Skorts and Skirts have long been a pillar of our go-anywhere and do-anything approach to cycling apparel. When any day can bring adventure, we need our gear to be a sure bet. This season our design goal was to combine limitless potential with the free-spirited femininity and clean lines of a skirt. We’ve also sourced some multi-sport options from companies who have a similar approach to design and feminine engineering. Whether you’re finally planning that bike tour or refreshing your work-from-home wardrobe, there’s something new for you.
We’re eager for you to join us on the outskirts.
Our NEW Rover Skort is a versatile and unique 2-piece skirt/padded liner combo for on & off bike utility.
The Mixie Ultra Skirt is our newest quick and clever cover-up. A riff on another travel staple enhanced with double-bonded fabric and side snap closures for mobility.
Our best-selling everywhere and all-occasion Metro Skort, now with updated outer skirt made with recycled stretch woven fabric.
The all-in-one wonder that’s full of tricks. Ride for miles with a smile in fun prints and our Fleet Air chamois.
A rebel breaks the rules. Our highest performance Rebel Skort gracefully handles the most challenging riding conditions with complete freedom of movement and fashion flair.
A rule bender and trail hopper designed for those with a desire for something cooler, lighter weight, and wearable all day.
Mixie Skirt
A staple for any seasoned traveler, slip our Mixie Skirt over spandex or your favorite swimsuit. Fresh for spring in all new prints.
Zipper Skirt in River Rock
A must-have for jet setters. On the road or off to dinner, you’re well dressed in the savvy and modestly styled Zipper Skirt.
Wrapper Lite Plus
Our simply constructed and compactable wrap-style skirt improved for 2022 with lighter, quieter fabric.
Mila Skort by Krimson Klover
The Mila Skort is well suited for all-day wear with compression mesh short liner and subtle stash pocket. Easily transition from a morning on the court to a sunset paddleboard adventure in this unpadded option from Krimson Klover.
Wellington Skort by Krimson Klover
Another grab-and-go skort responsibly designed by Krimson Klover and available in two fabulous floral prints. Vetted for your venture with wrinkle resistance, UPF 40+ sun protection, and 4-way stretch.
Germer Skort by Maloja
An all new easy pull-on and flattering multi-stretch skort from our friends at Maloja. Equipped with quick drying, eco-friendly and water-repellant fabric free of harmful PFC.
If you’re new to riding an ebike and are wondering how to choose clothing and accessories, we’ve got some answers for you.
Of course, ebike riders are just about as infinitely varied as regular bike riders, so there’s lots of room for different approaches, goals, styles. What feels best for one rider might not work at all for someone else.
What’s the best clothing for riding an ebike?
The first big decision point comes when considering the kind of riding you will be doing.
Are you on an ebike as a way to extend your enjoyment of cycling?
If this is you, electric assist lets you ride further and faster, but the kind of riding, and your exertion, aren’t that different from what you are already used to on your 100% leg-powered bike.
The best clothing and equipment choices will mirror what you already use, cycling-specific gear that emphasizes moisture transport, breathability, temperature control, visibility and aerodynamics.
You’ll be riding faster on an ebike, so safety is even more of a concern. Making yourself easily visible to other road users, and wearing a properly fitted bike helmet are both important priorities.
Are you looking for the best clothing for riding an ebike on a group tour?
Many participants in group cycling tours are now opting for ebikes. They enjoy everything about the experience just the same as on a regular bike, with the wonderful advantage of electric assist toward the end of a long day. They get all the pleasure and camaraderie, without struggling to keep up when exhausted by a challenging route.
If this is you, you will want to opt for cycling specific clothes that prioritize comfort and durability for long rides and multi-day riding, have good sun protection, and are quick drying.
On the other hand, many new ebike riders have not been regular cyclists, and are not interested in performance. They just want to enjoy riding and make it easy to integrate into their lives.
Did you choose an ebike to replace a car or public transit, at least some of the time?
Or, did you buy an ebike to enjoy the good bits of cycling for exercise and fun, without getting sweaty and grinding up hills?
If either of these cases apply to you, this article is really geared to help you choose the best clothing for riding an ebike, based on your needs and preferences (see what I did there?).
First, electric assist means never having to grunt and sweat to get from A to B (unless you want to).
That means you are less likely to overheat, less likely to get clammy on a climb and then chilled on the descent.
A lot of cycling specific clothing is designed with moisture transport, breathability, ventilation and adjustability in mind, but on an ebike those concerns are reduced.
Second, as an ebike rider, you are more likely to go from biking to other activities seamlessly.
You have less need for cycling specific clothing, and may want to avoid looking like a cyclist. You may be perfectly comfortable in regular street clothes, or casual activewear, but if you will go on longer ebike rides, or more often, you will find some cycling-friendly features will really help you enjoy it more.
