Category: Cycling Savvy

This is where we cover more technical and practical cycling topics – bikes, gear, clothing, particularly of interest to female cyclists.

5 TIPS FOR SAFER, HAPPIER URBAN CYCLING.
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City cycling tips from Wellness Revolution, plus a bonus tip for incident-free cycling anywhere

The skills to ride safely in an urban setting are an important part of what we teach in our Wellness Revolution program, run in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield VT. They are essential for gaining (or regaining) confidence on a bike, and that’s a key to actually enjoying the ride.

These tips for safer city cycling are adapted from our urban cycling workshop session, led by program partners Local Motion. We hope they will help many more new cyclists ride safely and happily around traffic, and give experienced riders a few valuable reminders.

1. Respect the Law

It’s a good idea to find out what laws and ordinances apply to cyclists in your area. For example, here in Burlington, Vermont, it’s illegal to ride on the sidewalk in much of the city, but it’s permitted in other places. Ordinances allowing cyclists to perform “rolling stops” at stop signs are becoming more common in some parts of the U.S., but that’s illegal in most places.
In any case, follow the rules you would if you were driving. Cyclists who ignore the rules of the road place themselves and others at risk, and give drivers more reasons to think of all cyclists as a nuisance.
- Your safety and the perception of cyclists depend on you.
- You have the same rights and duties as drivers.
- Obey traffic signals and stop signs.
- Ride with traffic and use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
2. Be Predictable

This means riding so that other road users have a good idea of what you are going to do before you do it, and don’t have to react to sudden, unexpected moves. No surprises for others means safer cycling for you.
- Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road – give clear signals.
- Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars.
- Signal turns, checking behind you well before making a turn or changing lanes.
3. Be Conspicuous

Your safety on the road depends on drivers being able to see you from a distance – lights and brights are the keys.

Confirm for yourself that other road users have seen you: check for eye contact, slowing down or giving you space, etc. If you can’t be sure, adjust for your own safety. For example if that car is not slowing down even though you have the right of way, get ready to avoid it yourself since you’re the vulnerable one.
- Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing.
- Use a front white light, rear red light, and reflectors – lights are optional but strongly recommended in the daytime, but don’t even think of riding without lights after dusk.
- Make eye contact with other road users and don’t ride on sidewalks.
4. Think Ahead

Avoid having to react to surprises yourself, by paying attention to what other road users around you are doing. Paying attention to road conditions ahead also allows you to follow tip number 2 – Be Predictable.
- Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next.
- Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone (The space where a
  motorist can open their door) of parked cars.
- Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards ahead, so you can plan your path around them in advance, allowing for other vehicles.
- Cross railroad tracks at right angles, so your wheel doesn’t get caught by the rails.
- Watch out for grates and access covers in the road, especially when roads are wet or icy.
If you use clip in pedals or toe clips, anticipate ahead of time when you might need to release a foot so you can stop safely. [Editor’s note: If I had a dollar for every time I’ve toppled over at a stop because I didn’t work my foot loose soon enough, I’d have enough for a welding mask to hide my embarrassment.]

5. Ride Ready

Take a few moments to prepare yourself and your bike before the ride, so you don’t have to spend any time beside the road dealing with unexpected problems.
- Before you ride, do your ABC Quick Check – tip 6.
- Make sure any bags or load you are carrying are closed and attached securely.
- Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride.
- Adjust or secure any clothing that could get entangled with any part of the bike – scarf, loose pant leg or skirt.
- Wear a properly adjusted helmet!
6. ABC Quick Check

Performing this basic bike check before you ride will ensure your bike is in good condition and safe to ride. Timely bike maintenance can prevent crashes.
- A (air)
To test the air, push on the tires to see if they give. If you can push the tire in more than about 1/4 of an inch with your thumb, it needs to be refilled. Most bike pumps have an air pressure gauge on them. Pump until the number on the gauge is a few pounds under the pounds per square inch (PSI) number written on the side of the tire. Check out this post by Georgena about the best tire pressure for speed and comfort. While checking the pressure, take a moment to look for damage on the sidewalls or tread of the tire. If you can see loose threads, the tire should be replaced.
- B (Brakes)
Look to see that the brake pads are not worn thinner than 1/8 of an inch. When you squeeze the brake levers firmly, there should be a thumb width’s gap between the lever and the handlebar. If this gap is too small, the brakes need to be adjusted. When the lever is released it should snap back into position. Also, squeeze the brakes to make certain that, when applied, the pads are parallel and aligned with the rim.
- C (Chain, Cranks, Cassette)
When checking the chain, turn the pedals backward and look to see that it’s clean and does not squeak. The chain should not have any rust. To check the cranks, wiggle both the left and right crank arms away from the bike frame. There should be no lateral movement. If they’re loose, Tighten the bolts. Look to see that the cassette, which holds the gears in the rear wheel, is clean and moves freely.
- Quick release
Your bike may have quick release levers used to secure the seat post, wheels, and/or brakes to the bike. Check to make sure that all quick releases are securely closed. If the quick release is loose, hold the open lever with one hand while gradually tightening the adjusting nut in a clockwise direction with the other hand. Try closing the lever to test it. Tighten the nut until you feel slight resistance to the lever and then use the palm of your hand to close it fully. It should close firmly and securely, but loosen the nut a little if it is hard to close the lever – it should not be over tight.
- Check
Before you set out, take a brief, slow ride to check that your bike is working properly and feels right.

