If your kids have ever complained: "Mom, please don't pick me up in spandex," then try on the Terry Hi-Rise Holster, which offers comfort, style, and coverage. The added length is a much-welcomed feature for taller riders or those looking for more coverage. The "holster" side pockets keep cell phone, keys, and other necessary odds and ends just a grab away. Mom-jokes aside, any woman looking for a more discrete option will likely appreciate this modest model.
Because of its unique style, loose, more casual fit, and long length, we gave this short Top Pick Award as a commuter comfort short. Although all cycling shorts have a chamois (you're not just going to wear this short around town,) the Terry Hi-Rise Holster dresses "down" the fact that it's a bike short more than other garments that are built for pure performance.Terry Bicycles Hi-Rise Holster Review

Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Comfortable, casual vibe, long length
Cons: Extra loose, side pockets, fabric shows wear
Manufacturer: Terry Bicycles
Our Verdict
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Terry Bicycles Hi-Rise Holster | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Price | $129.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $144.97 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $59.99 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $130 List | $31.98 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Comfortable, casual vibe, long length | High-performance chamois lasts for hours, bib straps stretch to allow easy pit stops, multi-panel design tailored to rider's body | Lightweight, comfortable, highly breathable short, great price | Unique halter-bib, colorful patterns and designs, attractive look and fit | Great fit, fun pattern on the short, super cute |
Cons | Extra loose, side pockets, fabric shows wear | No-thrills bib too boring for some, stitching shows wear after testing period | Not the most flattering short, 7" inseam too short for taller riders | Compact chamois, short inseam | Below-average chamois, shorter waist, not comfortable on longer efforts |
Bottom Line | If your daily routine involves a bike ride, a yoga class, and meeting friends or clients for lunch, then this might be your short | These model is our favorite option for high performance in the saddle | High-quality but reasonably priced, if you're looking for a high performer that doesn't break the bank, this pair delivers | This bib's unique design offers both fun style and functional performance | A great-looking short that left us wanting more from its performance |
Rating Categories | Terry Bicycles Hi-R... | SUGOi RS Pro Bib | Louis Garneau Optimum | SheBeest Petunia Bib | Pearl Izumi Escape... |
Comfort and Fit (30%) | |||||
Padding and Protection (25%) | |||||
Breathability and Fabric (20%) | |||||
Durability (15%) | |||||
Style (10%) | |||||
Specs | Terry Bicycles Hi-R... | SUGOi RS Pro Bib | Louis Garneau Optimum | SheBeest Petunia Bib | Pearl Izumi Escape... |
Main Fabric | 77% nylon, 33% spandex | 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Signature Mat, Quantum, Mesh | 80% polyester, 20% spandex | 88% nylon, 12% elastane |
Inseam Measurement | 9.0 in | 8.5 in | 7.0 in | 8.0 in | 8.5 in |
Number of panels | 6 panels | 8 panels | 10 panels | 6 panels | 6 panels |
Chamois | Standard | Formula FX women's | AirSport Women's | Shelastic 2.0 | Standard |
Weight (in ounces), size Medium | 7.0 oz | 6.2 oz | 4.6 oz | 5.6 oz | 4.4 oz |
Fit Type | Form-fitting | Form-fitting | Form-fitting | Form-fitting | Form-fitting |
Other Features | Wide, high rise waist for comfort and support | Bib design | Three different fabrics, stash pockets, flat-lock seams | bib design with halter strap for easy lowering | Wide, elastic free waistband, silicone leg grippers |
Our Analysis and Test Results
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

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.
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.
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!).
— Rebecca Eckland
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