We’re here. We’ve still got two wheels. We learned how to find joy and freedom on our bikes during a wild ride called 2020. The year brought us together as a planet in ways that we will never forget. For me the metaphor of climbing a gap applies: an uphill battle, a sweet ride down.
I started the year with a plan for a RAID ride: to cycle the spine of the Pyrenees in France from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. 8 rides, 495 miles, 14 cols and a few feet of climbing with a group of close friends. Like all of yours, my plans were dashed, and a new reality set in as Covid took hold of our planet. It unified us in a common experience we could never predict: separation from our families and parents, a virus that took the lives of too many, racial inequity that tore us apart, jobs lost, relationships broken, hunger, loneliness and uncertainty. And a new accessory called masks.
Someplace in that climb called Covid, we found that two pedals were a safe place to be.
In late March of 2020, I converted my dashed RAID dreams to a 3000-mile goal for the season. April gap rides in Vermont are chilly! I relied on my every woman must have Terry winter tights and insulated jerseys. As lockdown set in, my Covid release was 130 miles a week on my bike. With my two closest friends we rode “in our bubble” all summer exploring endless dirt roads we had never travelled before…on gravel bikes. We never left Vermont but experienced a whole new world of beautiful farms and pastures, sunsets and even a portage around a crumbled bridge. We stopped and took pictures…posting and sharing on Strava. It was our way to stay connected with friends in a year of distance and disconnect.
On July 18th I put my Terry Tour de France kit on, today was the day to cross the 3000-mile mark. Fittingly, I achieved it at 37.08 miles into that ride at the top of a Middlebury gap climb. On the sweet ride down through curves and landscape that had inspired Robert Frost to write poems such as “The Road Not Taken,” I moved my goal up to 3500 miles. The next 500 miles included the virtual Kelly Brush Ride, an annual century event raising funds to support people with spinal cord injuries with adaptive equipment to live active lives (www.kellybrushfoundation.org). In a year of reinventing how we did everything, KBF smashed its fundraising goal- a strong testament to cyclists across the country who took part.
I crossed my next milestone on a gnarly 4th class gravel grinder in October. With insulated Terry tights back on, we encountered 50 miles of dirt, mud, water, rocks and navigated our way through forests. With snow and winter setting in, 4000 miles called. I felt a strong drive to beat 2020, to have one defining victory in a year called terrible. I kept riding – often on my own – but stopped to take in the scenes along the way. Christmas Eve was a balmy day in Vermont, my two wheels called, and I crossed the 4000-mile finish line.
The year behind us was an uphill climb in every way we could never imagine. But we had two wheels and cycling was freedom, fresh air, exercise, and solace. We united in our experiences as moms, daughters, grandmothers, partners, and friends to take care of one another.
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4000 miles later. We’re here. It’s a new season. Hope and our bikes beckon. Maybe you discovered cycling in the last year, maybe you shared it with kids or grandkids, maybe you cried one day out on the road. Maybe you found hope, health, and happiness on two wheels. Maybe you’ll ride your bike to get vaccinated!
However you do it, ride in Terry. It’s gear made for us. Women who fight the uphill battle and enjoy the sweet ride down.
#terryfaerie #rideladiesride
Karen Marshall – #terryfaerie – is a healthcare management consultant living in Vermont, enjoying road cycling, gravel grinding, skiing, skinning, sailing and her two adult kids.
Make Life Better this Year by Walking and Bicycling
A little inspiration for new cyclists from a Terry Ambassador
100 days into 2021, and one year into this pandemic – a year of risks, restrictions and for many, real hardship. How have you coped with it so far?
A lot of people in the Terry orbit have been riding more, some a LOT more.
Others have not had that freedom, and many of us turned to creature comforts while stuck inside more than we ever thought possible.
With all that extra time available, cooking and baking often became a way to enjoy time with family, feel productive and learn new skills, and of course enjoy good food as a source of comfort. Naturally, a few extra pandemic pounds is a very common result.
As cyclists we know at least one great way to counter that! Terry Ambassador Tracy Flucke passed along some advice she and her husband, Peter, shared around New Year, to encourage their neighbors with healthful resolutions. Their work involves getting more people on bikes, on safer roads.