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Photo of solo cyclist riding in city by Max Bender on Unsplash
Photo of urban cyclists at end of bike lane by Timelynx from Pixabay
May 24, 2019
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR BIKE HELMET.
Wondering if it’s time to replace your bike helmet?

Here are the facts about when to replace your helmet, and the truth about some myths you may have heard.

Quick version: Replace your bike helmet immediately if any of the following are true:
- - You crashed while wearing it
  - You dropped it hard enough to do visible damage
  - It was made in the 1970s or early ’80s
  - It doesn’t have a CPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker inside
  - You can’t adjust it to fit correctly
Many sources say replace your bike helmet after 3 years, apparently to sell more helmets – the reasons often given are not true (see Common Myths About Helmet Replacement).

Snell, one of the major testing organizations, says replace every 5 years, based on what they call a prudent safety philosophy.

8 years seems to be a reasonable maximum bike helmet lifetime, based on one manufacturer’s helmet degradation testing, as described on helmets.org.

Fashion and style are great reasons to replace your helmet: the whole point is to enjoy cycling with good head protection. If your helmet looks and feels good then surely you’ll enjoy the ride more, while being as safe as possible.

More detailed information about when to replace your bike helmet

Your bike helmet was crashed, dropped, or damaged

Tracy Flucke’s bike helmet after her crash, obviously in need of immediate replacement.

If you are in a crash, replace your helmet. A bike helmet is a safety appliance good for one incident only, so if you are in a crash where you are hit or fall hard, replace it. Even a helmet that appears undamaged should be replaced. People often ask, “Why do you have to get a new helmet when you crash?” This is for two reasons:
- People who are in crashes often don’t remember hitting their heads, or think the impact wasn’t hard, when in fact they did and the helmet did its job.
- The damage to a crashed helmet may not be visible. The outer shell may hide cracks or deformations of the protective foam inside, which make it useless as head protection.
If your bike helmet was manufactured before 1985

Helmets made between about 1970 and 1985 included foams and materials which could not possibly give adequate protection from injury. Standards introduced in the mid-80s removed those substandard models from the market, but helmets from the period still survive. If you have one, destroy it immediately.

Your bike helmet doesn’t have a sticker from a testing standards organization

Any helmet legal for sale in the US will have a certification sticker, from CPSC, ASTM or Snell. If your helmet doesn’t have one, don’t trust it, replace it.

Your bike helmet doesn’t fit well

A helmet can only protect your head if it fits properly, which means it is positioned correctly over vulnerable parts of your skull, and won’t be dislodged by sudden motion and the forces unleashed in a crash.

If the design of the helmet, its shape, or the straps and buckles don’t let you get a secure and comfortable fit, it will not provide adequate head protection. Replace it with one that fits you well.

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Common myths about when a bike helmet should be replaced

Bike helmets should be replaced every three years – bunk

The three years rule is just nonsense. Damage and fit rules apply instead.

Helmets are damaged by long term exposure to sweat and should be replaced – bunk

No helmet material that can be damaged by sweat can pass the standards certification. See the next section. Your helmet may get grungy from sweat and body oils, but that’s a different matter. You can clean it, you know!

The foam used in bike helmets degrades over time – bunk

The EPS foam used in bike helmets is remarkably immune to damage from just about anything other than impact. Liquids, oils, and salts encountered in normal use and storage will have no degrading effect on a helmet at all. If you manage to immerse your helmet in an industrial solvent, then okay, replace that one.

People looking to sell more helmets may tell you the foam dries out, or outgasses over several seasons. This is complete rubbish. Helmet foam is unbelievably stable, and will most likely be intact in whatever our landfills have become by the next geological age.

Hot cars and sunlight damage bike helmets – bunk

A helmet left in a car every day in a hot climate will still be perfectly ok. The heat needed to actually harm a helmet is more in line with a hot oven.

Sunlight will have very little effect on the foam of a helmet. Manufacturers add UV inhibitors to the materials for shells and other plastic components, so sun damage is a myth. If a helmet is faded, perhaps from a fading pigment in the plastic, you might want to replace it for aesthetic reasons, but if otherwise undamaged it should still protect you.

Newer bike helmets protect you better, with updated designs and materials – maybe true

It depends what you started with really. If your current helmet meets safety standards, is not damaged, and fits you well, a newer one will not automatically protect you any better, though the newer MIPS helmets are said to offer better protection in more kinds of crashes. Also, more attention is being paid to prevention of concussion now: existing helmet standards were focused on direct impact absorption rather than other kinds of impacts that can produce concussion.

A newer helmet may offer more convenience, comfort, or other features that make it better than your older helmet – all good reasons to replace it if you want. The best helmet is one that offers adequate protection and you enjoy wearing!

Aesthetics and style preference are perfectly good reasons to replace your bike helmet. Actually, given that an undamaged helmet can be functional and meet requirements for many years, you don’t necessarily have to replace a good helmet when a new one appeals to you.

Of course, you can stick with one helmet if you prefer, but if you want to be able to match your helmet with whatever outfit you’re wearing, why not? As long as you are wearing a helmet, why not look and feel good in it?

It’s also not a bad idea to have a spare on hand if you ride a lot, just in case of an accident.

