Terry Knickers

[Alex]

I am trying to decide between the regular Terry knickers and the Terry Bella knickers. How supportive is the fabric in each? I have the Bella shorts and I like them, but I am wondering if the knickers won't be warm enough. I am looking to add to my wardrobe for two mountain centuries this fall (6500-10,500 in elevation) because I think I will be too cold in shorts.

My favorite chamois is in the Shebeest Ultra D shorts but TE says they don't use that chamois in a knicker or tight. Too bad!

Thanks for your input and suggestions!

Alex

[Bad JuJu]

I only have the Terry knickers, not the Bella knickers, but I always liked the Terry knickers quite a lot. I love the Dryline fabric, which is comfortable, wicking, and supportive enough. However, last winter I got a pair of Shebeest Pedal Pushers, and their fabric seems to be every so slightly nicer than Terry's and the chamois feels a bit more comfortable.

Having said that, I have another suggestion. You could just get some unpadded tights or knickers and wear them over your favorite shorts. I live in Florida and this is how I ride through what passes for winter here. Or you could just get some knee warmers--I think TE has some on sale now. This way you have a layer to peel off if you warm up.

Have fun on your century rides!

[Tokie]

Hi Alex! I think for a century ride, the Bella fabric would be best with it's higher compression than the other Terry knickers. I am a huge fan of leg warmers though, and like them so much more than wearing tights over shorts. There are knickers on the Terry site which have a heavier fabric too for warmth, and I believe some warm tights with chamois too. If your centuries have lots of climbing, and it is cool, you will get chilly on the descents, and it's hard if you are shivering! I love the defeet "kneekers" leg warmers which come in coolmax or wool. But they are knee warmers, and leave some calf and ankle exposed to the elements, as would knickers. It is nice to be able to roll up your leg warmers in your jersey pocket for the start of a ride, then pull them on when you need them. (or vice versa) They are more comfortable than you would think too. Good luck on your rides! Tokie

[Alex]

Thanks for the suggestions! I saw the regular Terry knickers at REI. I didn't think the fabric was what I'm looking for. I'm going to try the LBS this weekend to see if they have the Bella knickers. I did buy some leg warmers at the PI outlet last weekend. It never occurred to me that the descents might be cold. I will definitely bring the leg warmers with me on the century.

I'm not a fan of layering tights and shorts, so I hope the Bella knickers and PI warmers work for me.

Alex

[Tokie]

Hi again Alex! The cold thing on descents is partly because you can get pretty sweaty climbing and feel cozy enough, then Brrrrrrrr, flying downhill,cold and clammy and if you start shivering, your steering isn't what you wish it was! I use arm warmers pushed down to my wrists and a vest in my jersey pocket for the climb, then pull up the armwarmers and put on the vest for the descent. I hate bulk in my pockets, so I sort of shrink wrap my vest in saran wrap into as small a tube shape as I can. Have fun! Tokie