Tracy and Peter Flucke maintained their momentum through the pandemic with cycling and hiking. They’d like to help you do so too…
Since we know some of our new Terry friends are also new to cycling, and we’re now at the time of the year when most New Year Resolutions have been forgotten, we’re staging a Resolution Revival: time for a little inspiration to get out and work on healthy goals, New Year or not…
Here are the tips and insights Tracy and Peter shared…
Many of us started 2021 with a list of New Year’s resolutions: get more exercise, lose weight, spend more time with friends and family, save money, travel more, reduce stress, live life to the fullest… Sadly, roughly 50 percent of people who start a New Year’s resolution will not complete it.
Well this year especially, we’re determined to create healthy goals and stick to them, and we want to help you do the same. Here’s what we’ve learned along the way.
A walking and bicycling habit can truly help you achieve your goals.
Getting more exercise by walking (running) and bicycling is easy. To quote the old Nike commercial, “Just do it!”
Set aside just 15 minutes a day to get your new habit going – make it so easy to accomplish that you can’t miss.
Start out slow and build to your goal. It’s more important to create a regular routine than to achieve a performance goal at first.
Diet and exercise are key to losing weight. Burn more calories by walking and bicycling. The more you move, the more you lose.
Walking and bicycling with friends and family is a win-win. With a companion by your side the miles fly by, and you will make memories that last a lifetime.
Save money by driving your car less – walking and bicycling are almost free. A good pair of shoes and an occasional tune up for your bicycle and you are good to go.
Traveling by foot or by bicycle are two of the best cures for wanderlust. Moving at a different pace with the wind in your face will give you a new perspective and stimulate your imagination.
Trips big and small count. “On a bicycle you don’t have to look for adventure, adventure finds you.”
Stress is a normal part of life, and we have all had plenty lately. Feeling stressed? Go for a short walk or a bicycle ride. You will always come back feeling better than when you left.
Keep your resolutions SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Tell a friend your resolutions and ask them to hold you accountable. And, if you fall off your resolution wagon, take a breath, and then get right back on. You are human, be kind to yourself.
It is not about adding more miles into your life, it is about adding more life to your miles.
Here is our list of cycling and exercise goals for 2021:
Stay healthy!
Continue to log our walking, running, and bicycling miles
Ride my bicycle as often as possible for local errands (Tracy)
Ride a century (100 miles in one day) on our tandem and my road bike (Tracy)
Bicycle to as many Wisconsin cities as possible (Peter)
Start bicycle touring again (post pandemic)
Ride the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway (Green Bay-Prairie du Chien) on our tandem
Ride a double century with daughter, Melissa (Peter)
Drive support vehicle for Peter and Melissa’s double century (Tracy)
Buy a new tandem bicycle
Assist local walking and bicycling organizations and efforts (e.g. Wello – Greater Green Bay Active Communities Alliance, City of Green Bay – Green Bay Safe Walk & Bike Plan, Ashwaubenon – Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee, Friends of the Fox River Trail – resurfacing project)
What would be on your list of post-pandemic goals?
Let’s make 2021 a great year!
Even though we’re well past the New Year, it’s always a good time to start working toward a better future. Here are some past posts about goals and resolutions, especially relating to cycling.
A whole new print collection that pays homage to the great climbs of cycling, new limited-edition bottoms proudly made in the USA, a Grand Touring Short that’s a step up in featuring and fabrication, and some fun collaborations with our lifestyle partners to round out your summer wardrobe.
Enjoy this sneak peek, and prepare for a GREAT season ahead.
Soleil LS Versailles; Bella LTD ShortSoleil LS Alp d’Huez; Power ShortSoleil SS Flow/Mont Ventoux; Peloton LTD Capri/DanishBreakaway SS Jersey & Capri in DreamchaserBreakaway SL Jersey/Mountain Poppy; NEW Grand Tour ShortSignature SL Jersey/Evening in Paris; NEW Grand Tour ShortSoleil LS Flow/Paris Sunrise; Peloton LTD Capri/gold chainSun Goddess/Mountain Poppy Blue; Peloton LTD Short/DanishBreakaway SS+ Into the Blue; KnickerSoleil LS Flow/Edelweiss; Wayfarer Short in NEW GarnetSoleil Racer Tank/Versailles; NEW Bike Bermuda LTD; NEW Butterfly LTDSoleil Racer Tank/Gold Chain; Bella LTD Short; Butterfly LTD (find the saddle!)Soleil Tank/Bergtop; Navaeh 7 ShortBreakaway SL/KBHVN; Peloton LTD Short & T-Glove LTD/DanishSoleil LS/TDF; NEW Power ShortSun Goddess/Pink Chain; Peloton LTD Short & T-Glove LTD/DanishMixie Tunic/Gruppo; SpinnakerSwing Tank & La Vie SkirtKimono & Strappy Tank
Contributed by Amy Fleming, Terry Merchandise Coordinating Star
A bike this dirty is a sure sign of having way too much fun…
Spring Has Sprung!! Well, almost… and that means it’s time to get your bike and equipment tuned up and ready to ride.