What to do with a bike helmet that needs to be replaced

When a bike helmet fails or must be discarded, make sure it can’t be used again. Someone may find it and not realize it is no longer safe. Remove that possibility by cutting the straps off or breaking it in two.

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Read Next:

Time for a new helmet? Start here – we hand pick the best of the best in bike helmets for women.

How to fit a bike helmet correctly, so it can protect your head in a crash.

Some interesting innovations that may help people who hate wearing a bike helmet.

More good information on whether or not to replace your bike helmet, from helmets.org.
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March 23, 2019
BIKE TO WORK CLOTHING FOR COMMUTING IN STYLE.
Terry staff recommend favorites for bike to work clothing

Bike to Work Day – May 18th this year, 2018 – gives many people a great reason to try a two wheeled commute for the first time. Of course that can call for quite a bit of preparation. Besides bike maintenance, physical fitness, and getting comfortable with urban cycling, a big obstacle to jumping on the bike is having suitable bike to work clothing.

In fact, you don’t need any special clothes at all to ride a bike, just something comfortable, and maybe layers to deal with changing temperatures and the possibility of wet weather.

But if you need to look professional at work, and sometimes join friends to relax after hours, you’ll want something suitable for each part of your day. Changing and keeping track of clothing starts to be a logistical challenge. Also, if you are commuting by bike regularly you’re going to expect more from your bike to work clothing.

Here’s what Terry staff have to say about the best pieces in our line for your bike to work clothing collection.

First, the Transit Collection.

Wouldn’t it be great if one outfit could do it all?

Moving smoothly from morning ride, through a day at the office, to an evening on the town is a lot to ask of an outfit. Comfortable to ride in means the cut and fit have to be just right, with good moisture control, and comfort through a range of temperatures; fitting in in the workplace means the striking the right balance of all-day comfort and professional appearance. To make the transition to evening once in a while calls for extra style and personality.

Not many pieces can do all that, but we created the Terry Transit collection with all these challenges in mind.
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Transit Dress

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Transit Top

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On the Transit Dress and Transit Top:

Melissa (accounting): Relaxed fit for comfortable riding. No need to change when you get to the office. Very stylish for the office.

Serena (sales): Easy-peasy to throw on quick and be ready for meetings all day, and a post work drink!

Phil (ecommerce): If you decide to play hooky and take the scenic route to work, you can walk right into a meeting in that dress if you get there a few minutes late.

Soleil – sun protection and versatility make a great bike to work clothing choice

The Soleil collection is another line with great qualities for bike to work clothing – performance fabrics, great comfort and versatility, and dresses up wonderfully.

Lisa (customer service): My Soleil cycling tops are the best. Not only do they protect my fair skin from the sun, but also allow me to go right from bike to desk and still look well dressed. If I pair the top with a cardigan or blazer, I’m even ready for a meeting or lunch.

Some of our other bike to work clothing favorites:

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NEW Chill 7 Short

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Sun Goddess in Vendée Gold

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Serena:
- Chill short for those who have a long bike commute. The simple construction with minimal panels is very comfortable, and with my favorite chamois that breathes well on steamy days! See more on the Chill 7.
- Sun Goddess jersey in vendee/gold. The high viz yellow will help traffic see you on the morning/evening rush-hour commute.
Jeannette (customer service):

Femme Cap
Terry Knicker
- The Femme cap is a must! The light weight hat keeps my hair from having the “helmet head” look when I arrive at work. And the visor part of the hat has just the right amount of protection from sun glare
- The Terry Knicker is perfect bike to work clothing! The chamois in this knicker is heavier than our other knickers. This makes the early season break in time more tolerable for sit bones and other body parts. The compression in the fabric keeps muscles warm on cool Spring mornings.
Bike to work clothing recommendations from Terry customers

A couple of our customers have also weighed in on Terry items that make great bike to work clothing, through product reviews.

Lemond R. on the Carbon Metro Crop Pant:

Metro Crop Pant
Metro Short – Carbon
- This is my 4th pair of the Metro Crop pants. Love the crop length….hits right at my ankle bone. I have two pairs of black, one olive and now the new carbon. I am 64 and commute to work 90% of the time. These look great at work, perfect for my business casual job. I am 5’8″ tall, weigh 153 and wear a size Large. I would say that this 2nd generation of Metro Crop pant fits slightly looser. I will have to get used to the new pocket locations. I ride even in winter, so if it is a cool day (35 to 40 degrees) I have to add a thin tight under these to keep warm. They feel like ice on your legs without the tights at that temp. I had called and asked Terry Bicycles to make this pant in grey……so thank you for listening!!! The carbon is very nice!
Elizabeth S. on the Metro Relaxed Shorts:
- A great alternative to fitted racing-style shorts. Nice for bike commute and walking around at your destination without looking all tricked-out in lycra.
Shop all our Terry Metro pieces here.

Tailwinds! May all your bike to work clothing serve you well for bike week and beyond.

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May 12, 2018
SPRING BICYCLE MAINTENANCE.
Add the Cyclist to Your Spring Bicycle Maintenance Checklist.

The weather’s warming up and finally the trails and byways are beckoning again in our part of the world. Time to give our trusty machines some love to get them ready for a trouble-free season ahead. And while we’re on the topic, why not do the same for ourselves? Here are 6 do-it-yourself spring bicycle maintenance tips, plus a few thoughts for preparing the rider, too.

