We’ve heard it on the news, we’ve seen it in the grocery store – the lack of goods on the shelves is real. From cargo ships waiting their turns to dock, to trucking and labor shortages, no one seems unaffected by this, including Terry.
While we’ve done our best to ensure our warehouse is fully stocked and ready to roll, we too are experiencing empty bins with the hopes of filling them soon.
We realize many of you have been waiting for your orders to arrive for some time now, and we greatly appreciate your patience as we are diligently working towards getting the final goods in our warehouse and shipped out to you.
We remain in constant communication with our manufacturers and vendor partners for updates, as many dates keep getting pushed back beyond our control. We strive to be ahead of the curve in communicating those updates, and deeply apologize for any availability dates that have gone beyond expectation.
We asked our very own Director of Operations, along with our top vendor partners, what’s causing the biggest hold up at your end?
Nik, Terry
Terry has been very fortunate with our supply chain. Since we are a small company it could have gone either way, but we narrowly missed devastating delays, and continued to stay ahead of the curve with our production levels. Our USA manufacturer, where the majority of our black cycling bottoms are made, has been producing and shipping more products in the last twelve months than they ever have. Even so, we have had a few delays this fall. Most recently those delays have stemmed from getting and transporting fabrics for two of our tops programs, and a three-month shut down of our glove manufacturer. Fortunately, the Tulip Jersey, Hybrid Jacket, and our Terry Windstopper Gloves will be arriving between this week and next. Our team is ready to inspect and ship the backlogged backorders the same day they come in.
Patrick, Castelli
During the pandemic, demand for Castelli products has been unprecedented. While this has been great in some aspects, it’s also presented us with challenges. Major global supply chain disruptions have prevented us – and almost every other manufacturer of consumer goods – from delivering our Fall/Winter collection on time. Lack of production capacity, longer materials lead times, and transit delays at every point in the production and delivery processes have been challenges for our brand.
All of us at Castelli are cyclists, and as we enter the rainy season here in the Pacific Northwest we understand how frustrating not having the right products when they are needed can be. We are taking every measure possible to fill our backlog of orders as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience as we continue to improve delivery times.”
Amy, Craft
“Our biggest challenge right now is getting trucks and truck drivers to deliver from the ports to our DC. A month ago, the challenge was getting product shipped via air or sea from the factories. All that said though, product is arriving daily, and we truly hope to be caught up by end of November!”
Kevin, GORE
“This Fall/Winter season has been one of the most difficult based on the many supply chains challenges that have been impacted by factory closures, delays in transportation and worker shortages. Unfortunately, we were not able to delivery many of our top selling products on time this season based on these supply chain disruptions over the last few months. We’re committed to providing you with your GORE Wear favorites this season and working hard to keep you comfortable and protected during these cold winter months. As always, the team at Terry Bicycle is prepared to meet your winter and holiday gift-giving needs. We wish you the very best and thank you for your patience and understanding.”
As we embark on the holiday season, our advice is echoed with the same sentiment to shop early for the best selection – yet with hopes that the trail will lead us straight through to the end; and we’ll stay on the attack with any bumps along the way.
Steve Z. finishing up the 50 mile Gravel ride at Richard’s Ride, 2021
We were delighted that Terry could be a Polka Dot sponsor of the 2021 Richard’s Ride event, organized by the Richard Tom Foundation on October 9th, here in Vermont. Richard’s Ride brings the Vermont cycling community together to celebrate Richard’s life, as well as our shared enthusiasm for cycling and all that it adds to our lives.
The event offered something for everyone, from short family rides to quite challenging gravel rides, and plenty of options in between. The weather cooperated fully too, providing great conditions for cycling in an unusually warm October.
Several members of “Team Terry” participated, opting for different rides to enjoy some wonderful fall cycling on Vermont’s beautiful back roads.
All roads led back to Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond, Vermont, with plenty of sustenance provided by generous sponsors and volunteers, ready to revive hungry riders.
On the way there were options to explore paved road or gravel routes from 15 to 70 miles, with serious climbs thrown in. Trail lovers could opt for a 10k or 20k technical MTB ride, following Cochran’s challenging trails and single track, while kids and families had a selection of short but scenic rides to choose from.