Spring is in the air; you can feel the sun is getting stronger and the days are getting longer. Covid-19 made last year so difficult with the future so uncertain, but one thing is for certain… riding your bike will make you feel better. Get the wind blowing in your face and feel the sun upon your skin. Time to get out of the house and get some fresh air.
The best way to get your mind thinking forward is to start getting your equipment checked, updated if needed, and ready for the roads and trails.
Here’s a quick bicycle spring cleaning checklist:
Wash. It’s time to get rid of any leftover dirt and debris from last Fall that’s been caked onto your bike all winter.
Tire Rims. Even though your rims are barely noticeable, they have a huge impact on the performance of your bike.
Clean your chain and cranks.
Clean all nooks and crannies. Make sure to get into even the tightest spots.
Lubricate correctly.
No need to head to your local bike tune-up shop for this, with a little help it can all be done at home. Here’s a simple video to show you the best way to clean your bike:
Park Tool is one of the top leaders in bike cleaning products to assist you at home to do-it-yourself. One of the best inventions ever was the chain scrubber. This tool features a super tough die-cast aluminum case and handle plus a unique brush/sponge replacement cartridge that makes it easy to keep it running smoothly and working properly. What used to be a very messy chore is now a breeze with the assistance of the Professional Chain Scrubber. Watch the video below to see how easy this is to operate.
Bio Chainbrite, made specifically to clean your chain and drivetrain, is an all-purpose, plant-based, 100% biodegradable degreaser. It’s perfect to use with the Professional Chain Scrubber and/or basic brushes. This gentle but tough cleaner will not harm alloy, plastic, rubber or carbon fiber parts. It’s as easy as covering parts in solvent and scrub using a brush.
This specialized brush set by Park Tool is super handy too – it includes some unusual shapes that will let you get just the right amount of elbow grease into every awkward nook and cranny on your bike.
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Keeping your bike clean not only makes it look great, it will help it last longer and perform at its best.
When spring cleaning turns to spring tuning
When you’re cleaning your bike you’ll be looking closer than you usually do – it’s the best time to check that there aren’t any mechanical problems that need to be addressed. Here are some tips to help you evaluate while you clean – this post gives some pointers to fix simple maintenance issues, and when to take your bike to your trusty local bike shop to take care of tougher mechanical issues: 6 Essential Spring Bicycle Maintenance Tips.
Get that cleaning and maintenance taken care of now, so when those first wonderful days of warm sunshine finally arrive you’ll be ready to roll!
Contributed by Terry Ambassador Yvonne Austin-Cornish.
Hello biking community!
Like most people, every year I make New Year resolutions, but with everything that has happened in 2020, I ushered in 2021 making bucket list plans instead.
Such as, me and “The Stallion” touring different states in my Terry gear, and on my new Raven Ti Gel seat.
I have always enjoyed riding outdoors but because it gets too cold to ride during the winter months here in Louisville, KY, I have to hang “The Stallion” up for a few months. That was before I discovered these amazing fleece tights by Terry!! They have been life altering :–D. Providing both warmth and comfort in weather where I simply wouldn’t have considered going for a ride before.
Extending the cycling season with Terry Powerstretch Pro Cycling Tights
This is me in 40 degree weather, wearing my Terry Powerstretch Pro Tights and “The Stallion” equipped with a Terry Raven Ti Gel seat. This is exactly what I need to train for my first ride in April in Jamaica.
What cold weather biking accessories are you wearing?
Thank you Terry – the Original Women’s Bicycling Company – for giving me 3 extra months of outside training. Looking forward to exploring more new places through winter, spring, and beyond!
I always imagined mountain biking as an extreme sport: flying off jumps, rock hopping or balancing on a narrow log bridge – the threat of injury always a misstep away.