6 Essential Spring Bicycle Maintenance Tips

Is your bike still sitting where you left it last fall, maybe put away with the expectation that there would be more fall rides to follow, that you would get around to a thorough cleaning over the winter when fair-weather cycling was done?

Let’s just say if your bike still bears a crust of last fall’s mud and crud, you’re not alone.

For most of us that means spring bicycle maintenance starts with a good cleaning, with particular attention to the bike’s drive train.

1) General Wipe Down
- Use soapy water, gently wipe all non-lubed surfaces with a damp rag, and dry/buff after the dirt is gone.
2) Wheel Check
- Lift each end of the bike and spin each wheel. If the wheel is out of true you’ll notice it with a fixed point close to the rims as a gauge, like brake blocks, or chainstays if you have disc brakes. Running true? Cool. Otherwise, time for a trip to the bike shop, or pull out your spoke wrench if you’re so inclined.
3) Brake Check
- Take a look at the space between rims and brake blocks. If they are not equal on both sides the calipers need centering. Loosen the bolt holding the calipers to the frame (5mm hex bolt on most brakes), center the brake, tighten up.
- Now look at the gap between brake block surfaces and the rims. A smaller gap means swifter, surer braking, so use the microadjusters on the cable ends to close up the space if needed.
- Check the brake cables for smooth operation. If there’s a lot of friction in the cable the calipers will be harder to squeeze and won’t snap away from the rims as they should. Older bikes that see dirty roads and weather are most likely to be affected. A few drops of oil run carefully down the cable core into the casing can help. You’ll need to detach cables from shifters and brakes to do this. Remove them completely and get plenty of lube inside the cable casing to fix a bad case. Keep the oil well away from rims and brake blocks!
4) Drive Train Grunge Purge
- For light dirt on the chain, brush off any loose stuff, use chain lube liberally and run the chain backwards through a rag until it’s good and clean again.
- For heavy dirt the chain should come off the bike for a good soak and scrub. If you’re not equipped your local friendly bike shop will surely help out here.
- Pop out the back wheel, brush and floss the cassette cogs with a rag to get rid of accumulated dirt and grease. Check for chain/cog wear – change gear to lowest (chain on largest cog at the back). Push and pull the chain where it wraps around the cog. If it’s worn you will be able to move the links of the chain around. A small amount of play is okay, but if there’s a lot, and teeth on the cogs are getting a noticeably hooked profile, it’s time to replace.
- Video: How To Clean Your Chain
5) Derailleur Tweaks
- Set your chain on the big ring at the front, smallest cog at the back. Shift down one gear to the next cog at the back. Now look down from above and behind to check where the derailleur jockey cage is positioning the chain. Does it line up exactly with the cog the chain is on? Perfect – done. If it’s toward the wheel, turn the adjuster at the end of the cable ½ turn clockwise. Counter-clockwise if it’s away from the wheel. Change gears again and recheck, adjust until the chain is aligned nicely.
- Check derailleur cables for smooth operation as you did the brake cables. Clean and lube any cable sections that are routed through slides or pulleys.
6) Nuts and Bolts Check
- Make sure the fasteners all over the bike are secure, and pay particular attention to the stem and headset. Things have a habit of working loose over the miles, so retighten anything that needs it.
With a small selection of tools, and a little know how, you’ll be able to handle most of these spring bicycle maintenance tasks yourself. At the very least you’ll be able to identify problems that need some expert attention from your local bike mechanic.

Here are a few more spring cleaning tips from our archives, and a helpful video: How to Clean and Lube Your Bicycle.

Now, how about a little TLC for the human “machine” – so we can prepare for a trouble-free season too?

Here is some golden spring advice from our own Georgena Terry.
April 4, 2018
WHY CHOOSE A TERRY BIKE SADDLE?

Nothing else affects your cycling enjoyment as much as finding the right bike saddle – and it’s a very individual choice.

With the wrong saddle the irritation or discomfort can ruin the whole experience. With the right choice, you’ll forget to even think about your saddle at all.

So how to find the right bike saddle for you?

A great place to get a solid answer is our online Saddle Selector. We distilled the wisdom of the saddle selection gurus in our customer service department onto one easy to use page. Now you can simply answer a few questions about how you ride, and narrow down all the possibilities to just the Terry bike saddle that matches your needs and preferences exactly.

For a more personal touch, our customer service reps are a wonderful resource to help you narrow down the options. They are ready to call on their enormous experience and product knowledge to guide you to the ideal bike saddle for you. (800.289.8379)

As you consider your options, here’s why we believe your search for the ideal bike saddle begins and ends happily at Terry:

What Sets Terry Bike Saddles Apart?

We are the bike saddle innovators for women – and men. For over 20 years we’ve been designing the ultimate comfort solutions for all types of riding. We ride, we test, we sponsor teams and we work with great partners all over the world to solve the problems and improve the ride for all.

TIME-TESTED DESIGN

Our bike saddles are designed, tested, modified and ridden hard by all of us at Terry in an effort to offer the most comfortable bike seats possible. We thank our riders for inspiring us. Ironman champions, accomplished endurance racers and the thousands of recreational cyclists we hear from every day provide us with challenges toward improving comfort. The proof that we listen is in our product.