You would still benefit from breathable clothing that can be layered, and you will still need good visibility, especially if you will ride in traffic.
So, what you’re looking for is clothing with good sun protection, good wind resistance, versatility for different activities, and high visibility. It might be a big plus if your cycling gear also looks at home in a store, restaurant, or workplace.
For female ebike riders, a great place to start looking is our lifestyle apparel section. Here we feature a curated selection of fashionable clothing that is also bike friendly. We look for pieces that are comfortable and convenient to ride in, and which can transition into any other venue your life includes.
Take a look also at our cycling tops, and jackets and vests. Many options are versatile enough to go comfortably from biking to other activities.
Our Soleil line of cycling tops for women includes a lot of options that are bright for visibility, with excellent sun protection. They don’t look like skin-tight bike gear, feel great, and fit a wide range of body shapes – highly recommended as an option for your best clothing for riding an ebike.
Another way to solve the visibility puzzle is to use lights, and a hi-viz reflective vest, which can clip over the top of whatever you’re wearing and be stowed away easily when you jump off the bike. Read more about visibility strategies in this post: A-B-C for Cycling Safety.
Should I wear cycling shorts to ride an ebike?
Terry Flex Air Chamois, an essential component of many of our premium women’s cycling shorts.
Yes, bike shorts will help you enjoy your ebike more if you ride more than about half an hour at a time.
Cycling specific shorts usually feature a chamois pad (pronounced shammy). This can feel a little awkward for walking around at first, but the extra comfort while riding makes it well worth it.
The original chamois was actually a piece of chamois leather, sewn into bike shorts, and typically used with chamois cream, a lubricant with antibiotic properties. There wasn’t much padding at all, if any.
The modern chamois has evolved into a multi-density foam pad, which transports moisture, resists microbial action, and provides cushioning in just the right places. Ours also feature an edge profile that minimizes bulk and chafing on the side of the saddle.
Read all about our chamois options in our Chamois Guide.
Riding in bike shorts doesn’t mean you need to rock the lycra look! There are lots of great padded options in loose fit bike shorts, and shorts that don’t look anything like bike shorts.
In addition, we offer many choices in liner bike shorts that will give you the benefits of padded comfort, moisture transport and hygiene, while wearing just about any other clothing you like.
Don’t forget the versatility of cycling skorts – a great way to sport a more casual, feminine look, without sacrificing comfort for long ebike rides.
Mixie Ultra Skort
Terry Metro BTK
Terry Vista Short
Cyclo Brief 2.0 Bike Liner shown in colorway Black Quick View New Cyclo Brief 2.0 Bike Liner
For more helpful info about choosing bike shorts, visit our main shorts page. Scroll all the way down for a guide to bike shorts features and frequently asked questions (including such pressing issues as “Should I wear undies?”).
Do I need a special helmet for riding an ebike?
We strongly recommend a properly fitted helmet for anyone riding any kind of bike. When you consider that you’ll be riding faster and probably longer on an ebike, it makes even more sense to protect yourself and your children.
People often ask though:
“Am I legally required to wear a helmet on my ebike?”
There are at least two cases where you will be required to wear an approved helmet when riding an ebike:
Local laws in your area require helmet use. You will need to check in the area where you are riding.
You ride a class III ebike. Ebikes are classified legally based on the speeds they are capable of. Class I and II are slower, Class III is fast enough – over 20mph – to create higher safety risks. Helmets are required in most jurisdictions. Again, check local regulations where you are riding.
Another frequent question:
“Do I need a different helmet for riding an ebike than for a regular bike?”
There is no special standard for ebike helmets, as there is for motorcycle helmets, so it’s okay to use a regular bike helmet.
However, because of the higher speeds, it’s a good idea to invest in the best helmet technology you can. The newer MIPS helmets are designed to reduce the risk of concussion in a crash, so they are highly recommended for ebike riders.
Whatever type of helmet you use, as long as it’s an approved model, it’s actually more important that it is properly fitted, and particularly important to make sure your kids’ helmets are securely fitted. A superior helmet cannot protect you if it is not well fitted – it could simply pop off your head when you need the protection most.
Most ebikes are outfitted with good all round saddles, but bike seats are a very personal preference: one that’s great for one rider may be really uncomfortable for another. If your ebike seat leaves you squirming after a while, we have lots of resources to help you find a better match.
We offer the world’s most comfortable saddles, a claim we make with confidence thanks to expert design by dedicated cyclists, and decades of experience matching riders with the right saddle for their needs.
Riding position for most ebike riders tends to be more upright. With electric assist, there’s no need for an aero position to achieve and maintain speed, and the whole goal is a more relaxed experience. In an upright or slightly forward position, more of your weight is on your sitbones, and thicker padding is helpful.
Our Liberator and Cite models are optimized for a slightly forward or more upright riding position, with plenty of padding in the right places, and the support and control you need at speed. They offer a great upgrade path for ebikes.
