Tag: Gear Review

ANNIE’S END OF SUMMER GEAR REVIEW.

High Praise For Higher Waistbands

You know when you finally find the perfect fitting bike shorts and want to shout from the rooftops? Well, hear me roar for the simply styled Breakaway Hi-Rise. Being on the tall side, the regular Breakaway Bike Short felt uncomfortably low on my waist, yet I fell in love with the Bike Bermuda which shares a lot of the same features as the Breakaway with a key difference: a higher rise waistband. As a perfect complement, the Breakaway Hi-Rise Short, with slightly more compressive fabric and a higher, wider waistband that extends torso coverage a much-needed 2 inches, hits the sweet spot for me. The waistband stays put and pulls-on easily; the leg bands are soft; and it’s offered in my preferred 8.5 inch inseam. The Breakaway Hi-Rise is my new favorite short!

Butterfly Century Saddle Goes Offroad & Feels GREAT.

As I age, ergonomic handlebars and a perfect saddle are key to comfort—not an easy task when you own multiple bikes! I’ve been a longtime fan of using the Butterfly Ti Gel + Saddle on my mountain bike but recently swapped it out to try the Butterfly Century.

Saddle nuances make all the difference and I understand why Terry offers numerous options within the Butterfly Saddle Family. Saddles with generous cut-outs and titanium rails tend to fit me the best because they are the most adjustable. The adjustability allows me to achieve correct positioning for all-day riding comfort and power output. While the Ti Gel model worked on this particular bicycle, the opening on the Century feels wider to me because the relief channel’s silhouette is more round and thus fits my unique contours best. Long live the Butterfly Century!

Hasta La Vista — A Favorite Top On Wardrobe Repeat.

NEW FALL ARRIVAL: Vista Top in Blue Topo Leaf

With its midweight fabric and tummy-concealing style, I find the Vista MTB Top to be a pleasing, all-around outdoor top. It’s my go-to shirt on either side of sticky summer weather. The Vista Top is perfect for bike rides or paired with a skort or shorts for roaming around town. The elbow-length sleeves, curved hemline, flattering fit, and fun prints keep me coming back!

September 5, 2023
NEWS IN HELMETS.
Bike helmet companies delivered big when it came to helmets for women in 2018. Most everything we’re buying this season comes with MIPS which reduces rotational forces that can be transferred to a rider’s brain in certain impacts. Both Smith and Giro offer it and at a nominal cost over non-MIPS equipped bike helmets. Both companies also added a lot of style this season which of course, we appreciate. Check these out and buy them here…

Savant MIPS at $120: 25-vents, super light, slim design.

Ember MIPS at $150: sleek, roadie with 26 vents & wider ponytail port.

Cinder MIPS at $150: compact shape, 26 vents & ponytail friendly.

Sonnet at $100: high viz value, 25 vents and ponytail compatibility.

Overtake at $280: revolutionary design with AEROCORE + Koroyd + X-static lining; Pivlock Sunglasses to match!

When to replace your bike helmet…

In general, it’s recommended (by manufacturers and safety organizations like helmets.org) that you should replace your helmet every 5 years. Deterioriation depends upon your use, care and how much abuse you’ve put it through. If you ride thousands of miles, five years is probably a realistic timeframe of helmet wear life. Technology has changed a lot in the last decade and there’s a lot to be said for upgrading if you haven’t in awhile.

Here are the guidelines for replacement from helmets.org:
1. Did you crash it? Replace immediately.
2. Did you drop it hard enough to crack the foam? Replace.
3. Is it from the 1970’s? Replace.
4. Is the outside just foam or cloth instead of plastic? Replace.
5. Does it lack a CPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker inside? Replace.
6. Can you not adjust it to fit correctly? Replace!!
March 2, 2018
DREAM GEAR: CYCLING IN MALLORCA.

Gear that “made the ride” while on the bike vacation of a lifetime.