SUPERIOR QUALITY

We use only the highest-grade leathers, gels, alloys and synthetics in our bike saddles. Our performance saddles are made in Italy where state-of-the-art manufacturing processes are combined with old-world craftsmanship. Each saddle is hand assembled and inspected against exacting standards.

THE TERRY GUARANTEE

Ride it. Wear it. Love it or Return it.
All our bike saddles are backed by our Ride it and Love it 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you’re not delighted with your Terry bike saddle, return it within 30 days and we’ll happily exchange it or give you a refund.

Top 10 Reasons to Ride a Terry Bike Saddle

10. Terry bike saddles have been praised all over the world by racers, recreational cyclists and cycling magazines. Outside magazine rated our Terry Fly as the best bicycle saddle for men and Bicycling magazine selected the Falcon as Editor’s Choice.

9. All Terry bike saddles are made of the highest-grade leathers, gels, alloys and synthetics. We work with the best Italian manufacturer on our handmade line of sport and performance-level products.

8. The improvements we’ve made over the last 20 years prove that we listen to our customers and incorporate their feedback in our ongoing research and development.

7. With 16 women’s and 13 men’s options, you’re sure to find the right bike saddle whether you’re a century junkie, a weekend warrior, or a once-in-a-while cruiser.

6. Our patented design with seamless cutaway and recessed rear reduces numbness, pressure against soft tissue areas and provides coolness even on your longest rides.

5. The foam density in our bike saddles is varied – firmer in the rear for more support to the sit bones and softer in the front for more relief.

4. A narrow base through the nose of the saddle reduces the potential for chafing.

3. The good news for you – and the bad news for us – is that your Terry bike saddle will last a really long time and you’ll be so comfortable, you won’t want to replace it.

2. Our 30 day “ride it and love it or return it for exchange or refund” guarantee will put an end to the “saddle graveyard” in your home.

1. The #1 reason for riding on a Terry bike saddle is: It will be the most comfortable ride of your life, every time you ride.

Over a million Terry bike saddles have been sold in the US and around the world. We invite you to discover the Terry Difference for yourself.

Browse our wide selection of high comfort, high performance bike saddles here:

Women’s bike saddles

Men’s bike saddles

Easy Online Bike Saddle Selector

March 9, 2018
HOW TO CHOOSE BIKE BOTTOMS.

What to look for when comparing bike bottoms

Your choice of bike bottoms can make or break your enjoyment of cycling. It’s almost as important as selecting the right bike seat.

But it’s hard to know where to begin figuring out how to choose bike bottoms when there are so many from so many brands – and they all look pretty much the same!

These days there are more and more fun colors and patterns in bike bottoms, which can make the choice seem a little easier, but beware! It’s easy to choose for fashion and end up with bike bottoms that don’t work well for the riding you do.

We’re here to help.

The team of product designers and developers here at Terry spilled the beans, with expert advice on how to choose bike bottoms. Now we bring you:

Your first choice is easy – shorts, knickers or tights? That’s going to depend mostly on the weather you expect, of course.

Next, dive into these posts to explore all your options:

The choice starts with the type of riding you expect to do, and some personal preferences. From there, we explain everything you need to know about how bike shorts are constructed, what fabrics are used, and what chamois options you have, to find the shorts best suited to how you ride: How to choose your new favorite bike shorts

Fabric, fit, construction and chamois are all essential parts of choosing the right bike tights. This post guides you through your options: What to look for when shopping for bike tights

Also, check out this real-ride field test of our cycling tights, with recommendations for choosing the best tights for the riding conditions you expect.

Just as cycling knickers fall between shorts and tights in terms of length, many of the feature considerations are the same when choosing the right pair of bike knickers. This post guides you through the different choices: How to choose your ideal bike knickers

When you’re fully prepared with the info you need, browse our complete selection of cycling bottoms here.

March 8, 2018
HOW TO CHOOSE CYCLING TOPS.
How to choose your “go-to” cycling tops

There’s so much more to choosing cycling tops – or bike jerseys – than just finding patterns and colors you like. Finding the right tops for your riding style, comfort preferences and performance needs will make all your rides more fun and enjoyable.

We’re here to help you navigate all the choices. Here’s the low-down from the team of experts here at Terry:

Sleeves – for all seasons and reasons

Striking the right balance between warmth, ventilation, and sun protection is your first consideration. It’s the biggest reason why most cyclists collect a variety of cycling tops – to make sure they have just the right jersey for any weather conditions they expect to ride in.

The other big reason is all those terrific patterns and colors – so you always have great answers to “What do I feel like wearing today?”

Don’t forget about the cycling bolero – a very useful addition to your cycling wardrobe. Wear over short sleeve and sleeveless cycling tops for extra protection against sun or cold air, then stow it easily when conditions change.

Is it your style?

Are you a road rider who goes out for hours at a time? A globetrotting, multi-day bike tourist? An MTB maven or gravel gal? Or maybe you’re more of a recreational rider? Would you like to be able to use your top for a variety of activities? Selecting the right jersey should be a function of the style of riding you’re going to be doing, the kind of weather you’ll be likely to encounter, the amount of coverage you want—or don’t want—and of course, what you want to spend. Before selecting your top, always consider how you’ll be spending your time in the saddle.