Terry Cite X Gel bike saddle
Terry Liberator X Gel bike saddle
Don’t be tempted by squishier, softer-padded saddles. Some oversized saddles look like they would be softer on the derriere, but a pillow-like bike seat can become excruciating after just a few minutes. This is because it doesn’t support you properly under your sitbones, and the pressure from your weight is applied everywhere, including where you don’t want it.
For more help choosing an ebike seat, take a look a these posts, and visit our Saddle Selector.
Every season we raise the bar for our accessory team. Best in class cycling products, best new items for women, hard to find solutions that improve the ride and easy to use are the criteria we use to evaluate the sea of on body/on bike treasures.
And the awards for best cycling accessories for 2022 go to…
ON THE BODY
Sunglasses
Riding In Parallel – with interchangeable lensesBest new shield for cyclists – Tifosi RailAlliant interchangeable shields are a stealSledge Lite with maximum (pink) coverageParallel with polarized blue mirror lenses for unparalleled clarity$30 Swank – 2 tortoise shell options
Helmets
Persist pays off when it comes to comfortable straps & anti-bug ventsRapido – best value ($100!) in new high vizViantor MIPS – best Italian styling & huge ponytail portBest deal in a trail helmet – $80 ConvoyRadix MIPS – most versatile & best use of dots Merit with new spherical MIPS for highest impact protection
Gloves
NEW Touring Gel Glove with innovative articulated palmSoleil SF glove – best 3D palm fit against handlebars Soleil FF for lightweight full UPF coverageT-Glove LTD in 20+ prints!Rosso Corsa with the world’s most innovative palm structureRoubaix – Castelli’s most padded glove for women
Footwear
Lightest T-5 Air for Road & TriBest Road Shoe value – $100 StylusMost universal fit: Multi Air Flex II (coming in April)Good Riddance for Bad@!% Girls
ON THE BIKE
New Butterfly LTD for extra ZoomA flotilla of the Purist water bottles you can findBest compact handlebar bag – Kinga (coming in April)Topo Designs Frame Bags maximize on-bike packability
Terry Freedom 2-in-1 Bike Short, with Soleil Long Sleeve Flow in Zoom | Blue
Whatever type of cycling you enjoy, we aim to bring you the best women’s bike shorts available. It’s a big part of our mission to help more women enjoy riding bikes, comfortably and beautifully!
With that in mind, we’re introducing an exciting new array of bike shorts for women cyclists this year. There are new options for all kinds of riding, from versatile bike shorts that can adapt seamlessly through to other activities, to hard core padded cycling shorts for road and multi-day tours.
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.
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What Makes the Best Bike Shorts for Women?
Finding your ideal bike shorts can feel like a lifetime quest. To start with, we are all different shapes and sizes, so finding shorts that fit your particular shape comfortably can be challenge enough.
Most importantly, your best bike shorts will be those that let you ride in comfort for as long as you want to, without chafing or saddle sores. Fabric choices, amount of compression, chamois options, panel construction, leg length, hem height and gripper styles all come into play.
Then of course, cycling encompasses a real variety of activities. All are united by two wheels, but different cycling pursuits involve very different environments, positions, durations and demands.
Those varied requirements put the emphasis on different features for different riders. The best bike shorts for one type of riding won’t be so good for others, and what’s most comfortable for one rider might not be comfortable at all for another. It’s a very personal thing.
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.
Keep reading for highlights of our new women’s bike shorts lineup for 2022, and the details you need to choose the right pair for you. At least one just might become your new favorite…
The Easy Rider is completely focused on comfort, featuring a sensuous performance fabric with a luxurious matte-sueded texture. The waistband is extra high, and there are no leg grippers at all! The raw cut legs are designed to rise a little as you ride, giving blissful unrestricted comfort even on long rides.
Delivers great performance features at an attractive price point, with 6 panel construction and moderate compression. The Breakaway LTD adds hits of high-viz fabric to give you extra bio-motion visibility.
The Bella has earned its place as the standard by which all women’s performance cycling shorts are judged. This Limited Edition features the same beloved fabric, style, fit, padding and compression, with the addition of reflective trim applied throughout the contrast seaming.
Best bike short for trails and beyond – Vista Short
Vista opens new possibilities, with an innovative wide waistband and unique stretch twill fabric that gives a wonderful fit for many different body shapes. It’s paired with our new Cyclo Brief 2.0, so you can wear it for serious cycling or without the liner for hiking, travel, you name it.
The Freedom 2-in-1 is a new concept in bike shorts that can bridge the gap between performance cycling and many other activities where a liner is not required. That means a sleeker look and no chamois seaming. Think yoga, shopping, club?
The short features moderate compression in a nylon/spandex blend. Paired with the new Cyclo Brief 2.0, with our minimalist Reticulated Chamois, it’s capable of serious cycling performance when lighter padding is sufficient.