Riders lined up at the start of Richard’s Ride 2021 – Terry’s Megan Holt in red jersey
Dave Howard of Terry, powering up yet one more hill on the long gravel ride, Richard’s Ride, 2021
Annie MacDonald is ready to ride the Mountain Bike Trails at Cochran’s Ski Area, Richard’s Ride 2021
Karen Marshall cresting a hill on a gravel road, with a view of Vermont’s Fall foliage
“Team Terry” represented in Richard’s Ride 2021
The Richard Tom Foundation was created to promote the joy of cycling, and safer roads
The story behind the Foundation begins in 2015, when Richard’s loss sent shockwaves through Vermont’s cycling community, and far beyond. The Foundation’s website does not dwell on that tragedy, instead focusing on the legacy of generosity, kindness, and love of cycling that Richard Tom left behind.
Tom Broido explains more about the Richard Tom Foundation’s mission and programs
Richard Tom on tour at the famous Alpe d’Huez ski resort in France, close to a legendary cycling climb often used in the Tour de France
The Richard Tom Foundation (RTF) was founded in 2015, and has become an integral part of Vermont cycling in a short period of time. There are several factors which have resulted in RTF’s success:
The first is because Richard Tom was such a loved and respected member of our cycling community. From decades of leading cycling tours, and being a knowledgeable bike shop staff member, he was well known and appreciated. RTF has embraced Richard’s joy of cycling and boundless energy, to create a foundation where the many aspects of cycling culture can interact and result in positive change.
RTF’s efforts result in getting people on bikes who otherwise would not have the means to do so. This ranges from school age kids receiving scholarships to attend mountain bike camps, to individuals receiving bikes for transportation and recreation via our Bikes For Friends program, in partnership with local bike shops.
We also support the local race community by supporting local youth racers, and being the Title Sponsor of the Richard Tom Foundation Burlington Criterium, which caps off the final day of the Green Mountain Stage Race, the long running and largest Pro/Am stage race east of the Mississippi.
In the middle of the Criterium race day, RTF puts on the free Kids’ Crit where 9-11 year olds can ride the closed course in downtown Burlington!
RTF’s support and partnership with Local Motion works to make roads safe for all who use them, and to run their Bike Smart program bringing bikes to schools to teach children how to ride safely.
Richard’s Ride is our annual fundraiser and is a unique event due to the number of different types of riding opportunities offered. With 70, 30, 15 and 5 mile road rides, there is something for everyone, from hammerheads to families.
Tyler and his daughter enjoying some hot chocolate after completing their effort at Richard’s Ride, 2021
A 40 & 50 mile unsupported and unmarked gravel ride attracts those seeking a bit more adventure on Vermont’s quiet dirt roads. The ride is staged out of Cochran’s Ski Area, a community mainstay where our riders can also enjoy mountain bike trails right from the base lodge.
Richard’s Ride is supported and sponsored by many local businesses who also supply the many Vermont products providing rider nutrition.
The success of Richard’s Ride, and RTF as a whole, grows from this community spirit, the essence of Richard Tom: road racers, gravel riders, mountain bikers, casual riders, families and local businesses can all get together and enjoy being outdoors in Vermont and spending time together!
The Richard Tom Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of cyclists of all ages. They strive to ensure that resources are readily available for everyone to discover the adventure and joy of cycling. RTF also supports educational and advocacy programs to advance the cause of safe roads for all who use them.
Alaska Cycle Chic co-owners, Krystal Offord, left, and Nancy Richmond, in their store
An interesting new name popped up on the list of independent dealers and bike shops selling Terry clothing across the USA last year. When we reached out to learn the story behind “Alaska Cycle Chic,” we were delighted to meet Krystal and Nancy, two keen cyclists and new entrepreneurs bringing great creative energy to their local cycling community.
The store’s beautiful website explains their story: In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, Krystal and Nancy agreed that it was too hard to find cool women’s cycling clothes in Anchorage, and turned their socially distanced garage happy hour conversations about the problem into action.
Women with a mission, going all-in to share their love of cycling
They saw opportunity in that difficulty, and have worked hard to create a haven for cycling women of all abilities and disciplines. The common thread is fostering a happy and healthy lifestyle while enjoying Alaska’s outdoors on two wheels.
As they put it, their mission is to promote the stoke by supporting all women and equipping them for a comfortable and confident ride on any trail they choose.