We’re well aware that there isn’t just one type of rider out there, so we offer something in every category: short sleeve, sleeveless, long sleeve styles in high functioning fabrics from ultralight to thermal fleece-backed.
Another biggie for cycling has to do with pockets, both in numbers and in placement. Handy as can be for extended rides and on-the-fly support, open rear pockets can carry your phone, energy bars, light wind jacket, sunscreen, an extra water bottle, and a host of necessities that would otherwise require a pack. Look for pockets that are easy to reach, plenty deep and with some security for key or credit card.

You can filter any of our cycling apparel categories using the checkboxes for 1 or 2 pockets, or 3+ pockets, like this: all apparel with pockets. If you prefer to live a pocket free lifestyle, don’t worry, we have options for you, too!

Fit.

Our goal is to get you riding beautifully, and that includes riding in comfort. The fit of our cycling tops gives you options, in addition to size, to find the balance of tightness, airiness, and aerodynamics that suits your preferences and individual shape. Here’s a brief guide to our fit options.

The jerseys and cycling tops you’ll find at Terry fall into three general fit categories:

Athletic Fit

Form-fitted for best moisture wicking and aerodynamics to minimize wind resistance and flapping. Typically these are considered “performance” tops and are well-suited for intensive riding. See athletic fit options here.

Semi-Fitted

Body contoured, but not tight, this fit splits the difference between athletic and relaxed fit tops. Suited for touring and fitness/recreational riding where aerodynamics are less important than all-day, on/off bike comfort. Browse semi-fitted cycling top options here.

Relaxed Fit

Loose against the body. Unusual to find in the cycling industry, we offer several tops in this fit category for riders who simply don’t want to wear anything tight but desire the features of a technical top. Shop relaxed fit tops here.

Fabric & Technology.

So which fabrics are best for cycling tops? The world has exploded with technical man-made fabric options, all-natural performance alternatives, sustainable fibers like bamboo or recycled polyester, and a host of yarns, treatments and finishes that can add certain characteristics. All of these have something to offer, but they can and do differ in their levels of moisture control, heat management, UPF factor, texture, anti-odor control and stretch/resilience. With so many options in the world of cycling wear, it’s important to select tops in fabrics that will serve the best technical properties for your needs. Here are a few excellent fabrics that we use in our tops, and why use them.

Antibacterial Fabric:

Amazing silver ion technology embedded in our 100% polyester anti-bacterial fabric permanently inhibits the growth of odor causing bacteria. Less bacteria = less odor. So how does it work? The positive silver ions are attracted to bacteria’s negatively charged ions and when they get together, the bacteria stops reproducing completely. Unlike some antibacterial finishes, this technology will never wash away or stop working because it is woven into the very fabric. The magic doesn’t just stop at the bacteria-eating buffet, this fabric is also highly breathable, quick wicking, and has interwoven UV protection (UPF 40+ rating). The array of jerseys that utilize this innovative fabric includes our Breakaway Mesh Jersey, Sunblocker Jersey, Actif Jersey and Sun Goddess Jersey.

Soleil Fabric (Micropoly)

Apparel made from our revolutionary Soleil fabric provides cyclists with sun protection against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. In addition to offering built in UPF 50+ sun protection that won’t wash away with continued use, our micropoly Soleil fabric has a luxuriously silky feel, is extremely light, wrinkle resistant, antimicrobial, moisture wicking and comfortably wearable in high heat/aerobic conditions. The combination of these properties make our Soleil Tops an excellent option for recreating beyond just riding and are used for a host of activities from paddle boarding to pickleball. Check out our Soleil collection here.

Tech Tee Fabric:

Ideal for occasions where you just don’t need/want a traditional bike jersey, our Tech Tee fabric has a more casual feel yet is still packed with performance features. It delivers UPF 50+ sun protection, great stretch, and exceptional moisture wicking to keep you cool, dry and comfortable on recreational and commuter rides. Explore our line of Tech Tees and Tanks. Or discover our NEW Rover 3/4 Sleeve Top composed from the same fabric.

Polyester Tricot:

Polyester Tricot isn’t that well known, but its soft, natural-fiber feel, smooth texture, and day-in-day-out durability make it a phenomenal choice for cycling. Woven using a unique process, tricot is resistant to runs, tears, wrinkles, and static and offers wonderful drapeability that flatters all body types. Its highly breathable, polyester-based construction excels at moisture wicking and provides cling-free comfort for many happy hours in the saddle. Our best selling Tourista Tanks and crowd-pleasing Wayfarer Tops made from this fabric can be found riding anywhere from casual excursions with friends to multi-day bike tours.

Recycled Polyester:

In building upon our mountain bike and gravel riding programs, it was important to select a fabric that could stand up to the demands of high-intensity, enduro experiences. We opted to use an eco-friendly recycled polyester mesh that manages moisture and has superior durability and abrasion and UV resistance. With a UPF 30+ rating, our recycled polyester Vista Tops pair perfectly with sunny days spent out on the trails.

Italian Rib-Tek:

We sourced this stunning mesh fabric to create a performance player with the best breathability, that dries quickly, drapes beautifully, and has a very soft and cool feel against the skin. Primed for the hottest conditions and most vigorous workouts, our Cyclotanks made from Italian Rib-tek are a preferred option amongst cyclistas and yogis alike.