I first tried mountain biking 25 years ago in Moab, Utah, the original mountain bikers’ mecca. I did my best to follow gung-ho friends on sandstone routes, and ended up walking a lot, but that was fine. Besides, it was a great way to enjoy the rust-colored, rocky beauty. It all ended with a brief visit to the ER – not me, thankfully – but one of those crazy friends had to get stitches. Soaking in a hot tub at the end of the day never felt so good!
Now, as an older cyclist, I am more cautious, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try new adventures.
After an amazing afternoon at Kingdom Trails in 2019, I realized how much fun it was rolling on single-track, weaving around trees, negotiating small hills and widerbridges – nothing too technical – it suited my two-wheeled wanderlust just fine! This was not dangerous, but gentle exploration on a comfortable bicycle. What a revelation!
After that, getting a mountain bike was on my radar for a while. It took the pandemic, relocating to a home near a town forest with trails, plus an extremely crowded multi-use path, to have me heading to Vermont’s hills for solitude.
In the fall of 2020, our youngest son helped me choose a bike. With limited local supply, I was lucky to get a bicycle at all! I spent the autumn exploring trails as the leaves changed color and puddled beneath my knobby tires. I rode two to three times a week, alone or with our son and his friend, once venturing to leaf-covered Cochran’s Trails in Richmond, Vermont. It gave us a real challenge in navigation – we got lost – but eventually found our way back on track to descend at sunset.
I went by myself to ride Waterbury, Vermont’s Little River State Park’s easier trails, and discovered how much I like curvy single-track.
Every new adventure teaches me something – sometimes it’s just to bring adequate water and a snack! I have a lot to learn, but there’s no hurry. The trails are out there, waiting for me to slowly pedal through Vermont’s lovely landscape.
When times are tough, cycling helps us get through. Here’s how some of our inspiring Terry Ambassadors adapted to stay in the saddle during lockdowns and beyond.
Quite a few of our Ambassadors lead classes or groups of cyclists, and faced some serious changes when the pandemic forced lockdowns across the country in early 2020. Most were out of action for a while, at least until local authorities declared it safe for gyms and similar organizations to allow members to return.
Spin with a new vibe
Terry’s own Karyn Lewis worked with the Edge, the fitness center in the Burlington, Vermont, area where she leads spin classes, to completely rework the environment where classes meet. Gone is the intense, close, night club-like ambiance. Widely spaced machines in the hangar like tennis court areas have replaced it, and Karyn has had to adapt her classes to keep the energy high, even with correct social distancing and other precautions in place.
Before…
…and after.
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Karyn writes:
My last pre-Covid class was Tuesday, March 11th, the week before St. Patrick’s day. We had all made plans to go out the following Tuesday after Spin Class. By the time St. Patty’s day arrived the club was eerily shut down, and this was a first since becoming a member nearly 30 years ago (I’ve been teaching spin for 21).
The club was not allowed to reopen and many months went by, hoping the Governor would give us the thumbs up. Finally, the club got the word and slowly reopened one location at a time, with mine opening last. Lots of time, money, a new HVAC system, and safety & cleanliness protocols were all put into place for a smooth reopening.
Classes finally resumed at the end of October, and we’ve had a steady 10 person attendance rate since. Masks are required and instructors teach behind a plexiglass wall with the option to remove the mask for better microphone clarity.
One of Karyn’s spinners said this on Facebook after opening day:
Today was the first day I felt a sense of normal in 8 months. Working out at my preferred location of choice with one of my most favorite instructors for RPM live vs. virtual with my comrades. Looking forward to classes coming up with Karyn. Tuesday’s have not been the same without her. Today was Christmas in October for me. Thank you Mike and Team Edge for all that you have done and continue to do to keep us safe doing what we love to stay fit.
It is a different teaching environment, but I am so happy to be back with my indoor cycle peeps. They work just as hard as always, but I do find that they need more recovery time due to the mask limitations. I wonder if after we finally remove the masks, will we all be better exercise breathers?
Changing gears in Arizona
Claire Baragona leads cycling classes in Tucson, Arizona. She had enjoyed spinning at her YMCA so much that she trained as an instructor, and took the plunge to lead her first class in January of 2020.
Claire B. ready for spin class in Tucson, Arizona
“Little did we know, the Pandemic would literally shut all indoor classes down by March 15th of that year,” she said.