You’ll be spoilt for choice this year! We’re introducing an array of new options in cycling liner shorts, so you can combine your favorite pieces with a liner that will go the distance in comfort, no matter what kind of cycling you enjoy.
Cyclo Brief 2.0 – lowest profile liner, with minimalist Reticulated ChamoisUniversal 5 inch Bike Liner – length to clear your saddle, good for up to 2 hoursPerformance Bike Liner – best choice for serious cycling, premium chamoisMixie Bike Liner – transforms streetwear into bikewear, coordinates beautifully with our Mixie Skirt
For those who prefer a non-lycra approach, the Metro BTK is a great option – its stretch woven fabric and tapered-but-not-tight fit provide comfort and protection for trails, hiking, work or travel.
Terry Rebel Bike Short with Sun Goddess in Blue Spokes
Best women’s bike shorts for Peloton, spin, & indoor cycling – Rebel Bike Short
The Rebel Short is designed to excel in high heat. Features moderate compression, for an adaptable, flattering fit. Super lightweight, highly breathable, with stylish, playful accents doing double duty as ventilation – these are a great choice for staying cool while looking hot!
Recognized by Bicycling magazine for best value under $60. The Actif doesn’t cut corners on comfort, with best-in-class fit, features and chamois padding.
Best bike shorts for everyday comfort – Bike Bermuda
Built in the USA and ridden everywhere. The Bike Bermuda features the same silky fabric and chamois as the ever-popular Breakaway, with a longer leg, higher rise, handy pocket and moderate compression for a forgiving fit, and great comfort.
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.
Featuring the same gorgeous, next-to-skin performance fabric, construction and features, in a shorter length. Great for hotter conditions or higher tan lines.
Hi Rise Holster is a Terry best-seller, thanks to the comfort of its extra-high-waisted fit. Many customers say these are the best, most comfortable shorts they have ever owned. Sculpted panels, long length and deep pockets. A versatile short, ready for touring, gravel, or MTB.
Updated with a great selection of coordinating prints for 2022. Soleil Short is becoming a firm favorite for comfort, UPF protection and versatility. Best women’s bike short for performance with personality.
Those are just the highlights! We make cycling shorts for just about every shape, size and type of rider. Shop our complete selection here.
If you would like some help with choosing the right shorts, our customer service team has lots of experience matching riders with the best gear for their needs. Give them a call or shoot an email over, they would love to help!
Want to not only be riding but competing well into your 80’s? Sharon Roggenbuck seems to have discovered the secret.
She turned 83 in October, 2021, and is still competing in triathlon, completing over 200. She isn’t slowing down either: she was preparing for a duathlon event in Spain when we caught up with her. Find her profile here: https://www.triathlon.org/athletes/profile/8173/sharon_roggenbuck
Sharon has an 18-year-old Terry titanium bike, and has logged over 34,000 miles on it. She has ridden in local Multiple Sclerosis rides for 26 consecutive years, in her home state of North Carolina. She has completed a total of 33 events, and she is always a top fund raiser.
Sharon’s weekly routine consists of two 30 to 40 miles rides, a swim, and 1 or 2 short runs. She confesses a lack of love for the swim side of triathlons, adding that her four jumps out of airplanes were easier than swimming in triathlons!
I did my first triathlon in ’81 when I was in my early 40’s. I had been running competitively for a few years and triathlon was a very new thing. The first two or three triathlons that I did I used one of my kid’s bikes. It didn’t fit me but I didn’t know any better. Then I decided that if I was going to be doing triathlons I had better get my own bike. Being only 4’10”, there wasn’t a whole lot to choose from. I got a Nishiki, the smallest frame I could find and had good components put on it. I used that bike for several years until I discovered Terry.
At last a bike meant for women, even short women! My first Terry was steel, a beautiful forest green. I used that bike for a number of years as I continued doing triathlons. I then convinced myself (and my husband) that I deserved better. In 03, I bought my titanium Terry. That is still my one and only bike!
Besides triathlons, I also enjoy riding the roads around home and venturing out on week-long biking/camping trips in different states.
Thirty three years ago I did my first NC 2 day bike ride to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. I have done this ride in NC every year since and in many other states. I generally raise over $10,000 for MS each year. I usually do back to back Century rides, or at least a Century on the first day, and a shorter ride the second.
This picture is at the end of my most recent MS ride in New Bern, NC, in 2013. I’m 83 now, I still do triathlons, long rides and MS rides on my sweet little Terry.
The true measure of a bike couple is whether/when they take the biggest leap and commitment of all: dressing alike.
It’s been the subject of much discussion here at Terry and we are on the brink of making it official with our first-ever Solmates collection. We’ve received a lot of requests for Soleil Tops for men and have resisted going there because, hey, guys have lots of choices when it comes to cycling wear and our job is putting female cyclists first.