Merino Wool:

Where wool is considered one of nature’s miracle fabrics, merino is the crème de la crème for cycling. Finest and softest wool of any sheep, Merino makes a great next-to-skin natural fabric alternative for cyclists. It excels at regulating body temperature, providing a high degree of warmth to weight so you don’t have to bulk up. It is also excellent for moisture wicking, is slightly moisture repellent, has antibacterial properties and can be aired out rather than washed with each use. Be on the lookout for a NEW Terry Merino Long Sleeve Jersey – arriving Fall 2023.

Ready to explore? See all our bike tops here.

Or start with short sleeve tops, sleeveless tops, or long sleeve tops.
March 7, 2018
HOW TO CHOOSE CYCLING SHORTS.
How to choose cycling shorts – First, is it your style?

A short is not a short. Or is it? It can be confusing. Is a $150 pair of cycling shorts going to make you a better rider, or will the $79 pair keep you just as comfortable?

Certainly everything is a matter of degree, but there are distinct differences when it comes to the construction and use of cycling shorts. We suggest that you find yourself below, then evaluate shorts and their features/benefits based on the type of riding you’d like to be able to do.
- Performance: ride hard, long distances (50+ miles; 3+ hours) and challenging terrain; race, tri, mountain bike. Plan to spend $80+ on a performance-level pair of shorts.
- Touring: long distances (50+ miles; 3+ hours) and multiple days in a row; bike touring with overnights away from home (and washing machine), cross country riding, centuries and life by bike. Again, plan to spend $80+ on touring shorts.
- Fitness/Fun: 10-40 miles (1-3 hours) per ride in a variety of conditions and temperatures; around town, events, group rides, commuting, bike paths, weekend outings, spinning/gym use. You can find good quality bike shorts from $50+.
Cycling short construction – what’s the right number of panels?

The more panels in the construction of your cycling shorts, the more sculpted the fit becomes and the lower the potential for chafing. However, more panels also means more sewing and higher cost. Here’s the general rule of thumb:
- Performance: 6+ panels
- Touring: 6-8 panels
- Fitness/Fun: 4-6 panels
How to choose cycling shorts based on the fabric.

Look for fabrics that are moisture wicking, fast drying, nice feeling against the skin. There are so many different fabric blends available in sportswear today, but they can and do differ in their levels of moisture control, texture and compression.
- Performance cycling shorts typically use higher compression fabrics. The more spandex, the more compression (which can help improve muscle efficiency/recovery) and the tighter the fit of the short. Fabrics also vary based on the specific technical needs. Tri shorts, for example, require fabrics that can provide UV protection, withstand the effects of chlorine and air dry quickly.
- Touring shorts really require the best moisture wicking, quick dry fabrics so you can spend all day in them, launder at night and potentially use the next day. Synthetics are used in bike shorts to aid in moisture transfer – the key to staying dry and comfortable.
- Fitness/Fun shorts can run the gamut when it comes to fabric. It’s important that it has some degree of spandex so the shorts will retain their shape and it’s also important to avoid any blends with cotton (which retains moisture).
The most important part of your cycling short choice – the chamois.

The heart and soul of any cycling short is its chamois. It’s a significant part of the construction and the cost of the short. It can make all the difference on a ride, so it’s important that you end up with your soulmate here. These are the things to consider when evaluating the differences between shorts with different chamois:
- Ventilation and moisture control (super critical for Touring). Due to proximity to lady parts, antibacterial and bacteriostatic fabric surface treatments are also important to evaluate.
- Four-way stretch that allows your chamois to move with you, providing comfort while pedaling (particularly important for long distances, high pedaling cadences and long hours). Elastic Interface® Technology is the standard and is the patented technology from Italy used in our Flex and Flex Air chamois.
- Unpadded wings reduce bulk through the center of the chamois which means greater freedom of movement and less potential for inner thigh chafing. You won’t find this anywhere other than Terry – it’s a unique feature of our Flex and Flex Air chamois on Touring and Performance shorts.
- Seamless construction (for all riders). No seams mean less irritation and abrasion. Most chamois are seamlessly molded with varying densities of foam, strategically placed for maximum comfort and support of your sit bones.
How to choose the best leg banding for your ideal cycling shorts.

The devices used in keeping cycling shorts from riding up have really come a long way. No longer do you have to accept the sausage casing look or feel. Historically, elastic banding has been the norm but there are new silicone-based grip tape, soft woven elastic, wide power lycra bands and additional gripper-free alternatives. No matter what level rider or short you’re looking for, you can find a range of options. In general:
- Gripper with silicone is the most secure, most restrictive, tightest feeling, used in Performance and Touring shorts.
- Enclosed elastic in the hemline is old school but secure, not as tight feeling. Used primarily in Fitness/Fun level shorts.
- High compression banding is found in Performance-level shorts and provides a low level of security, definitely not tight feeling against the lower thigh.
Now you know how to choose cycling shorts perfectly matched to your needs, browse our complete selection of bike shorts for women here. We have added the ability to choose the features most important to you and narrow the selection of bike shorts to the ones that match – check it out!

Check out our “how to choose” articles on cycling tights and cycling knickers, and if you find this information helpful please share!
March 7, 2018
HOW TO CHOOSE CYCLING TIGHTS.

What to look for when shopping for cycling tights

Cycling tights give you full length protection from chilly or freezing weather, or from the sun. Consider the weight of the fabric to suit the range of conditions you will be riding in.

