Terry was among the first companies to begin designing cycling clothing for women. The Terry Hi-Rise Holster is evidence of this long-time commitment with details unique from other brands included in this review. The long length will appeal to riders frustrated with cycling shorts that fall to the upper/middle thigh, and the wide and high waistband flatters most figures, keeping the tummy in place.
Performance Comparison
This is your go-to short for quick trips to your local coffee kiosk when you need that extra jolt of espresso between your Pilates class and your next important meeting at work. Who knows? The shorts are comfortable enough that you might just ditch the meeting and spend the rest of the day on your bike. A girl can dream, right?
Comfort & Fit
If you're tired of the nightmare of feeling like a sausage in your cycling clothes (and feeling embarrassed to be seen in public while wearing them), the Hi-Rise Holster has come to the rescue. The short reminds several of our testers of the yoga pants that have easy-to-access side pockets that keep your phone, keys, and other essentials just a grab away. (This frees up a rider from having to wear a traditional cycling jersey with back-pockets. Maybe you could pair this short with a tank top on a summer day and say "goodbye" to your farmer's tan.) Taller riders may especially appreciate the added length of this short as well riders concerned with showing a little too much skin.
This short is also noticeably looser than all other shorts included in this review. For some riders looking for a commute short, or something to wear in public, this might be a fantastic attribute. For racers or endurance riders, however, the looseness of the short (especially in the crotch area) could lead to unwanted chafing as the miles accumulate.
Padding & Protection
The Flex Air chamois is Terry's performance chamois, which wicks away sweat and provides adequate protection in the saddle. For rides less than two hours, the short performs brilliantly, and the lack of extra bulk avoids the dreaded "dumpy butt" that is sometimes a necessary evil that comes along with long-distance cycling shorts. So here's the bottom line: if you are a cyclist who competes in criteriums, road races or who wants to do longer rides, we recommend that you keep this short handy for those social rides when you're not going to get serious miles in, but rather, some seriously good times.
If you want a more performance-focused short, check out other models. These Terry shorts, however, offer a less awkward transition from ride to the grocery store, from ride to a coffee date, or even from ride to a casual work environment.
Breathability/Fabric
The Hi-Rise Holster has a soft feel to it and reinforced/folded seams to ensure that the edges (especially around the legs) will not fray with wear.
Throughout our testing period, we found that the Holster and its Flex Air Chamois performed exceptionally well, wicking and drying faster than other shorts in this review. If you get caught in a rainstorm, keep riding confidently: you'll be dry in less than an hour and ready for more adventure!
Durability
With reinforced seams and specific instructions for washing the chamois on the Terry website, there is no reason this short will not survive season after season. Additionally, Terry guarantees the quality of its products for up to a year if you feel your short is not what you expected. After spin classes, soak tests, and windy rides, we confirm this short is sure to withstand the elements, taking you to your destination in one piece.
Some of our testers felt that the fabric used on the side pockets of the shorts started to show wear as the testing progressed (they said it was "pilling"—but we think they were being a little too picky). In any case, the body of the short and chamois remained firmly in place and brand-spanking-new despite the rigors of our testing process.
These areas around the chamois show wear where the short encountered the saddle.
Style
Although the short is basic black all over, the Hi-Rise Holster adds style to the traditional road short and guarantees you won't feel embarrassed when you're wearing them off the bike. If you are looking for a short that can go a fair distance AND join you at the dinner table/coffee shop, this is the short you are looking for.
Granted, it doesn't offer unique color and pattern options, but it does offer a cut that seems ready for social occasions just as much as it is ready for the saddle, which is different from all other shorts included in this review.
Best Applications
If you're a cyclist who squeezes her workouts in when she can, or you are looking for a short with more coverage than most on the market, then the Hi-Rise Holster is a fantastic choice. Its longer length, side pockets, and casual cut accommodate lifestyle riders or cyclists interested in short to medium rides.
This short also performed exceptionally well in terms of its breathability, which counts for a lot (especially on a hot summer day.)
Value
The only bummer about this short was the price. The Terry Hi-Rise Holster is on the pricey side. Unless you're specifically looking for a longer short and you're really into having side pockets on your bike shorts, you will probably be able to find a higher performing short for less. However, if you have your heart set on those features, we still think you are buying a quality product.
Keep your options open for the day in the Hi-Rise Holster. If cycling is part of, and not entirely, your lifestyle, these shorts might be your new favorites.
Conclusion
While this short will not accommodate those interested in racing or long endurance events, the Terry Hi-Rise Holster speaks to another side of the cycling world that is about enjoying the journey just as much as the finish line. While not intended for a podium finish, the short wins a shout-out for its casual design that will flatter taller riders and (maybe) win the approval of the kids who might not complain so loudly when Mom comes to pick them up looking like a biker-chick (because she is!).