Creativity and bike love together – the checkout counter at Alaska Cycle Chic
It’s clear they are well on their way. They have organized an ongoing series of events to introduce new riders to the basics of maintenance, and help riders master cycling techniques. Nothing about the events or the store is vanilla – many are led by the fearsome-sounding Viper McGnarly (aka Nancy), so the tone is set for fun as well as learning.
Here’s how Nancy describes the store:
“Alaska Cycle Chic is a new retail boutique in Anchorage, Alaska, dedicated to biker babes of all sizes and shapes, and featuring cycling gear for all types of biking. We love bike clothing that’s fun and stylish, but it should be functional and comfortable as well.
“Riding isn’t as much fun if you’re not properly outfitted. Being comfortable is key to feeling good on your bike, so we help our customers – especially those new to biking – find clothing that fits, and teach them how to layer properly – super important in a cold climate!
“Shopping in Anchorage can be challenging, with little to choose from compared to the Lower 48, especially women’s cycling clothing. Being able to try on before buying is key for our customers.
“Carrying Terry was a no-brainer when we opened. Women love color, and Terry keeps coming up with beautiful prints and comfortable styles. The Terry Fixie Short is by far the most popular item in the shop because of the comfortable stretchy waist and flattering fit for all size bodies. Please bring back the purple color!!
“The local biking community has been very supportive of our venture, and we give back by supporting athletes at many of the races and events. We also host a variety of free clinics, helping women learn how to work on their bikes so they feel more confident on the trail.”
If you ride in the Anchorage area, make sure to check out Alaska Cycle Chic’s upcoming events. The boutique looks like a wonderful place to hang out and visit for a while – be sure to shop Krystal and Nancy’s unique array of fun, bike themed merchandise, along with women’s cycling gear and clothing selected especially to suit Alaskan conditions.
Come shop our annual cycling blow out sale in Burlington, Vermont.
Get ready – it’s our Summer tradition here at Terry!
If you’re around the great Green Mountain state, swing by the Terry warehouse for our only in-person sales extravaganza, the Terry Tent Sale. Come join us for huge savings on women’s cycling apparel and accessories, saddles for men and women, and other cool stuff from major outdoor brands. These are our best prices of the year (up to 80% off) and an amazing opportunity to connect with the Terry community.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 31st from 10am – 6pm Thursday, August 1st, 2024, from 9am – 5pm (Hours subject to change)
WHERE: Terry Warehouse, 7 Ambrose Place, Burlington VT 05401
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Local Motion, Vermont’s only statewide nonprofit advocate for walkable and bikeable communities.
Baggy Bike Shorts are now easier to find on the Terry web site
Not everyone loves the lycra look – a fact we have known at Terry for a long time.
Although we are famous for high-performance, compressive and comfortable “lycra” shorts like the Bella, Chill and new Power Short lines, quite a few of our best loved, best reviewed bike shorts are actually loose fitting, non-lycra options that fall into the “baggy shorts” category.
Up until now we didn’t have an easy way to locate those items separately, so we fixed that!
If hanging loose is your thing, you can now shop our new Baggy Shorts category, and see just the kind of shorts you prefer. We have a number of excellent Terry options like Metro and Fixie, and selections from other manufacturers that meet different needs and preferences.
After coming so close to being canceled in 2020, the difficulties the riders had preparing and achieving form during lockdowns, then the restrictions and compromises of last year’s Tour, the 2021 edition seems to be celebrating almost a pre-pandemic level of freedom and return to normality. What a relief!
Schedule of the 2021 Tour de France
This edition of the Tour de France sets out from Brest, in Brittany, on Saturday, June 26th.
The race includes 21 stages and 2 rest days, concluding in Paris on July 18th.
The 2021 Tour de France Route – an intriguing mix of stages
The Peloton climbing the road to Col de Iseran during stage 19 of the Tour de France 2019.
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This year’s Grand Depart was planned for Denmark, but had to be changed to accommodate the pandemic-adjusted Olympics and European Soccer Championships. The Tour will now start in the very scenic, and cycling-mad, Brittany region of France; Denmark will wait for the 2022 edition.
The first few days of racing will be a showcase for the sprinters and puncheurs. Expect the Yellow Jersey of race leader to change hands a few times through these stages. The route becomes more mountainous heading into the second week, in the center of the country, and this presents a chance for a strong rider with climbing ability to gain an advantage that can be defended through the later high mountains.
