now my go-to choice, often surpassing my bib shorts and other cycling shorts in frequency of wear.
The popularity of the Terry Breakaway Bike Short has led Terry to expand the line, introducing variations like the Breakaway LTD Bike Short and the Breakaway Hi-Rise Short. But what exactly makes these shorts so special? Essentially, they offer exceptional comfort and reliable performance at a reasonable price.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown, including pros and cons, a comprehensive review, and where you can purchase your own Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts.
Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts: Quick Verdict
Pros:
- Available in three versions (Original, LTD, Hi-Rise) to suit different preferences for rise and style.
- Exceptionally soft and comfortable fabric.
- True-to-size fitting.
- Leg cuffs that stay in place without digging in, ensuring a secure fit.
- Seamlessly integrated chamois that prevents chafing.
- Comfortable waistband that stays put and doesn’t roll down.
- Competitively priced for the quality offered.
- Backed by Terry’s full satisfaction guarantee.
- Recognized as a Bicycling Magazine Editor’s Choice.
- Proudly manufactured in the USA in a green energy-certified facility.
- The LTD Bike Short version features flattering high-visibility stripes in bright pink or yellow for enhanced safety.
Cons:
- Limited color options for the original Breakaway (black and grey) and the Hi-Rise (black only), which may disappoint those seeking more vibrant choices.
- Material is slightly thinner compared to some other cycling shorts, which might not appeal to riders who prefer a more substantial, compressive feel. However, durability has proven to be excellent, with pairs lasting for years.
- Chamois, while comfortable for many rides, may be a bit thin for very long distances where maximum padding is desired.
Price: $99 (Original) / $110 (Hi Rise) / $110 (LTD Hi Vis)
Find Your Pair at TerryBicycles.com
Terry Bicycles: A Legacy of Women-Focused Cycling
Terry Bicycles stands out as a company with a unique and inspiring origin story. Founded in 1985 by Georgena Terry, the brand’s mission is deeply rooted in empowering women in cycling: “Get more women riding bicycles — comfortably, safely, and beautifully.”
Georgena Terry, a petite 5’2” cyclist, pioneered women’s specific bikes because standard men’s frames simply didn’t fit her needs. She was the first to design bikes specifically for women, establishing a legacy that her company continues to honor by creating cycling gear tailored for the female form.
As the original women’s cycling gear company, Terry Bicycles has decades of experience dedicated to serving female cyclists. This heritage is evident in the quality and thoughtful design of their products, including the highly regarded Breakaway Bike Shorts.
Comfort That Rivals Bib Shorts
Ask any female cyclist why they prefer bib shorts, and comfort will invariably be the top reason. Bibs offer a natural, secure fit, eliminate waistband roll-down, provide a smooth silhouette under jerseys, and minimize pressure points.
The Terry Breakaway Bike Short is a standout because it comes incredibly close to replicating the comfort of bib shorts. This near-bib-like comfort is largely due to the wide, exceptionally comfortable waistband that avoids digging in or rolling down. The Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short takes this comfort even further with an even wider waistband, virtually eliminating any chance of roll-down.
The image below illustrates the waistband difference between the High-Rise (left) and the LTD version (right), showcasing the wider band on the High-Rise.
Being petite at 5’2″, I find that the Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short does come up quite high on my torso, and the very top edge experiences a slight roll-down. However, this minor roll is negligible and doesn’t detract from the overall comfort and support. For me, the enhanced support of the High-Rise version outweighs this minimal issue, making it my preferred fit over the original rise.
While the thinner fabric of the Breakaway shorts is listed as a potential con, I believe it’s actually a key factor in their exceptional comfort and non-restrictive feel. These are definitively not compression shorts. They offer a gentle hold without any sensation of being squeezed or constricted, which may be a crucial consideration for cyclists who prefer a less compressive fit.
Effortless to Put On and Take Off
There are days when the mere thought of wrestling into tight cycling kit can be a barrier to riding. Sometimes you just want to hop on your bike and go without a lengthy clothing change process.
The Terry Breakaway Bike Short eliminates this hurdle. All three versions are remarkably easy to slip on and off. There’s no struggle, no tugging required. The leg cuffs are comfortably snug without being restrictive, gliding smoothly into place. Most importantly, you never feel like you’re forcing yourself into a sausage casing.
These shorts are ideal for those days when you need extra motivation for an indoor cycling workout or when you want to quickly gear up for a spontaneous neighborhood ride with family. Their ease of wear is a significant advantage for everyday cycling.
Chamois Designed for Comfort
The chamois in bike shorts is a critical component, and personal preference plays a big role in what feels “right.” A chamois that is too thick or poorly positioned can feel bulky and uncomfortable, almost diaper-like.
You won’t experience that with the Terry Breakaway Short. The chamois is intentionally designed to be on the thinner side, and I find its placement to be just about perfect. It provides ample padding without feeling bulky or intrusive.
The chamois appears to be consistent across all three Breakaway versions, so your choice can be based on fit and style preferences rather than chamois variations.