“Fast forward to January 2021, and the board of our club convinced our home owners’ association to hold outdoor classes on a covered patio.” Now she leads classes of 12 spinners in 45 minute classes, with volunteers to move and disinfect the equipment.
As Claire puts it:
We may be under a covered roof, but the daily weather certainly dictates how you dress for the occasion. It can be warm and balmy, or blow like a strong Mariah.
Every piece of clothing I teach in is from Terry. Cold days require my longer tights and warmer tops, they keep me comfy and dry.
I’m looking forward to the warmer days when I can don my favorite bike short, the Bike Bermuda ( love those pockets and the easy, comfortable fit ).
I can layer your tank top over my clothes, to access necessary things in the back pockets. I’ve even taken to wearing my bike tops on walks, where I can stash water, tissues, and lip moisturizer ( it’s dry in Tucson ! ) in those handy places.
You have to know that we women who are serious about our biking turn to Terry for the most reliable and comfortable clothing available to us.
Empire State Ride postponed
Kimberly Evering was preparing for the 2020 Empire State Ride, but plans were completely changed when the event was forced to turn virtual, with the in-person event postponed to July 25th – 31st 2021.
Kimberly writes:
This past year I connected with other women riders who also registered and are training for the endurance ride. We have never met, but we keep each other motivated through Strava with our mix of indoor and outdoor ride posts. I cannot wait to meet these amazing ladies in person! Of course, my training would not be as effective without my Terry gear. When I’m on training rides outside, I love my Terry Soleil Hoody for comfort, style, sun protection, and my trusty Terry Touring shorts. Similarly, my Terry Soleil shorts are a staple item of comfort during long rides indoors, allowing me to stay focused.
All my rides right now revolve around ESR training, and although I was bummed about the one-year delay, I’m excited to have had extra time to train for this personal challenge. It is my first endurance ride, and this year is extra special because a few weeks before the ride, I will turn the big 5-0. The little girl on training wheels with a passion for cycling could never have imagined that she would be striving for new heights in cycling decades later. Still, with the support of other women in my community, I have discovered that all goals are possible!
The Empire State Ride is a 500 mile multi-day fund raiser for Roswell Cancer Research. As Kimberly puts it on her sponsorship page, “This is my opportunity to make a real difference and impact cancer research from the seat of my bike.” We at Terry are happy to support Kimberly with gear for her training and participation. You can support her too, and contribute to cancer research, here, and check out Kimberly’s progress on Instagram: @gal0tgo
Canceled competition makes room for new plans
Having fun anyway, Memphis, Tennessee.
Another Terry Ambassador with competitive ambition is Stacy Dietzler. She and husband, Terry (what a great name!), were training for a series of Ironman and half marathon events in early 2020. Of course, all those plans were set aside during the pandemic, but Stacy managed to make lemonade out of those lemons. She and Terry replaced the hard core training with weekend sight-seeing rides together, always followed by bubbly and brunch. They have kept up the new tradition in all good riding weather through the pandemic, and hope to return to competition once they have been vaccinated and events are free to run again.
Because we were no longer able to train for our half and full marathon or Half Ironman events, my husband, Terry, and I started a routine of cycling together on Sundays. We found a safe route following trails and different routes through a unique community nearby. We would admire the varied architecture, and watch the seasonal changes, then enjoy a post-ride prosecco and brunch.
It became a positive and memorable period, enjoying time together. Now we look forward to the weather warming up again, so we can continue our Sunday tradition. Hopefully we will also be able to train for our next Half Ironman, which was deferred to October 2021.
Until then, my cycling continues indoors, in my awesome Terry apparel!
Stacy Recommends:
For almost a year I have maintained my indoor cycling on the bike trainer, and continue to wear my Chill 7 Bike shorts. I love them! The material feels great on my legs, and they do not ride up. There is just enough compression and cushion, and they fit perfectly!
I pair the Chill 7 with my Soleil bike jerseys, short-sleeve and sleeveless. I love the cooling feel and the comfortable fit. I would often say to my husband how happy the jerseys make me feel, with the soft material and the bright and pretty patterns!
How have you adapted your cycling to maintain your momentum through the pandemic? We’d love to hear from you!
So what is compression in bike clothing, and how does it help me?
All close fitting bike shorts feature some amount of compression. Here’s how to decide how much compression is right for you, and how to work with that to get the best fit…
What are compression shorts, and how do they work?