However, the tandem world is calling, and we now have some awesome dudes working for us and appreciate that they need Terry, too.
Now, the fun part…the prints. How matchy is too matchy? How floral is too floral? How bright is hideously bright?
Here’s your chance to do your part for the planet and either propel us forward or dispel the notion…
Tarzan & Jane
Dream Team
Flower Power Couple
Desi & Lucy
Blue By You
We’d love any and all feedback. Share your comments below…
The planning cycle never stops at Terry. Summer is our favorite season and this year we went a little nuts thanks to some great inspirations. Our Solstice collection will have you riding lighter, brighter and longer; Pouvoir des Femmes salutes the new multi-stage Tour de France Femmes (finally!); our TDF group is fun and flowy. Plenty of new products and collaborations coming, too – featherweight Mistral Jacket, limited edition saddles, new PJs and loungewear, blackout Bella bottoms and new tops in plus size. Coming in April.
We think it’s our best season yet and hope you enjoy this preview.
Soleil LS/Eiffel & NEW Mistral JacketGoing for gold in Fleur de Gear Soleil Flow & ShortChanneling Paris in the Breakaway SL/Paris rooftopsLimited-edition Signature SLTeam car themed Soleil Tank with NEW Mixie UltraSolstice collection in Soleil Flow sizes for all.The Soleil kit of the summer: StelvioMore Solstice – tops, gloves, limited edition ButterflySun(flower) Goddess & Peloton TDF ShortGreet the sun in Eiffel Ombre Sun GoddessSoleil Racer in Luna with summer’s best Chill 7Sunflower-dotted Soleil SS Flow & Peloton TDF CapriHors Categorie collection from MalojaGo Boxy in this Terry exclusiveNEW Sunblocker + rocks for SummerPJs in every configurationNew Truckers, Soleil Tanks & NEW Metro 7TDF Collection with something for all
Temperatures are plummeting, but we plan to keep riding through the winter months, so it’s time to pick out our best winter cycling gear!
As someone hardy around here said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad outfits!” With the right winter cycling clothes in your wardrobe, and appropriate equipment, you can keep riding all year round, even when temperatures drop toward zero.
Sure, it does get more challenging, but overcoming the elements to enjoy the freedom of cycling and get a good workout in the cold makes it even more rewarding. There’s no reason to stop cycling as long as you’re warm enough to enjoy it, and equipped to ride safely when you encounter slippery surfaces and unexpected weather conditions.
What should I look for to find the best winter cycling gear?
Of course, the main goal for winter cycling clothing is to maintain a comfortable body temperature without getting clammy from sweat. That means keeping body heat in, while allowing ventilation so you can avoid overheating. Add the need to fend off all kinds of rain and snow, and be as conspicuous as possible in low-light, reduced-visibility conditions, and it’s clear we need some specialized cold weather gear if we’re going to enjoy the ride fully.
Some of these requirements are met really well with clothing made for skiing, since both sports deal with periods of high and low activity in freezing temperatures and cold wind. However, there are several ways cycling specific winter clothing works better for us.
Winter bike clothing gives a better range of motion in the arms and torso forward cycling position.
It tends to be tailored for better aerodynamics – loose clothing flaps in the wind and wastes your energy.
It will usually have a more practical pocket layout for access on the go, rear pockets especially.
Better visibility is commonly built in, with reflective details and high-viz colors.
Cycling gear is generally padded at contact points, where it really counts.
How to stay warm and comfortable when cycling in sub-freezing temperatures
Keep these important ideas in mind as you prepare to dress for cold weather cycling.
Use layering to keep your core warm: wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a windproof, waterproof top-layer.
Choose items with adjustable ventilation, and breathable fabrics, so you can avoid getting wet from sweating during strenuous parts of the ride. When you ease off, that dampness can make you chilled very quickly. It’s very easy to overheat riding up a climb, only to freeze to the bone on a long descent.
Cold feet and hands will ruin the fun quickly, so invest in insulated coverings to keep feet warm and hands toasty.
Around 10% of your body heat is lost through your uncovered head, and ears freeze first. In milder temperatures a fleece ear band may be enough to keep your head warm. As temperatures drop, a liner under your helmet, and a helmet cover, will become essential.
Winter cycling will bring cold temperatures, freezing wind, all the uncomfortably cold kinds of precipitation, and road spray, often salty and dirty. Windproof, waterproof, and breathable fabrics are the first choice for all outer items.
What’s new in winter cycling gear for 2022?
We aim to help you keep riding as long as you want, so we have even more good gear options for winter bike rides than ever before. That said, supply chain problems and unusual demand for cycling gear continue, both due to the persistent pandemic conditions. That has made it hard to keep certain items in stock, so this year’s staff picks are updated to reflect what will perform well and is still available.
