The Terry Pocket Shorts Project (TPSP)

Welcome to the Terry Pocket Shorts Project, or TPSP, part of the Bottoms Up! bike shorts review series. We’re back. I ride 3-5 days per week, and of late, after trying Bella Maxes, I have become a pocket chamois shorts devotée. When I reach in my chamois drawer, if I pull out a pair of shorts that doesn’t have at least 1 pocket, I start to do math. Will I need extra gloves or arm warmers today and a place to store them? Is my workout hard enough that I will need extra gels or bars? If I don’t have a shorts pocket will that add the need for a vest with pockets or (heaven forfend) a pack? If so: pocket shorts win. If I choose not to wear my pocket shorts, I want to be wearing a vest or jacket or baggies (if mountain biking) or a pack that give me additional storage beyond my jersey stash. Ergo, why not just choose a chamois with a pocket and eliminate the math?

Frankly, the tell tale sign that I’m a pockets convert is that I have been racing XC exclusively in pocket shorts, Terry Bella Maxes.

It turns out that Terry shares my deep love for pockets. They have a wide selection of chamois shorts for those who, like me, seem to always need more space to stash calories or clothes. The TPSP will test and review several of these on road rides and mountain bike rides (mostly XC) as well as neighborhood cruises and commutes.

Here are the shorts featured in the Pocket Shorts Project listed roughly and subjectively from more casual to more performance-oriented riding. I am a Terry affiliate and these are affiliate links. I have spent thousands of dollars on their shorts over the years and will continue to buy them.

Cargo Bike Short: Product page | Review

Wayfarer Bike Short (11″): Product page | Review

Holster Prima Bike Short: Product page | Review

Grand Touring Bike Short: Product page | Review (coming soon)