The idea of compression clothing is that a tight fitting garment creates a certain amount of pressure on the blood vessels of the muscles it covers. Compression stockings have been used for a long time to help people with varicose veins, and other compression garments aid recovery for patients after surgery. The compression pressure is useful for getting more complete flow of blood through the veins.
Compression and athletic performance
During strenuous activity, muscles accumulate lactic acid, which is responsible for the sensations of fatigue and loss of power as an athlete pushes her limits. Compression clothing helps remove lactic acid more efficiently, and by improving circulation allows more fresh, oxygen-rich blood to flow into the muscle tissue. Athletes often find that compression shorts, socks, and other garments help them boost performance and recover faster from intense efforts.
Compression and comfort
Compression clothing definitely feels different because of the sensation of pressure and constriction it creates. However, the amount of compression can vary a lot. Some specialized compression garments for medical use can feel quite uncomfortable, and there are options for people in activities such as weight lifting or crossfit that would be really unsuitable for cycling. Bike shorts are made to ride in for hours, so even if they are described as high compression they are still relatively comfortable once you get used to the sensation.
That said, high compression bike shorts are not for everyone. It’s a very individual preference, and something you will only find out by trying some different options to see what works for you.
Compression and fit
Achieving high compression in bike shorts means using fabric that feels harder to stretch, so there is less flexibility with fit and sizing in high compression shorts compared to those with low compression.
A short like our Breakaway has minimal compression, which means the fabric is able to stretch more, and can adapt to fit comfortably for a wider range of body types and shapes at any particular size.
When choosing bike shorts, or any other bike bottoms for that matter, it’s important to take compression into consideration as well as size. In general, you can balance compression and size to get the performance you want with the fit and comfort that feels best for you.
With a high compression option you can size up to reduce the amount of compression and still enjoy a good fit, because the fabric is resistant to stretching.
The reverse of that applies also. With a low compression short you can size down to gain more athletic compression, while the “give” in the fabric still allows it to fit well.
Soleil LS in Blanche with Terry Power Bike Short
High compression bike shorts for high performance
Our long-time best-loved Bella Short features high compression, along with the Euro, and newer options like the Chill line and the all-new Power Short.
Choose high compression options for longer, harder rides when you are looking to push your limits.
Minimal compression bike shorts for comfort and forgiving fit
Breakaway, Actif, and Club are among our bike shorts with minimal compression.
Choose minimal compression if you want a more relaxed level of comfort, or don’t enjoy the pressure of athletic compression. Minimal compression options are also your best choice for flattering fits over curves that produce uncomfortable tightness in a compression fabric.
Fixie Short, a great option for a bike short with no compression
What to Wear For Bike Shorts With No Compression
Loose fit bike shorts are a wonderful way to go for riders who want to avoid the lycra look, or just enjoy the relaxed, airy feeling. Others prefer the versatility of clothing that moves comfortably from cycling to completely different activities.
We’re introducing exciting new options in bike shorts for women cyclists this year, with an array of fresh ideas filling a multitude of different needs.
The common goal is helping you achieve optimal performance, while feeling and looking your best. No matter what kind of cycling you like, we have bike shorts that will help you enjoy the ride even more.
Finding your ideal bike shorts can feel like a lifetime quest. To start with we are all different shapes and sizes, so finding comfortable fitting shorts for the type of riding you do can be challenge enough.
Then of course, cycling encompasses a real variety of activities – united by two wheels, but involving very different environments, positions, durations and demands. Those factors put the emphasis on very different features for different riders.
On top of all that, there’s fashion. Black bike shorts are classic for a reason: they go with anything, anywhere, anytime. That said, color and pattern let you mix things up, and make the ride more fun. We are all in favor of that!
All of this means that setting out to offer the best in bike shorts for female cyclists really means offering a lot of different choices, all of which are the best in different ways.
Here are highlights of our new women’s bike shorts line up for 2021, and the details you need to choose the right pair for you. At least one is sure to become your new favorite…
Delivers great performance features at an attractive price point, with 6 panel construction and moderate compression, and makes a gorgeous new color statement.
Luxurious fabric and fit for all day comfort, longer length and pockets. A great choice for long and multiple rides, in exciting new color choices for perfect coordination with your top.
High rise waistband comfort, with long length and deep pockets. A versatile short updated with a bit more compression for 2021, ready for touring, gravel, or MTB.