The epic sights were without question the best part of the ride – but coming in at a close second? My shorts.

The Bella Prima Bib Shorts were a ride saver. The Flex Air chamois provides padding in all the right places while the soft wing construction eliminates bunching and chafing letting me focus on the ride rather than the shorts. For hurried pit stops at seaside cafes, I simply unzipped my jacket and jersey and pulled the stretchy, open mesh halter-top up over my helmet!

Paired with the bib, I wore the full zip, super lightweight, moisture wicking Terry Bella Jersey and matching arm warmers and a sleeveless base layer for maximum versatility as temps fluctuate with altitude and proximity to the sea. The UPF 50+ fabric is a bonus in the Mediterranean sun. Have you ever seen the Mediterranean sun? It looks a lot like this –

For colder, wetter days? I chose the Terry Thermal Tights. They are so brushed and comfy, and make you feel like you are swimming in warm butter. With a DWR finish, they are remarkably wind resistant and even provide protection in a light drizzle.

Pairing this with the Mandarin Thermal Jersey I stayed warm and dry without over heating through my ride. Even without the gear however, I think I would have found a way to continue cycling when the scenery looked like this:

In the North where roads were relatively smooth, I most certainly benefitted from the range of motion and slimmer profile provided by my FLX Gel saddle.

However, on some of the rougher southern roads and in villages with cobblestones I did wish that I had the shock absorbing PORON XRD found in the Butterfly Century.

Also handy? Knog high lumen lights. They are easy to strap on, are available as front and rear lights and invaluable for tunnels particularly in the Tramuntana Mountains with its beautiful alpine like villages.

And last but NOT least: Fly Swiss International and your bike will travel for $125 each way. And if you’re lucky, it might even get a free ride. Also, make sure you have new tires (25cm) on that bike!

Want to see more of Mallorca? Check it out here.

Tailwinds,

Liz Robert, CEO

March 23, 2016
WE’RE BIKING IN THE RAIN.

Whether it is rain or shine – great gear will always make the ride. This wet weather gear guide has a few quick tips and tricks to keep you singing, and pedaling, in the rain.

For the Covert Commuter

The Slight Shirt Dress by NAU:
Wind- and water-resistant dress made out of a technically recycled polyester fabric, with a clean, flattering style that looks great indoor and out. The simple yet durable construction makes this jacket/dress as light as possible without compromising performance.

The Introvert Jacket by NAU:
This is a new kind of urban jacket created with a wind- and water-resistant organic cotton shell, and featuring a super high collar, shirttail hem and modified dolman sleeve.

Image Source: www.detours.us

Fremonster Flap:
An urban commuter’s dream bike bag, complete with neoprene laptop sleeve, stowable rain cover and reflective detailing. This is the bag that’s large enough for market or work. Two simple clips attach it to your bike; shoulder strap for off bike utility.

For the Hardcore Roadie

Element GT AS Jacket by GORE

A closet must-have for cyclists, this versatile and lightweight GORE-TEX Active Shell Element GT is the #1 jacket for every kind of bad weather. Guaranteed rain and wind protection in a lightweight also makes this jacket our go-to choice for touring.

Road GT Light Overshoe

Especially lightweight and compact overshoes feature GORE-TEX technology and are water/windproof, yet still breathable, ensuring warm feet even in bad weather.

For Lowlight Conditions

Helmet Cover by GORE

Gore Bike Wear’s Universal 2.0 GT Helmet Cover provides maximum comfort and protection during varied weather conditions. Breathable, GORE-TEX® technology is waterproof and windproof. The compact cover fits over your helmet and folds up small.

Escape Rain Jacket by Craft

The Escape Rain Jacket is a high viz traffic stopper as well as being completely wind- and waterproof, with zippered ventilation openings.

Element AS Zip-Off Jacket

WINDSTOPPER® exterior, high visibilty and convertibility from jacket to vest – it doesn’t get more versatile than Gore Bike Wear’s Element AS Zip Off Jacket. It’s almost like having a multi-tool in your cycling kit. We like it!