However, it’s worth noting that for very long rides, I personally tend to experience sit-bone discomfort sooner in the Terry Breakaway Bike Shorts compared to shorts with a more substantial chamois. This is why I often reserve my Terry Breakaway shorts for shorter rides or more casual cycling activities, like riding with my son around the neighborhood.
Interestingly, the chamois seems to improve after washing. When I first tried on newer pairs, the chamois didn’t feel quite perfectly positioned, but after a wash and wear, they conformed just like my older, broken-in pair.
Reliable Stay-Put Design
One of the most frequent complaints about traditional cycling shorts, and a primary reason cyclists opt for bib shorts, is waistband roll-down. The Terry Breakaway Bike Short effectively addresses this issue. The waistband is designed to stay firmly in place without rolling.
Some cycling short manufacturers attempt to combat roll-down by making waistbands overly tight and substantial, which often leads to discomfort and constriction. With these overly tight waistbands, you might even find yourself wishing for it to roll down just to relieve the pressure!
Furthermore, the leg bands on all Terry Breakaway Short versions are designed to prevent ride-up. They stay exactly where you position them on your legs. I’ve experienced other shorts where leg bands squeeze so tightly that they actually induced knee pain during rides. The Terry Breakaway Bike Short leg bands, in contrast, are wonderfully comfortable and eliminate this problem entirely.
Three Terry Breakaway Shorts Versions to Explore
I was thrilled to discover that Terry expanded the Breakaway short line, and I was eager to test the new options. Here’s my take on each of the three Terry Breakaway Bike Short versions:
Terry Breakaway Bike Short (Original)
I’ve been a happy owner of the original Terry Breakaway Bike Short for years. It’s a consistently well-fitting, flattering, and comfortable option that I reach for time and time again. Despite being heavily worn over the years, my original pair still looks and performs remarkably well.
I particularly favor the Original Breakaway Bike Short for indoor cycling classes like Peloton and for casual neighborhood rides. The chamois is on the thinner side, which, for me, makes it less ideal for very long endurance rides.
However, I’ve found a great pairing solution: using these shorts with the Terry Butterfly Saddle significantly mitigates the chamois thickness issue. The Butterfly saddle offers more substantial padding compared to my usual Specialized Power with Mimic saddle. If you ride with a more padded saddle, the original Breakaway shorts might be perfectly sufficient even for longer rides.
It’s worth considering that companies designing both saddles and shorts often develop them in tandem. It wouldn’t surprise me if Terry intentionally kept the Breakaway chamois thinner, knowing that their saddles, especially the Butterfly, offer more padding than some other women’s saddle options on the market.
Terry Breakaway LTD Bike Short
The most prominent difference with the LTD short is its enhanced visibility. It’s significantly more eye-catching than the original Breakaway, adding an element of fun and safety.
The bright, high-visibility stripes in pink or yellow not only inject personality but also increase rider visibility to motorists, a crucial safety feature for road cycling.
The design is thoughtfully executed to be both functional and flattering, accentuating the body’s natural curves while incorporating bright colors. This thoughtful design is a welcome departure from simply adding bright colors for visibility’s sake.
Terry Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short
Confession time: I didn’t think anything could surpass my fondness for the original Terry Breakaway Bike Short, but I was mistaken. The High-Rise version has won me over.
Perhaps it’s my current preference for all things high-rise in my wardrobe, but I absolutely love the gentle tummy support offered by the Breakaway High-Rise Bike Short.
The original Breakaway, while comfortable, doesn’t quite offer the same level of coverage and support in the midsection. The High-Rise version addresses this perfectly, and I am completely loving the fit and feel. Beyond the rise, the core features and comfort remain consistent with the original, making it a matter of personal preference in terms of waist height.
Final Verdict: Comfortable, Durable, and Appealing Bike Shorts
All versions of the Terry Breakaway Bike Short are excellent choices. They are reliable, exceptionally comfortable, and the ideal grab-and-go shorts when you want to jump on your bike without any fuss. They have become my preferred shorts for indoor cycling workouts and relaxed neighborhood rides with my son.
While I might reach for bib shorts with a thicker chamois for longer, more intense rides, the Terry Breakaway Bike Short more than meets my needs for the majority of my cycling activities. Their unparalleled comfort and ease of wear make them my most frequently chosen cycling shorts. Plus, the 8.5” inseam hits the sweet spot – not too short, not too long.
With a reasonable price point and versatile neutral colors that pair effortlessly with any cycling jersey, you truly can’t go wrong with the Terry Breakaway Bike Short.
Enhance Your Cycling Comfort
Still unsure if Terry Breakaway shorts are the perfect fit for you? Explore our curated list of the best women’s bike shorts for more options.
If you experience discomfort while cycling, you might find valuable insights in these related articles: [Links to related articles about cycling comfort – to be added].
About the Reviewer
Stacy Ann Smith is a passionate New England-based cyclist dedicated to staying upright on two wheels. She is the founder of Sascy Cycling, a platform committed to empowering women to embrace their bodies and focus on their physical capabilities rather than appearance. When Stacy isn’t cycling, she teaches high school history and enjoys pizza with her husband and son. For more fantastic women’s cycling tips and to learn more about Stacy, visit Sascy Cycling at www.sascy.com or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