Updated with a great selection of coordinating prints for 2021. Soleil Short is becoming a firm favorite for comfort and versatility. Best women’s bike short for performance with personality.
Looks like pure fashion, but it’s really pure performance – top notch chamois, breathability with softness at hems, stays in place without binding. Wear anything over the Aria, you can ride comfortably all day.
How to prevent and relieve pain from indoor cycling
Stationary bikes and trainers are more popular than ever, but they don’t always come equipped for your best comfort out of the box. Check out these tips and tricks to help you ride happily and pain free for the long haul…
Many newcomers to indoor cycling are riding a Peloton bike, and riding hard
One welcome side-effect of the lockdowns and restrictions of 2020 is the number of people who turned to cycling for exercise and mental health, both outdoors and indoors. For many, indoor cycling has become a regular part of a new workout routine, and the Peloton stationary bike has launched thousands of new cyclists into a world of competitive, aggressive riding for fitness with a lot of fun.
Unfortunately, that sudden increase in demanding exercise on new equipment creates potential for a variety of injuries, aches and pains.
Most of the causes of pain riding a Peloton, or other indoor cycling equipment, are no different than issues affecting any other cyclist riding indoors or out, mostly to do with how the bike fits you, and how it is equipped.
However, Peloton cycling comes with competitive group dynamics and hard-charging leaders, and it’s easy to push yourself harder, more often, than you might if you were out for a ride around the lanes. That sets you up for overuse injuries, and if your bike and accessories are not set up correctly, it’s even more likely that something is going to hurt and spoil the fun.
Peloton muscle pain from overuse and sudden increase in exercise volume
Jumping into a new workout routine can bring on very painful aching muscles. That goes for any form of strenuous exercise, not just indoor cycling. If you find yourself hobbling around with sore muscles for a few days after starting a new regimen, or pushing yourself unusally hard, you are most likely suffering Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. That’s the result of stressed muscle fibers suffering many tiny tears, bringing pain, limited range of motion and temporary loss of strength.
Prevention involves building up gradually to more intense levels of exercise. Keep effort and duration at a lower level to start, increasing both over time until your muscles are adapted and resistant to injury.
Try mixing it up more too. Varied exercise is less likely to produce DOMS. Alternating workouts with yoga or stretching routines can help too, and foam rolling can make a big difference by helping to remove lactic acid immediately after hard exercise.
Treatment – rest is best, while the muscle tissue repairs itself. Ice packs and topical analgesics can help reduce inflammation and pain. Heat pads or warm baths can help circulation and relax everything.
Peloton pain from incorrect riding position
Getting your position on the bike right is a critical step. If you ride your regular bike with a roller or trainer setup, any pain you had from incorrect bike fit when riding outdoors may become worse with more intense indoor sessions. On the other hand, stationary bikes like the Peloton are made to adapt to riders of any shape and size, so it’s easy to end up with adjustments that are close enough to feel okay, but wrong enough to cause discomfort over time.
Particularly for new cyclists, it can be a little mystifying how a small tweak to your riding position can have such a big impact on your comfort. Whatever machine you’re riding indoors, if you have any of the following pain points you may benefit from some adjustments to get a better bike fit.
Pain points from incorrect saddle height
Pain in front of hip or groin pain
A saddle that’s much too low can lead to pinching in the hip joint and muscle strain as you lift your leg on the upstroke.
Pain in the middle of the knee, or quads and glutes
Can also be caused by a saddle that’s positioned too low, putting strain on the knee during the downstroke. A seat that’s much too low demands power from the quads and glutes without extending them fully, which can cause extra strain and pain.
Pain behind the knee
A saddle that’s too high can make you hyperextend your knee as you maintain force at the bottom of the pedal stroke. That can produce pain in the tendons behind the knee, or at the top of the calf muscles just where they join the knee.
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the saddle contact area:
A seat positioned too high can make you rotate your pelvis too far forward to reach the handlebars, producing too much pressure in the wrong places. Saddle pain can also be caused by a saddle that’s simply the wrong shape or padding for you. See also the section on saddle comfort.
How to adjust saddle height correctly
One simple way to get saddle height right is to place your heel on the pedal, in your usual cycling shoes, and adjust seat height so that your heel is in good contact at the bottom of the pedal stroke, with your leg straight and no tilting of the hips from side to side.
If your heel loses contact with the pedal at the bottom of the stroke, the saddle is too high. If you find your knee is bent at all at the bottom of the stroke, it is too low.