We’re well stocked with two fantastic new options in winter cycling tights. If these look right for you, don’t wait too long to buy – they are in high-demand.
We also made some exciting new additions to our long sleeve jersey line-up. They have proven very popular, so order early if these meet your needs and your size is still available.
We have some great options for keeping your extremities toasty, too. Gloves are important enough to get their own mini-buying guide, here.
Our recommendations for the best cycling clothing and accessories for cold weather rides
Nik H., Operations Wizard
I’ll admit it –
PowerStretch Pro
My go to for winter riding is our Coldweather tight, now discontinued unfortunately, but we have two excellent replacements – the Powerstretch Pro Tight and the Winter Tight. Both these winter cycling tights feature USA made Polartec Powerstretch Pro fabric for ample warmth. The Winter Tight has a wind and waterproof front, making it great for the worst conditions.
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Colin D., Web Marketing Wonk
Coolweather Tight
I find the fit of a number of Terry bike bottoms is forgiving enough to work really well for me. As the rides have been getting colder I’ve been layering a pair of lightweight windproof pants over the Terry Coolweather Tight Tall, and riding comfortably down to mid-30s. The tights alone are good between high 40s to high 50s for me. I’m adding a pair of Powerstretch Pro tights as soon as I can. The fit notes have them running a little long so they should work for me, and I expect to be riding happily in them right through the winter.
Winter Tight
The Terry Winter Tight is an awesome choice in serious winter cycling tights, with thermal, breathable, wind and water blocking fabric. They get the highest recommendation for any women looking to ride in sub-freezing temps.
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Other essential gear for winter cycling
I always layer up for a comfortable torso. Good wicking base layers, a wind-blocking mid layer, and a breathable shell are all I need most of the time. I vary the weights and the shell to adjust for expected temperatures, and double up the base layers for extra warmth. It’s been a long time since I commuted by bike in the winter. If I were to start again I would add a premium breathable, storm-proof cycling jacket to the mix, and be ready for anything.
I find the real key to cycling comfortably in cold weather is keeping my extremities warm. Toasty feet, hands and ears make for long, happy rides.
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Helmet liner: I have a merino wool blend liner that works wonderfully. I barely know I have it on except my head and ears are completely comfortable down to freezing and below. The winter hats from Choucas or Skida will also fit the bill beautifully.
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Helmet cover:I also have a breathable, waterproof helmet cover for rides below 20° – highly recommended if you’re riding in the deep cold or in snowy/wet conditions.
Booties: I finally splurged on breathable, thermal, wind and water proof booties in Gore Tex fabric. Do not skimp, these are terrific. I wish I had them years ago. I like them for rides below high 40s. With warmer socks I think they will keep my feet comfortable well below freezing.
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Gloves: I ride a road bike mostly, so I need dexterity on the levers, but my hands get cold fast so I go for heavy ski gloves below 50°. The ones I use have a pocket for air activated hand warmers, great for below 25°. The only down side is the lack of palm padding. This year I plan to upgrade with some split finger gloves. The Terry Split Mitt is a great choice for winter cycling gloves. This option by Gore is also great, sizes are limited already.
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Natalie P., Product Development Whizz
My favorite winter cycling pick would have to be our new Tulip Jersey. The super cozy fabric and versatile styling make this jersey a major go-to when the temps start to dip! The back zippered pocket is also great for securing small items while you’re on the move.
Nothing motivates me to get in the saddle like knowing I’ll be comfortable once I get there. The brushed interior is cozy against the skin and makes starting up my ride a breeze.
The cut is really flattering and it has become my go-to layering for hiking and biking! The half-zip is perfect for ventilation when the sun pops out or the wind dies down.
I wear a neck warmer every day from November to March, I LOVE them. I am a snow bunny but a big baby when it comes to a cold neck and ears. These neck warmers are a colorful and unique way to protect myself from the elements.
Motivation:
I make sure to carve time into my schedule everyday to hop on the saddle, either indoors or out. I treat this as 100% me time, it’s my best way to de-stress.
Jeannette S., Terry Ambassador
Winter rides are shorter, but more intense.
I start with an excellent quality base layer top, a vest for my core (Signature is a favorite), followed by a cycling jacket with fleece lining and windproof but soft outer shell.
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Warm wool socks, like the Wool Cyclosox socks, that extend to just below the knee, good heavier tights (anything with fleece and wind protection.) If it’s not too chilly, I’ll wear my Bella shorts and then pull a lined tight over. If it’s really cold or windy, then I reach for Terry’s new Winter Tight!
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I throw on a neck gaiter – a vital piece of clothing that keeps the winter chill from sneaking down your neck. Look for the Bandito neck Gaiters – still in stock at time of writing.
From there I add a beanie or any light cap that covers my ears, (Women’s sport fleece beanie, or C3 Windstopper helmet cap are great choices) under the mandatory helmet.