The race will follow the fairly usual format of more flat and rolling stages in the early part of the race, with higher mountain stages later on. This year however, the almost traditional sequence is mixed up a little, by reversing the Alpine and Pyrenean stages, and with fewer mountain top finishes than we are used to. The route heads into the Alps in week 2, with fewer days there but two ascents of the iconic Mont Ventoux. The strategically crucial stages of week 3 will be in the Pyrenees.
Overall, the 2021 Tour de France route puts less emphasis on climbing. There will be fewer opportunities to create big time differences with late attacks on key climbs, more chances to gain advantages early in stages, and more stages where crosswinds can turn the standings upside down. Look for more successful breakaways, led by puncheurs who may have a chance to hold on through the mountains for once.
There are 2 individual time trials this year, one early and one very late in the race. These can cause big swings in the fortunes of race leaders, so they will be worth watching closely.
All in all, the route sets the stage for a lot of potential drama all the way through the race, and gives us the usual feast of beautiful French landscapes.
Essential Stages to Watch
There are a lot of stages this year where the outcome could be unpredictable for a variety of reasons, which makes any of them potentially interesting. However, for guaranteed drama and knock-your-socks-off scenery, the high mountain stages are hard to beat. The early time trial will certainly mix things up, but the later one toward the end of the race may once again decide the winner with a reversal of hard won advantage. The time trial format can be less interesting to watch, but the suspense can be intense, so it’s still well worth paying attention to this stage.
Stage 1: June 26, Brest to Landerneau, 197.8km
There’s always a bit of pageantry to enjoy with the Grand Depart, but this opening stage should also be a day of real road racing, with a course made to highlight both the puncheurs and the sprinters as they battle for the first taste of glory.
Stage 8: July 3, Oyonnax to Le Grand Bornard, 151km
With the first day of real climbing, this stage will mark an opening for strategic moves, so it should be a good stage to focus on.
Stage 11: July 7, Sorgues to Malaucène, 199km
There will be some great climbing stages heading into the Alps, but the stage where riders will crest Mont Ventoux twice in one day will be one of the most dramatic and intense. That makes a definite must-watch for TDF fans.
Stage 18: July 15, Pau to Luz Ardiden, 127.7km
The main contenders for the podium should be clear by the time the race enters the Pyrenees. There are several stages with prodigious climbing against stunning Pyrenean backdrops, any of which will be great to watch and could be key stages strategically. If I had to pick one highlight stage I would choose this one, as the last chance for the climbers to turn the race to their advantage, featuring an iconic TDF venue, the Col du Tourmalet.
Stage 20: July 17, Libourne to Saint Emilion, 30.8km
Placing an individual time trial as the penultimate stage leaves the possibility that the race will be upended at the last moment. There’s so much pressure on the riders, and their efforts to overcome the physical and mental toll of three weeks of racing one last time, with everything at stake, makes for guaranteed drama.
The Riders to Watch in the 2021 Edition
Tadej Pogacar in Yellow Jersey rides with Alexander Kristoff at the start of the last stage of the 2020 Tour de France 2020.
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Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) won the Tour de France last year with an astonishing performance in a late race time trial, a feat he was able to pull off partly because he was an underdog and could reserve his strength. He has no such luxury this year, but is in great form and has the natural advantage of the defending winner’s intimidation factor.
Fellow Slovenian Primoz Roglič (Jumbo-Visma), edged out by Pogačar last year, is also a main favorite in 2021. He was very impressive last year, and has been training very purposefully for this year’s Tour. It’s fascinating to see the emergence of Slovenia as a cycling power, perhaps led by perennial crowd-pleaser Peter Sagan?
Don’t rule the once-dominant Brits out completely. Four-time TDF winner Chris Froome is back in the race with a new team, Israel Start-Up Nation. He might not be a favorite this time around, but he certainly has the credentials. The fact that he is in shape to participate at all is remarkable, given the extent of the injuries he suffered in a devastating crash two years ago. His former team mate, Welshman Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) won the Tour more recently, and this year has shown the strength and form to repeat. Thomas’ team mates Australian Richie Porte and Ecuadoran Richard Carapaz, have also shown great form leading up to this year’s Tour, and they both have podium potential in their own right. The team’s depth could be a decisive factor, particularly through those arduous climbing days.