To pad or not to pad.

Unpadded tights are normally worn over your cycling shorts or liners, giving the advantage of being useful for other off-bike purposes. The disadvantage is that double layers of fabric can add to friction and bulk which we like to avoid.

Padded tights are cycling specific and a lovely way to go full length without the added bulk of fabric and seams over seams which can cause friction and chafing.

Evaluate the fabric.

A range of options exist, from thermal wind-protective, fleece interior Winter Tights (20-40º), to 3-season, moisture wicking Coolweather Tights (30-50º+). Neither are waterproof, so consider adding a GORE-TEX® shell (pant or short) as an outer layer if faced with wet conditions.

Seam placement.

Pay attention to placement of the seams on cycling tights. Poor placement can lead to chafing, particularly around and behind the knee.

Select the proper size.

Cycling tights should fit tightly, with no bagging or sagging fabric that will catch on your saddle.

Length is important of course, since we’re all shaped a little differently. Our most popular Terry bike tights are available in different lengths to suit taller or shorter riders. If in doubt, our customer service team will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Match your cycling tights to the riding conditions.

Choose fabric weight, lining and water resistance to the weather and road or trail conditions you expect. We put our bike tights to a tough real-ride field test, and came up with recommendations for the best tights to choose for different temperature and riding conditions.

Shop our complete selection of bike tights here.

Check out our “how to choose” articles on cycling shorts and cycling knickers, and if you find this information helpful please share with your friends!

March 7, 2018
HOW TO CHOOSE BIKE KNICKERS.
Good bike knickers give you the best of both worlds

Bike knickers are a great solution to a few issues we cyclists often encounter – temperature, sun exposure, and comfort/appearance.

Bike knickers help bridge the gap between cool and warmer temperatures, giving the protection we want without overheating.

In strong sun they give us more protection than shorts, but with a little more freedom of movement and temperature moderation than cycling tights.

Riders who don’t feel completely comfortable wearing cycling shorts in public can still get the performance and comfort they need with bike knickers.

Here are a few points to look for when you are shopping for bike knickers, straight from the product development team here at Terry.

Is it your style?

We suggest that you find yourself below, then evaluate knickers and their features/benefits based on the type of riding you’d like to be able to do.
- Performance: ride hard, long distances (50+ miles; 3+ hours) and challenging terrain; race, tri, mountain bike. Plan to spend $90+ on a performance-level pair.
- Touring: long distances (50+ miles; 3+ hours) and multiple days in a row; bike touring with overnights away from home (and washing machine), cross country riding, centuries and life by bike. Again, plan to spend $90+.
- Fitness/Fun: 10-40 miles (1-3 hours) per ride in a variety of conditions and temperatures; around town, events, group rides, commuting, bike paths, weekend outings, spinning/gym use. You can find good quality options from $70+.
Number of Panels.

The more panels, the more sculpted the fit becomes and the lower the potential for chafing. However, more panels also means more sewing and higher cost. Here’s the general rule of thumb:
- Performance: 8+ panels
- Touring: 6-8 panels
- Fitness/Fun: 4-6 panels
Fabric.

Look for fabrics that are moisture wicking, fast drying, nice feeling against the skin. There are so many different fabric blends available in sportswear today, but they can and do differ in their levels of moisture control, texture and compression.
- Performance knickers (Bella) typically use higher compression fabrics. The more spandex, the more compression (which can help improve muscle efficiency/recovery) and the tighter the fit of the short. Fabrics also vary based on the specific technical needs. Tri shorts, for example, require fabrics that can provide UV protection, withstand the effects of chlorine and air dry quickly.
- Touring knickers (Knicker) really require the best moisture wicking, quick dry fabrics so you can spend all day in them, launder at night and potentially use the next day. Synthetics are used in bike shorts to aid in moisture transfer – the key to staying dry and comfortable.
- Fitness/Fun knickers (Actif, Spinnaker, Metro Capri) can run the gamut when it comes to fabric. It’s important that it has some degree of spandex so they will retain their shape.
Chamois.

The heart and soul of any cycling bottom is its chamois. It’s a significant part of the construction and the cost. It can make all the difference on a ride, so it’s important that you end up with your soulmate here. These are the things to consider when evaluating the differences between knicker-length bottoms with different chamois:
- Ventilation and moisture control (super critical for Touring). Due to proximity to lady parts, antibacterial and bacteriostatic fabric surface treatments are also important to evaluate.
- Four-way stretch that allows your chamois to move with you, providing comfort while pedaling (particularly important for long distances, high pedaling cadences and long hours). Elastic Interface® Technology is the standard and is the patented technology from Italy used in our Flex and Flex Air chamois.
- Unpadded wings reduce bulk through the center of the chamois which means greater freedom of movement and less potential for inner thigh chafing. You won’t find this anywhere other than Terry – it’s a unique feature of our Flex and Flex Air chamois on Touring and Performance bottoms.
- Seamless construction (for all riders). No seams mean less irritation and abrasion. Most chamois are seamlessly molded with varying densities of foam, strategically placed for maximum comfort and support of your sit bones.
Shop our complete selection of cycling knickers here.

Check out our “how to choose” articles on cycling shorts and cycling tights, and if you find this information helpful please share with your friends!
March 7, 2018