Now that we’ve gone over gear – it’s time to do a little dancing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmCpOKtN8ME

March 9, 2016
MISADVENTURES: Gear Review: Terry Split Mitt.

Read the full article here: Misadventuresmag.com/gear-review-terry-split-mitt

Gear Review: Terry Split Mitt
December 1, 2015
Winter is coming, and bicyclists everywhere are shivering in their clipless pedals. Enter the Terry Split Mitt: savior of biker fingers, Lobster Claw of warmth, Flying V of snug.

The palms are nicely padded for bike glove shock absorption, the exterior is wind- and water-proof, and the glove’s warmth is maintained with a Thinsulate lining.

One small issue – a little more reflectivity (and visibility) would be a nice feature, as the gloves pretty much disappear at night. But small potatoes for the incredible warmth and comfort offered on even the most blustery of rides.

There is also an Enhanced Niceness factor – that is, the only hand sign that you are able to give your fellow drivers while biking, try as you might, is either the thumbs up or the Live Long and Prosper. Neither communicates the frustration of being cut off in the preternatural early dusk (aka commuting in darkness), but both will spread the holiday cheer.

Price $45.00

…5 stars!

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December 1, 2015
CHAINLINK: Favorites | New Cycling Apparel for Women.

Read the full article here: Thechainlink.org/chainlink-favorites-new-cycling-apparel-for-women-terry-bicycles

Chainlink Favorites
Yasmeen Schuller
New Cycling Apparel for Women

Terry
Wanderer Long-Sleeved Jersey ($120)
Terry sent The Chainlink this jersey/knicker combo and I’ve really enjoyed wearing them. Lined with Italian microfleece, the jersey is incredibly soft and feels great for a long ride in fall weather. The jersey has room to add a base layer if you need a little extra warmth on a particularly cool day. The two rear cargo pockets and center zip pocket allow you to carry everything you need for a day in the saddle (gels, keys, phone, wallet, etc). The style of the jersey also allows you to feel comfortable (and not too “bikey”) if you stop for a coffee or lunch during your ride.

While I am a big fan of black, the “beetroot” color provides better visibility which is important as the days are shorter. I’d love to see more colors in the future as it’d be nice to have a few more of these jerseys in my collection.

Breakaway Knickers ($89)
The knickers are great for a cool weather fall ride where more leg coverage is needed. Paired with some wool socks, the long-sleeved Wanderer jersey, and full-fingered gloves and you’ll be plenty warm. The chamois provides plenty of comfort and cushion for many hours of pedaling. Overall, the knickers are well-made, stylish and functional. Currently, the two color options are black and charcoal.

[…]

November 1, 2015
MISADVENTURES: Gear Review: Terry, the Original Women’s Bicycle Company.

Read the full article here: Misadventuresmag.com/review-terry-the-original-womens-bicycle-company

Gear Review: Terry, the Original Women’s Bicycle Company.

ZOE BALACONIS x MAY 13, 2015

If you’re a cyclist or want to be, you should know Terry.
The company was founded in 1985 by Georgena Terry when she started hand-building bikes that actually fit women, and has been expanding and improving their product line ever since. Self-proclaimed “refugees from the corporate world,” Terry makes it clear that selling isn’t all they’re in it for; they aim to be “disruptive,” to give women “wings,” and, most importantly, to get “more women riding bicycles — comfortably, safely, and beautifully.”Now that we’re all a little softened up, let’s see how good their gear is.Falcon X Saddle

I must say, without being too graphic, that this saddle feels very comfortable on the lady parts. Ever since I heard that I was losing 70% of the sensation in that region due to biking every day, I’ve been a little worried. This saddle takes the pressure off with its split design, puts two cushions right up under the sit-bones, yet still is a sleek and light performance saddle.