Other riders to watch include Colombian Rigoberto Uran (EF Education-Nippo), a repeat previous podium finisher who is in good form and well supported. With Thibault Pinot sidelined, French hopes are resting on Guillaume Martin (Cofidis), and David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), along with Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-QuickStep). Alaphillipe wore the Yellow Jersey for much of the race in 2018, but hasn’t shown the same fire since. Gaudu may be the one to keep the closest eye on. Simon Yates (Team BikeExchange), has previous podium finishes and, with the right mix of luck and support, could also be capable of the G.C. win.
Morkov, Bennett (in Green Jersey), Sagan (on Bennet’s wheel), Trentin) fight for an intermediate sprint in stage 11 of Le Tour de France 2020.
For the points race, the battle for the hotly contested Green Jersey, Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) is a natural choice. He has won it seven times in his nine TDFs, but Sam Bennett (Deceuninck-QuickStep) stole that particular crown last year with amazing sprinting form, and was just cleared to compete in the Tour after earlier injury. It’s sure to be a great contest between these two, but keep an eye on Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma), and Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal), both of whom could dominate the sprints if things go their way.
Speaking of Brits (I am one, so please excuse my detour), it’s disappointing, and a little ironic, to see Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck-QuickStep) miss the Tour due to his team mate, Sam Bennet’s return to health. Bennet is the rightful placement as defending Green Jersey holder, but after languishing for two years with a persistent virus, Cavendish has finally returned to the kind of sprinting form that gained him 30 career Tour de France stage wins. It would have been great to see if he could get closer to Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins, while he’s still young enough to be in reach.
Tour de France Bikes and Technology for 2021
Team cars loaded with spare bikes and wheels following the peloton.
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Teams are constantly looking for ways to gain an edge, and the equipment they use plays a significant part. Certainly no team takes any risks with unproven equipment, so it’s fun to keep an eye on which technologies are being used, both to make it easier for riders to go faster for longer, and to make maintenance and in-race fixes faster. The Tour is a showcase for the best of the best on the road, and gives us mere mortals something to aspire to in our own quests for speed.
The entire peloton has used carbon frames and wheels for some time now, and is evenly split between Shimano Dura Ace and Campagnolo Super Record groupsets, with just one team riding SRAM Red. Perhaps the most significant innovation is the wide use of disc brakes: only one team is still using rim brakes in 2021: Ineos Grenadiers. Keep an eye on mechanical incidents and bike swaps due to brake problems. Riders have said they are happy with disc braking performance wet and dry, but there may still be potential problems with reliability, especially on long mountain descents.
Best Ways to Watch the 2021 Tour de France
The official Tour de France site provides lots of great information on the course, stages, full details on race standings and classification competitions. The site also offers a live feed following each stage, with a nifty graphic presentation of the riders progressing over a profile of the terrain. You can see how the race develops, where the leaders and stragglers are relative to the peloton, and the fluctuations of deficits in real time. There’s a stream of helpful text commentary too. It’s not perfect, but it gets better every year and is a great way to follow along while you’re doing something else, like… working.
The Guardian also offers a live stream, with very well informed commentary that gives quite a bit more detail than the official site. I often switch back and forth between the two for a complete picture of the race.
There’s nothing like watching a live video feed for capturing the excitement of a critical stage, and in the internet age that’s easier than ever. In the US at least, the best option this year is through NBC’s Peacock Premium streaming service. That costs $4.99 a month ($9.99 without ads), and it appears will give you access to live video of the race, and on-demand replays.
Inspiration from Two Terry Customers Putting Themselves and their Gear Through the Paces
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Terri Morton is new to endurance cycling, but you would never know it from the scale of her ambitions.
Fueled by a readiness to escape the confines of the lockdowns, Teri really started riding seriously in 2020, facing challenges big and small on her way to completing her first century ride.
She had been away from her bike for decades, and had never done more than short, fun rides. Last year, at age 59, she set her sights on a century, and set about preparing – as she puts it, “My first real bike riding ever!”
“She Believed She Could So She Did”
Teri credits this inspirational message, inscribed on a necklace she found at Terry, for at least some of the will to keep going, as she battled obstacles with her bike and in training. “My Terry bike necklace message was great for keeping my spirits up…it was all bigger than me!”