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I use my regular cycling shoes with winter booties (C5 Windstopper Overshoe), followed by Windstopper Split Mitt. I find that my cold prone fingers prefer the added warmth of claw vs full fingered gloves.
Next, if you haven’t already, check wind direction. The Weather Bug app works well for me. If possible, start your ride by heading into the wind and up hill. This will warm you up, and make the ride home more enjoyable.
Finally, even with all the winter gear accoutrements, expect your ride to be shorter than summer rides. It takes more energy to be out there in the winter, and your body is working harder to stay warm in that short amount of time. I find my rides drop from a 2 to 4 hour average down to 45 min to an hour, and that’s plenty.
The last item on my list – a post ride hot cocoa with a piece of toast and PB&J.
Lisa W., Queen of Customer Service
I love to layer for chilly bike rides and pick out great pieces to keep my extremities warm!
A great winter glove like the Terry Split Mitt for my fingers, Wool Cyclosox for my toes, and Skida piecesfor my head and neck are the perfect trifecta for a great winter ride!
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Check out these posts for more gear and tips for winter cycling
New Year – time for making fresh starts and turning new leaves.
Almost half of us make resolutions at New Year, and the goals most of us set are to do with getting in better shape.
The bad news: only a handful of determined souls keep their resolutions – most are already dropped and forgotten by mid-February*.
Well, since we’re all about getting more women on bikes, and enjoying it more, how about some resolutions that will propel us toward our goals, and might be easier and more fun to keep?
In the spirit of promoting more enjoyment of more cycling, we’re leading the way with a few suggestions:
We asked Terry team members what cycling goals they are setting for themselves this year: more rides, more miles, new bike, new destination? It turns out our cycling ambitions are quite varied.
Quite a few of us just want to:
Ride more! (Ride into work… weather permitting) – I acquired a Cite X Gel saddle this year, to use on my 20+ year old Bianchi Bike. I now no longer have the excuse of an uncomfortable old saddle shortening my rides.
Emily, marketing
New bike and more commuting 🙂
Nik, operations
To consistently ride two times per week, instead of one. I love spinning. I finally put a Butterfly Galactic saddle on my spin bike, and the Holster Capri is my favorite bike bottom – highly recommended.
Alysia, designer
I will be Zwifting (all over the world) this winter with my husband, Georgena and friends! My goal is to ride 3 times per week.
Lisa, customer care
This year it’s all about keeping fit with limited time. I plan to get a trainer that works with Zwift, to give me an incentive to ride indoors a few times a week through the winter. Once the ice and snow is gone, my goal is 3 short, hard rides a week for the year, up here in the Champlain Islands.
Colin, marketing
Some of us just want to get going earlier:
My first ride on the season in 2021 was Apr. 3rd. Hoping to get out earlier this year!
Shanin, accounting & Q.A.
Margaritaville bike, complete with parrot
Or – an excellent approach – have more fun:
Not too much of a resolution, but my cycling resolution is to take my parrot on more weekly rides – I have a Margaritaville bicycle (parrot, horn and basket included).
Danielle, accounting
While a few of us are setting our sights on big new adventures:
Cycling on the Italian Riviera – something to dream about…
My cycling resolutions for 2022 are many, but at the top – bike trip to Italy. It’s been cancelled twice (thank you Covid) but a go for September…so far. It’s been postponed so many times I doubt it will happen. A girl can dream, though.
Paula, marketing
My goal with my partner, Annie, is to ride and explore more of the backroads of Vermont on our gravel bikes. We will be planning trips or tours throughout New England to explore the dirt roads in Upstate New York, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Dave, sales
While attending a family wedding in Cape Cod, I’m looking forward to an extra couple days riding with family to beaches and hopefully make it as far as Provincetown.
Annie, customer care
And a couple of the team have bike projects in mind:
New Year’s project bike
This year, my resolution won’t be based on how many miles I wish to achieve, or destinations I long to ride. This year will be about resolving to restore a vintage bicycle – and with the hopes I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew.
Found at a recent estate sale hanging from the rafters in the back of a worn out barn was this lovely Peugeot bicycle, and I knew it was coming home. With any luck, maybe it will be complete by the time le Tour rolls around.
Kelly, merchandising
My goal is to get the perfect gravel e-bike; top of the line performance design, carbon, drop bars with slimmish 30mm tires, distance assist only battery, hydraulic brakes, Di-2, so I can practice aging off the main road and gracefully.
Liz, CEO
But this resolution takes the cake – wedding cake that is!
I am going to kick-off the new year by riding 300 miles throughout the month of January. My Fiancé and I will also be mapping a bike route through the Champlain Islands (a cyclist’s dreamscape!) to ride into our wedding in September.