My only complaint is that I feel the forward cushion is a bit too rounded — that got uncomfortable at times (front wedgie, again, apologies for the graphic nature of this review. NC-17) — but once I adjusted the angle of my seat and put it forward a hair more than usual, it felt great. I give this saddle FOUR STARS!

Sun Goddess in Metroweave

This shirt is pretty hip. As we get into warmer months, I already foresee this becoming my go-to top for anything active. It’s incredibly light (it feels like you’re not wearing anything at all = ideal), zips down, has spacious pockets, and breaths. Plus, the pattern and colors are nice enough that it looks like you might not be wearing a biking top (my others are neon or Hawaiian print — not exactly versatile…). I wore this to a party under a jacket (because I had been hiking earlier that day) and got some compliments!

Dress it up, dress it down. I give this top FIVE STARS!

Coolweather Tight

I can’t say enough good things about these babies. If there is one thing from this review that you glean, glean this: these rule. The Coolweather Tights are the biking leggings of my dreams. Padded, warm, durable, water-wicking, not too long (I’m 5’2” — they come in petite!), not too tight on the waist, they haven’t been stretching out weirdly at the knees though I wore them pretty consistently for about a week, and they are my favorite color (black). These got me through the winter, and for a bike commuter, felt both like a luxury and a necessity.

If you live in a chillier place (as in, 40 and below) and you want to keep biking year round, this is the thing for you. ONE MILLION STARS!

Bella Prima Short

I must say, these are some next-level bike shorts. At first, I thought, okay, bike shorts are bike shorts. There are a few details here that, if you’re a distance biker or a regular biker, make these worth the price. Number one, the seamless leg bands. They are laser-cut, extremely comfortable and hold everything in place without feel constrictive. Number two, the waistband — yowza! The front is elastic-free. It’s just a smooth band that sits across your waist — very comfortable — and compresses lightly from the back. This is by far my favorite thing about these shorts. If you’ve found other bike attire too tight or too abrasive, especially on a long ride, try these. And they are solidly made. You will not see any tears or wearing for a long, long time, if ever.

If you’re planning a long ride or looking for a commuter short, I recommend doing it with these puppies.FOUR STARS!

Euro Short

These are not messing around. Where the shorts above excel in unobtrusive comfort, these excel in serious compression. You may notice they’re a little longer than your average short — the effect of that is a feeling I can only describe as whole-leg-energizing. For hard rides with steep climbs or long distances where you’re really pushing yourself, these will keep your muscles feeling good, you legs feeling unchafed, and your ‘vulnerable areas’ feeling airy and relaxed.

For the serious biker who is looking for something supportive, perfectly fitted, durable, and comfortable (same waistband as above!), look no further. FIVE STARS!

May 13, 2015
WOMEN’S CYCLING.CA: Terry Cold Weather Tights.

Read the full article here: Womenscycling.ca/terry-cold-weather-tights

Terry Cold Weather Tights
Laurel-Lea Shannon X 2015

If you live close to the 49th parallel on either side of the border, chances are you experienced a colder than normal winter. Unfortunately, spring is following that same chilly trend. Here in Lanark County we still have snow. So while I wouldn’t normally review cold weather tights at this time of year, I’m making an exception this spring because, like me, many of you may be cycling in tights for several more weeks.

Water-repellant and wind-resistant
On the days that I tested Terry’s Cold Weather Tights the temperature hovered between -1°C (30°F) and 3°C (37°F). Rated for sub 40°F (sub 5°C), the tights were just right at these temperatures—toasty warm. The specifications don’t say what the lower-end temperature rating is. My guess is they would be comfortable down to -5°C (23°F), but wouldn’t it be better not to have to guess? A recommended temperature range would be helpful.

An eight-panel design ensures comfort and easy movement while on the bike. The inner brushed fleece is super-cozy, and covered by a water-repellant and wind-resistant hard fabric. And unlike many cycling tights, this wind-resistant fabric is not just on the front panels but covers the entire tight, adding to its warmth. That’s an important feature, especially if you ride long distances in cooler temperatures, as it helps keep your backside warm.

