Terry Bike Bermuda Shorts Review

The Terry Bike Bermuda Shorts are a full-coverage, high-rise pair of women's specific cycling shorts with a thick waistband and an extra-long 11-inch inseam. They're made from a blend of 75 percent nylon and 25 percent spandex – the highest percentage of spandex in our test fleet, which makes them super stretchy and comfortable. These shorts have a more easy-going, relaxed fit than any other cycling shorts we tested, and we loved them for mountain biking, casual scenic pedaling, and rides that took us from the trails to errands around town.

Comfort and Padding

The wearing comfort of this pair of shorts while off the bike is nearly unmatched. The six-panel stretch contours to female curves and feels good both for riding and walking around town. The chamois in these shorts is designed to be less bulky around your thighs for better movement, and we loved that it didn't give us the unfortunate diaper-like feel that loftier padding can sometimes cause.

The chamois of the Terry Bermuda is relatively simple, but it does the trick for most rides. It features Terry's “Fleet Air Chamois”, which reduces padding closer to the thigh area for more comfort and less chafing. The foam is perforated for better moisture-wicking, and the microfiber coating helps keep you chafe-free. However, on rides that exceeded a couple of hours, we wished we had a bit more dense padding.

Fit and Features

The Terry Bike Bermuda has an easy-going fit that's much less snug than essentially every other pair of shorts in the lineup. They run slightly large. Yet, despite this looser feel, they still stay up well thanks to an extra-wide waistband. Coverage is the strength of these shorts; the high-rise cut means they don't slip down like some other shorts tend to in a cycling position, annoyingly revealing your lower back. They also offer an extra-long 11-inch inseam, longer than any other pair we tested.

The full coverage fit also made them a top choice for mountain biking, as they gave us more protection without wearing a longer, baggier pair of shorts over top. While these shorts are fairly simple, they do have some handy features that give them great utility on rides. Notably, we used the deep thigh stash pocket a ton for holding our phone securely with quick, easy access for taking photos or checking the map. Some pockets aren't built large enough for modern phones, but the thigh pocket on the Terry Bermuda has more than enough space for a phone and a few gels. We only wished it had a second pocket on the other thigh.

Breathability

While the Terry Bike Bermuda isn't what we'd call overly warm or stifling, its design definitely leans more toward comfort and coverage than pure breathability. The longer inseam and thicker, luxuriously soft fabric give the shorts a more substantial feel, which can trap a bit more heat during intense rides or on especially hot days. We noticed that sweat tended to build up around the waistband more than with lighter, airier shorts, particularly during long climbs or humid conditions. That said, the material itself does an impressive job of managing moisture once it's there—it wicks sweat efficiently and dries much faster than you might expect from something with this kind of plush, slightly heavier construction. Overall, they strike a balance between softness and performance, but if maximum ventilation is your top priority, there are cooler options out there.

While they wouldn't be our top choice for super hot days or high-intensity training rides, the thicker material still dries quite quickly, and the looser fit allows for a bit more airflow than other shorts with a skintight fit. The leg openings especially allowed for better breathability. They scored on the lower end of the lineup for breathability, but they still certainly have sufficient breathability for hot rides, especially if you aren't pushing the pace.

Fabric Quality

The Terry Bike Bermuda Shorts are made from 25 percent spandex. While that contributes to a great amount of stretch, it can also decrease longevity. With a slightly lower price tag than more performance-oriented shorts, the fabric is a bit lower quality – though we didn't notice this most of the time while riding.

We had some concerns about the longevity of the exposed seams. During testing, we notice some fraying, especially near the pocket. When frequently putting items there and taking them out, we saw a bit of damage to the seams, although nothing that affected function.

Style

The style of the Terry Bike Bermuda Shorts is decidedly more casual than most cycling shorts on the market. With their longer inseam, lack of silicone leg grips, low-profile chamois, and relaxed fit, you could mistake these for a casual short. We wore these without qualms for pre-cycling coffee or post-mountain-biking beers.

All that being said, style is ultimately a matter of personal preference. The Terry Bike Bermuda has a distinctly different aesthetic than the sleek, race-ready look many riders associate with bib shorts. Its design prioritizes comfort, coverage, and a more casual silhouette over that sculpted, second-skin fit. If you're drawn to the minimalist, performance-oriented style of traditional bibs — the kind that feels aerodynamic and body-hugging — these won't quite scratch that itch. But if you appreciate a flattering, versatile short that transitions easily from the bike to everyday wear, the Bermuda's laid-back look might be exactly what you're after.

Should You Buy the Terry Bike Bermuda Shorts?

Serious road cyclists looking for top-of-the-line chamois and a tight, compression-oriented fit should look into other options. If you're looking for a casual, super comfortable, and looser fitting bike short that stay in place for moderate distance rides – all with a reasonable price tag – these are the shorts for you.

What Other Women's Bike Shorts Should You Consider?

If you like the coverage of the Terry Bermuda but want a bib, look into the Endura FS260 DropSeat Bib Shorts, which snagged the top spot in this review. If you like the casual vibe of the Terry shorts but want to spend a bit less, the Heathyoga 4D Padded offer a similar fit, length, and pockets for a fraction of the cost.