Terri participated in the Strawberry Century Ride on June 12th, held in scenic country well south of Portland, Oregon. They offer various distance events, and Teri completed the 70 mile course. However, she had really set her heart on doing a full century, so once finished she rode 25 more miles, and took to side roads to add another 9 for a day’s total of 104 miles.
Now Teri is ready for her next cycling adventure, a 1,200 mile bike-packing trip with her pastor and his family. They actually start today, and will ride from Oregon, through Idaho and Montana to the Rockies.
Teri tested several Terry bike bottoms to find the right fit, and followed our customer service guru’s recommendation to choose shorts with the Flex Air chamois. She reported back, “I followed your advice and tried all three of these good quality ‘bottom-protecting’ styles, two lengths each, and am embarrassed to say I fell in love with each one and am keeping them all! But also I’m very excited about them.”
Terry Ambassador, Robin Leftridge Rocks the Commute
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Robin is one of those hardy souls who commutes by bike year round. She works for the City of Cleveland, Ohio, and let us know about Cleveland Vision Zero, a great bicycle safety project in her area that could be a model for other cities too.
She has now ridden to work every single day for five years, in all weather, and Cleveland is hilly, so this is no ordinary level of dedication! She has racked up 2,007 commuting miles already this year.
Robin was encouraged to get back into cycling by an old friend, Robert, who rides with the Major Taylor Club in Cleveland.
If there was ever a story of a person overcoming adversity with grace to achieve great things, Major Taylor’s cycling career embodies it. He defied every obstacle to become world champion in 1899, and was really the first black sports superstar at a time when such a thing required limitless strength of character. A most fitting hero to choose as figurehead of a bike club.
Robin has a flair for fashion on and off the bike, and we’re happy she chooses Terry for her cycling wardrobe and beyond. She says, “I love the cut of your jerseys and the way the material feels against your skin.”
A helmet can only protect your head, or that of your child, if it’s fitted correctly.
I’m always happy to see people on the bike paths and lanes where I live wear bike helmets, but I’m often surprised how many don’t have them adjusted correctly. What’s troubling is that they have made the effort to wear a helmet and believe they are safer for it, but they don’t know that their helmet may not protect them if it isn’t correctly positioned and secure on their heads.
Here are the tips you need on how to fit a bike helmet properly, so you can be absolutely sure your helmet – or your child’s – is able to do its job of protecting you in a crash.
Bonus tip: a damaged bike helmet may be useless in a crash, even if it is fitted properly. Check the helmet for signs of damage every time you use it. This is especially important for your child’s bike helmet. Here’s how to know when to replace a bike helmet.
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How to fit a bike helmet properly – quick version: the 2V1 rule
Use the 2V1 rule, and teach it to your kids so they can get the helmet fit right on their own.
2 – No more than two finger breadths from eyebrow to helmet. This keeps the helmet low enough on the forehead to protect the head front and back, and stay in position if a crash should happen.
V – The straps make a V under your ears. That way you know the straps are adjusted to keep the helmet in the correct position. If there’s any floppiness in the straps, the helmet can be dislodged in a crash, and may give no protection.
1 – No more than 1 finger can slip under the chin strap when fastened. That keeps the helmet tight enough to stay in position in a crash.
How did we do so far? He’s got it right, she needs to read on for some adjustments for a correct helmet fit.
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Steps to fit your bike helmet correctly
First step – make sure the helmet is the right size
Helmets are sized by head circumference, so you can start by measuring with a tape measure to find which range you fall into. Measure just above your brow and around the back of your head where it’s largest. On the other hand, if you can visit a local bike shop, you can just dive in and start trying them on.
Many people find the best way to choose a helmet for the first time is to visit a store in person. That’s because helmets from different manufacturers and model lines have different contours even when sized the same. The only way to know which is going to be comfortable for your own individual head is to try a bunch of them on, much easier to do in person.
Helmets are made to fit a range of heads, using a supply of velcro or self-adhesive pads that come with the helmet to fine tune the fit within that range. When trying helmets on, the goal is to find one that is just a little bigger than your head so you can use some of the supplied padding to make it fit securely and comfortably.