Cam, customer care
How to Keep Your New Year Cycling Resolutions
Let’s Resolve to Ride More Often
What will it take to add one more ride a week for you?
Can you shuffle your schedule, or drop something that you don’t really need to do? With a health and energy boost from more bike rides, you can get more done than you could by just grinding away without them – certainly you will enjoy life more with more time riding.
Or ride to work more days out of the month?
Build bike commuting into your routine by planning ahead and setting up a few key pieces of equipment. Stow a few key items in the office – a change of layers and shoes, towel and toiletries – and prepare for changing weather with fenders and rain gear. More tips here. Find bike-to-work clothing that goes the distance between commute and happy hour here.
Are there ways you can jump on your bike to run errands instead of jumping in the car?
It’s great for your health and wellbeing, and for the environment. Research shows half of all car trips in the US are under three miles, compounding problems with pollution and sedentary lifestyles. Increasing the number of trips made with human power can do more than just about anything else to reduce our collective carbon footprint, and increase our health. See how bike errands can change the world here.
Consider a new saddle, new bike bottoms, or a new top.
An upgrade can pay off if it delivers greater comfort: warm, silky, moisture-managing fabrics, and supportive, “just-right” cushioning can help you ride further and more often, simply by making your time on the bike more enjoyable. Get some help choosing a new saddle, cycling bottoms, cycling tops.
Try a bike fitting session at your local bike shop
Some simple adjustments may help you get more smiles from your miles. Our bodies change as we age of course, so a set up from a few years ago may need a tweak or two for optimum comfort this year.
Notice something here? Most of these suggestions make your resolutions easier to keep by making one change up front – new wardrobe item, new saddle, new routine, new training – then it’s just a matter of using it through the year. No need for a year’s supply of extra willpower. Sweet success!
What cycling resolutions are you making for 2022? Let us know in the comments.
However you move into the bright shiny New Year, enjoy the ride!
Rotary Club Makes Vermont Towns a Little More Bike-Friendly
Dero bike repair station at Charlotte town beach, Vermont
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New bike repair stations are popping up along popular cycling routes in several Vermont towns, thanks to local fundraising efforts.
Vermonter Susan Grimes encountered eye-catching bike repair stations while traveling, and was inspired to bring similar stations to her own backyard.
As President of the Rotary Club of Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Vermont, she spearheaded a local effort to raise the funds needed to install several stations. Each features handy tools and a pump, built for long term use and made to be accessible to all. These attractive, useful stations are a welcome addition to Vermont’s local cycling infrastructure, and each one commemorates a local member of the cycling community.
Susan herself describes the project:
Dero bike repair station in Shelburne, Vermont
In 2018 and 2019, when I was visiting family in Richmond, Virginia, I walked on the James River trail to Belle Isle. It’s a popular site for people of all ages, and offers wooded paths, mountain biking trails, bicycle skills areas, and fantastic views. The trail is accessible from downtown Richmond as well as other areas.
What struck me was the number of bike fix-it stations that I saw. They were Dero brand repair stations and air pumps, and they stand out because of their sleek look, fun colors and well-constructed, functional design features.
The Dero stations cost $1,900 including shipping, and installation is simple where there is an existing concrete sidewalk or slab. Where a concrete slab is needed the price almost doubles.
Several stations I saw were donated by Rotary Clubs. As President-elect of the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg (Vermont) Rotary Club in 2020, I brought up the idea of doing a fundraiser with our club to purchase and install Dero bike stations for each of the three towns we represent.
Rotary members at the dedication of a new bike repair station at the field house in Shelburne, Vermont
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President Chris Davis was instrumental in organizing committees, and with the use of an online fundraiser platform we were able to promote the fundraiser to a wide population.
At the Spin-a-thon fundraiser
We partnered with the Shelburne Athletic Club and Fieldhouse to hold a Spin-A-Thon fund raiser, in conjunction with dedicating the first Dero installation at the Shelburne Town office complex in May, 2021. That station was dedicated to George Schiavone, a local Rotarian, former State representative, and avid cyclist who passed away in 2020.
Former Vermont governor, Jim Douglas, was present, and praised the efforts of the Rotary to raise enough money to purchase the three bike stations.
We were able to raise enough money along with an AARP community grant, and a Rotary District Grant, to purchase a fourth Dero station, which was recently installed on the Shelburne town green.
These stations are placed in areas that are accessible to all bikers and families. We anticipate dedicating each station to a local cycling enthusiast or supporter. Bike stands are nearby and repairs can be made safely avoiding the need to stop at gas stations.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle by biking and providing essential bike repair tools and an air pump was a project the entire club embraced. We expect the locations of these and other bike repair and air stations will be added to area and statewide bike route maps over time.
We are working with other area Rotary Clubs to encourage them to add similar bike stations in other towns. It would be a wonderful thing if this program could be expanded through Vermont and beyond.