When pedaling normally this will give you the very slight bend in the knee that you need at full extension of the stroke.
Pain points from incorrect saddle position front to back
Pain in front of the knee, or quads
If the saddle is too far forward you may feel pain from extra stress at the front of the knee, particularly riding hard on the downstroke.
Back pain
Pain in the lower back can be caused by a seat that’s too far back, as you strain to reach the bars.
How to adjust fore and aft position of your bike saddle
Once you have the height dialed in, use trial and error to move the saddle forward or backward, so that as you pedal comfortably your knee cap is directly over the pedal spindle at its forward position. That is halfway on the downstroke, when the cranks are horizontal.
Pain points from incorrect handlebar position
The height and reach of the handlebars should be adjusted so your weight is comfortably distributed between hands and seat. You will move around on the bars as you ride, but normal, endurance riding will bring you back to a position where you can relax. If you’re feeling strain in your back or arms, you know that’s not it.
Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
With handlebars positioned too low, you can find yourself leaning too far forward, with uncomfortable tension in your neck as you hold your head high enough to keep eyes on screen or coach. Most strains in upper back, shoulders and neck can be improved by raising the bars or shortening the reach.
Pain, tingling, or numbness toward the rear of the saddle contact area
If the bars are too high, you may be sitting more upright with more pressure on your sit bones and the rear of the saddle. See also the section on saddle comfort.
Peloton pain from unsuitable equipment and accessories
Stationery bikes of all kinds come equipped with stock saddles, pedals and handlebars. They are chosen for adequate performance and comfort for the average rider, at an acceptable cost to the manufacturer. However, these are the contact points between you, the cyclist, and the machine, and your entire indoor cycling experience depends on how those feel as you ride.
There is a lot of room for a mismatch between what comes out of the box and what would be the most comfortable equipment for your unique physique. If you are experiencing pain in your hands, feet and particularly the saddle contact area when cycling indoors, it will be worth some time and effort to find a better setup for your needs.
Peloton saddle pain
The choice of bike saddle is critical to comfort, and while many indoor stationery bikes, including the Peloton, may have a good quality seat as standard equipment, that does not mean it will be the right saddle for you. Most new indoor cyclists will be well served by trying a saddle upgrade to suit their individual shape and riding position. First make sure your bike fit and riding position is as correct and comfortable as possible, as many saddle pain issues are related to bike fit. If the fit is good but the seat still hurts, it’s time to search for a better saddle for you. Our saddle selector is a great place to start.
Read more about saddle selection and cycling comfort:
If your palms are sore or you get numbness in your hands from pressure on the bars, padded cycling gloves can really help. You may also need to check your position to make sure you’re not too far forward on the bike, putting extra weight on your hands.
Pain points from incorrect foot position, or poor shoe choice
Peloton foot pain
The pedals that came with your indoor bike will determine what kind of shoes you wear.
If the pedals are the clip in type, you will of course need cycling shoes with cleats to fit the pedal. Pedals with no clip mechanism allow you to ride in any shoe. You may have ended up riding many hours in shoes that don’t fit ideally, or let you feel too much of the pressure from the pedal in the ball of your foot.
Making sure your foot is positioned correctly, with the ball of your foot right over the spindle of the pedal, is important. Shoes that have a stiff sole help to eliminate pressure points from the pedal, and it’s essential to get a good comfortable fit with no tight spots.
Most shoes made to accept cleats will have a stiff enough sole, but you may need to fine tune the position of the cleats to make sure your foot is not too far forward or back. The rotation of your foot is important too. It can help to set the cleats just loose enough for them to move as you test pedal for a few revs, so your foot can find a comfortable, natural position, then tighten them up all the way once it’s feeling good. If your foot is twisted even a little away from its natural position, you can end up with ankle or knee pain after riding for a while.
Achilles Pain
If your foot is too far back on the pedal you will be using your calf muscles more to compensate, and potentially straining the achilles tendon.
Good bike fit is essential for any cyclist to get the most enjoyment out of cycling, but it’s especially important if you ride hard and often. Intense Peloton workouts and Zwift sessions can magnify problems, causing enough pain to derail you from your routine.
Don’t let that happen – with a little time and effort to fine tune your position on the bike, and choose the optimum equipment and accessories for your indoor setup, you can happily crush your workouts far into the future.