Most helmets these days feature a cradle in back that wraps under the back of your head and is tightened with a dial. If it’s the right size, the helmet will feel snug all over your head and will not wobble around or slip when this fit ring is tightened.
If you feel pressure points on your head when trying a helmet on, even if they are only slightly uncomfortable, try another. That slight pressure can become intensely uncomfortable after an hour or two of cycling with the helmet properly tightened. Voice of experience speaking there…. The goal is for the pressure to be even and comfortable all over your head.
Second step – make sure the helmet is positioned correctly
This is a most important detail for fitting your bike helmet properly: your helmet should sit level on your head, with not much more than an inch of space above your eyebrows, and be level from side to side. A helmet that sits high on the forehead is not going to protect a vulnerable part of your noggin, and worse, can slip off your head altogether when the forces of a nasty crash come into play.
Third step – make sure straps are adjusted evenly
If your helmet can move backwards to make more than two fingers space above the eyebrows, tighten the front straps. Unbuckle, shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward. Buckle, retighten, test again.
If your helmet can move forward to your eyebrows, tighten the rear straps. Unbuckle, tighten the back strap by moving the slider back toward the ear. Buckle, retighten your chin strap, and test again.
Strap arrangements can vary quite a bit amongst makes and models, but the principle is the same. Adjust so the the tension is even on all the straps – no loose or bulging straps anywhere, so you can be sure that your helmet will stay exactly where you need it to be in a crash.
Once the helmet straps are set up correctly you shouldn’t have to bother with them again, so it’s worth the effort to get it right at the outset.
How to get a good, safe fit for a your child’s bike helmet
Good first step, Dad, ready for fine tuning that helmet fit.
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All the steps above apply equally to your child’s bike helmet, but since they will not be able to manage this on their own, you will need to evaluate the fit and adjustment for them. Here’s how to fit a bike helmet properly on your child’s head, with steps to check the adjustment as you go:
1. Position the helmet so it is level on their head. (Ask them to use the 2 finger rule so they learn how to check for themselves.)
2. Check that the front and back straps make a V that meets below the ears with no floppy or loose straps. (Point out the V shape so they know what to look for.)
2. Make sure the chin strap is tight enough by asking your child to open their mouth halfway. If they can feel the helmet pressing down on the top of their head, it is tight enough. (Have them try the 1 finger test to check for themselves.)
4. The helmet should sit about an inch above your child’s eyebrows when the straps are fastened. Try pushing the helmet up from the front. If it moves backward, the straps in front of the ears are loose.
5. Push up on the back of the helmet. If you can slide it forward or it slips lower on the forehead, you will need to shorten the back straps.
6. Push the helmet from side to side, backwards and forwards. The helmet should be snug enough for your child’s skin to wrinkle at the temples rather than slide over.
7. If your child wears a ponytail, make sure to check the helmet with the hairstyle they are likely to ride with most of the time.
Pop quiz – fitted right or not?
Full marks for the guy in back, but this girl’s helmet needs to be much lower on her brow for a correct fit.
Metro Skort – won’t make you immortal, but will enhance the ride.
File this one under Good news that we sort of knew already:
Researchers seem to have discovered the secret of eternal youth – riding a bike.
It’s nice to have something you thought all along confirmed by research: A Dutch study found that cyclists live longer than others, and endure fewer health complications as they age.
This is not exactly a new study, as it dates back to 2015, but it keeps surfacing on the internet, and recently Cycling Today put it this way: it turns out every hour you spend riding a bike extends your lifetime by … one hour!
Hmmm… if that’s true, the secret to eternal youth is to just never get off your bike!
Well, maybe cycling won’t guarantee immortality, but it is nice to know that the health benefits of cycling are quantifiable. Knowing this, it’s much easier to make that choice between getting some unpleasant project done, or going for a ride. Now you can say the ride should most certainly come first, and it will actually give you more time in your life to get those less welcome tasks done later… right?
Either way, what we have known all along is that getting around by bike, for health, transport, fitness or simply for fun, adds immeasurably to your quality of life. Knowing it’s also making that happier life longer is great.
Terry Amabassador, Kathy Hahn, in Chill Tri Shorts & Sun Goddess Jersey in Mont Ventoux
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Terry Ambassadors agree – Chill Tri Short Sets a New Standard for the Best Triathlon Shorts
Whether it’s the infamous Ironman with its 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and full marathon run to the finish line, or a local event that’s more do-able for mere mortals, triathlon is a uniquely demanding sport. Whatever length the race, competitors are training to high standards in three very different disciplines.