[…]

April 1, 2015
BICYCLING: The Heavyweight Guide to Bike-Buying.

Read the full article here: Bicycling.com/heavyweight-guide-bike-buying

The Heavyweight Guide to Bike-Buying
MOLLY HURFORD X MARCH 5, 2015
From frames to tires, we look at bike parts built to last.
…
COMPONENTS
Denizot has noticed that many of her customers rebel against the idea of a thinner saddle and prefer wider, more padded saddles. While a cushy saddle is great for a leisurely ride, many cyclists find a stiffer, more supportive model more suitable for longer outings. “I’m consistently telling people if it’s not comfortable, go to a bike store and try a different saddle,” she explains. “We have comfortable saddles, but every person is different. I tell them to take a bike to the bike shop and ask them about saddles and try out a bunch of different ones.”

Terry Bicycles offers women-specific clothing in a wide range of sizes, but the company is also well known for its saddle selection. When it comes to plus-size women and saddles, marketing VP Paula Dyba explains, “One of the [misconceptions] that plenty of riders have is that they need a super-wide and soft saddle to be comfortable, and we sure do hear that from plus-size riders looking for plus-size saddles.”

But even a company like Terry doesn’t make a plus-size saddle, for good reason: Contrary to what you might think, sit bone width doesn’t vary according to weight. “While we don’t specifically make a ‘plus’ saddle, all our sport and touring saddles are pretty wide in the rear to support sit bones properly,” she continues. “Sit bone width doesn’t change much from female rider to female rider, but what does is the amount of a rider’s ‘padding’ and riding position.” Her suggestion? Go wide if it’s more comfortable and you’re not planning on going too fast, but keep the wide part of the saddle at the back. “More upright riding requires more width and support in the rear,” she says, “But we recommend against going too wide through the mid-section of the saddle or it can lead to inner thigh chafing and discomfort. Rule of thumb is enough width and saddle padding to support the sit bones, with a shared balance of weight distribution on handlebars, seat, and pedals.”

[…]

March 5, 2015
BICYCLING: How to Find the Best Plus-Size Cycling Clothing.

Read the full article here: Bicycling.com/womens-gear/how-find-best-plus-size-cycling-clothing

How to Find the Best Plus-Size Cycling Clothing
MOLLY HURFORD X JANUARY 8, 2015
Whether you’re a struggling dieter or confident in your curves, there’s perfect gear out there for you.

Cycling clothing can be intimidating, no matter what size you are. The brightly colored, slim-fitting spandex has a way of attracting attention, which is unsettling for many women.

It’s even tougher if you’re in the “Athena” category, where your options are fewer and it’s harder to find something that fits right and looks cool, too. Luckily, a few companies are now breaking ground with great-fitting, attractive bikewear that’s designed for curvy women. Finding the best gear for your body doesn’t have to be difficult—you just need to know how to find it.
First of all, don’t be shy about wearing cycling gear. “I always love this one customer comment we received that has stuck with me,” explains Paula Dyba, the VP of Marketing at Terry, a women’s clothing company. “She said, ‘Thanks for making plus size apparel so I can get un-plussed!’” Terry is dedicated to creating fun, well-tailored cycling gear for women of all shapes and sizes—a vocation that obviously resonates with the company’s customers. “We find our plus customers to be extremely loyal and extremely vocal,” says Dyba.

Of course, not every company designs and constructs its larger-sized items the same. Look for a brand that sizes clothes proportionally. At Terry, for instance, the chamois pad is actually sized differently in the XS version compared with the XXL version, which is a surprisingly rare thing to see. “Plus sizes are not simply graded up—we create plus size patterns which typically are a slightly looser fit through bust and hip,” says Dyba. “Tops tend to be a bit longer and elastic free; bottoms have a slightly higher rise.”

[…]

January 8, 2015