Triathlon also presents challenges when it comes to choosing equipment, including apparel. Time spent transitioning from each leg of a race to the next is an important factor in overall performance, and to keep that time to a minimum it’s a big advantage to have an outfit that can be worn for all three. That way you don’t lose time changing clothes between stages.
What are the Best Shorts to Wear in a Triathlon?
The outfit that helps a triathlete swim, ride and run as fast as possible is fairly specialized, as you might imagine. These days, apart from cold water events where some kind of wetsuit is needed for the swimming leg, most triathletes choose either a one-piece or two-piece triathlon suit, designed to be worn throughout the race and perform well in each stage. The one-piece is essentially a short sleeved or sleeveless body suit. The two-piece resembles a pair of bike shorts and bike jersey, but with some specialized features. It’s more versatile and easier to deal with than a one-piece, especially for nature breaks.
The two piece configuration is where the Chill Tri steps in, and it’s designed to stand among the best triathlon shorts available. It features quick drying, high compression fabric that aids performance and muscle recovery, and is both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic. The 6 inch leg length is optimized for performance and comfort throughout the swim/bike/run stages of a triathlon.
The chamois is a critical component of the Chill Tri Short. It provides a critical level of on-bike comfort for both racing and training, but is smaller than a typical chamois. A regular cycling chamois would absorb a lot of water during the swim and be a real hassle to deal with afterwards. Our new Tri Comp chamois avoids that problem entirely. It’s designed to drain and flex so it is comfortable during the swim and run portions of a triathlon.
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How Does the Chill Tri Perform in Competition?
We turned to a couple of our Terry Ambassadors to put the Chill Tri to the test in real world triathlons.
Stacy Dietzler
Stacy, based in Tennessee, competes in triathlons and endurance cycling events. She was among the customers who requested a triathlon specific short, so we really value her opinion of the Chill Tri.
I was so excited to see the new Terry Chill 6 Tri Shorts! I have been a loyal Chill 7 shorts wearer for the past several years. The tri shorts are as comfortable as the Chill 7 shorts and the compression feels great along with the light fabric. They don’t ride up and the legs stay put.
I’m wearing them 3-4 times a week as I begin to train for a Half Ironman in October. I look forward to wearing them during open water training swims and testing out the light-weight chamois, which has no bulk, eliminating any drag. Because I live in a hot and humid city, the Chill Tri will be ideal for running as well.
I appreciate Terry putting a lot of effort into the needs of a triathlete and launching the Chill Tri Shorts!
Kathy Hahn
Kathy lives in Pennsylvania, and competes in triathlons and other multi-sport events, in addition to enjoying century rides.
This year, with Covid restrictions beginning to lift, I was able to compete in a local in-person short course duathlon. I planned to wear the Chill Tri Short, and added a Soleil Long Sleeve Jersey to my collection, as the weather in early May in Pennsylvania can be quite unpredictable!
As expected, race day morning started off in the mid 40’s along with 15 mph winds, and by the end of the race, progressed to the high 50’s and lower 60’s. Since there was so much “Chill” in the air that day (pun intended LOL) I ended up wearing the Chill Tri shorts under a pair of old running capris so I’d have a little more coverage on my legs, but they were awesome to run/bike/run in!
Ordinarily, I NEVER wear 2 pairs of bottoms when I run or ride, as I can’t stand the feel of two waist bands. However, these Tri shorts have a super soft, wide waist band, so I didn’t even know they were there! Also, the thinner chamois was perfect for this short course duathlon and I did not feel them on the run at all! I am certain they would be well suited for longer distance events, as well.
The long sleeve Soleil jersey totally “checked off all the boxes,” as I was comfortable throughout the entire event, both running and riding!
My first official Tri is not until later in the summer, but I always make it a habit to wear new things in training before actual race day. I look forward to doing my open water training swims in the Chill Tri Shorts in June, in preparation for the New Jersey State Triathlon on July 18th!
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Inspired? Maybe you should try a Tri too – and when you do, Terry has you covered top to bottom, with our best triathlon shorts, the Chill Tri Short, plus a multitude of high performance jerseys to mix and match.
