A lot of the bike shorts that we review and recommend are EXPENSIVE. But I also recognize that not everyone is ready to drop $250 or even $100 on a pair of cycling shorts, which is completely fair. If youre new to cycling, on a tight budget, or just want a pair of shorts that isnt going to make you wince when it accidentally goes through the dryer, the Terry Actif bike short deserves a look.I went into this review with modest expectations (budget shorts can be a mixed bag and Im pretty spoiled), but I was pleasantly surprised with the Actif. Read on to find out why.Review In A NutshellPros:Affordable entry point into Terrys lineupChamois material is genuinely soft and comfortableNarrow chamois at the crotch makes walking around comfortableNo elastic at the legs or waist equals comfortFabric holds up better than youd expect at this price pointCons:Only comes in black and grayChamois isnt as high-end as other Terry options, best for shorter ridesThin, non-compressive materialPrice: $79.95Buy at TerryCycling.comA Good Option For Riders Who Arent Ready To Invest In Premium ShortsNot everyone who needs a pair of bike shorts is a serious cyclist. Some folks just want to go spin class or hop on their Peloton bike or go for the occasional weekend ride.For those folks, the Terry Actif is an excellent option. It recognizes that not everyone needs an expensive, premium short, they just want something something with a little padding to make their ride more comfortable! In that regard, it delivers and then some.The Fabric Feels Unlike Any Bike Short Ive TestedThe first thing I noticed is that the Actif has a really high nylon content (90%), and it gives the short a feel that frankly I havent experienced in another bike short. The fabric is thin and light, almost more like a chamois liner than a traditional cycling short.My first thought was that this might mean it feels cheap or flimsy. But once I tried them on, I discovered that wasnt really the case. The fabric actually felt really nice, especially on the trainer in my garage where it gets HOT quick, and a thick, heavy short is the last thing that I want.The thinner material does mean that it doesnt offer much in the way of compression (actually, pretty much nothing in the way of compression), and this isnt the pair of shorts that Id want to crash in or go bikepacking in. But for rides where Im not worried about extreme durability, the thinness didnt bother me.The fact that its pretty thin and feels an awful lot like a chamois liner, does mean that you could also use it in that way. This would be a great pair of shorts to wear under a skirt or baggy shorts.The Chamois Is Soft, Simple, and Best For Shorter RidesThe chamois on the Actif is mono-density rather than dual-density (i.e. it has one layer of padding rather than varying thicknesses in different zones). Its not the sophisticated pad youll find on the Terry Bella, but the material itself is remarkably soft and sweat-absorbent. Ive tested several budget shorts where the chamois is scratchy, uncomfortable, and kind of soggy, so this was a major plus.I also liked that the chamois is narrow at the crotch, which makes walking around before and after a ride much more comfortable. Anyone who has waddled through a coffee shop in an overly padded short knows exactly what Im talking about.For the trainer or a ride up to around 20 miles, I found the chamois more than sufficient. Even though I tend to like a pretty minimalistic chamois, even I would want something a little thicker for longer efforts on the road. For long rides, Id reach for something with a more substantial pad, but for everyday riding and indoor workouts, it gets the job done.No Elastic At The Legs Or WaistLike the Bermuda and Breakaway shorts, the Actif skips elastic and silicone grippers at the legs and waist entirely. This is great news for women with sensitive skin or a silicone allergy, and it makes the short feel non-constrictive.The trade-off is that the legs can ride up a bit, particularly if you have thicker thighs like me. This did mean I found myself adjusting the legs from time to time, especially considering the inseam is already a bit on the short side, and I didnt want them getting TOO short, but it wasnt so annoying that I was constantly tugging at them.I Put These Through Some Intentional AbuseI did something with the Actif that I dont normally do with cycling shorts. I intentionally tried to use and abuse them. I sat on the curb when stopping for a snack break. I ran them through several wash and dry cycles in the dryer. On high heat. I wanted to see how a budget short would hold up to the kind of treatment that, lets be real, happens sometimes, especially if you have a kid and a husband like mine who throw laundry in without reading tags.And the result was good. The stitching held up, I didnt find any loose threads, and the fabric didnt get that dingy, pilled look Ive seen on other budget shorts after a few rough washes. Will update after a few more months of use, but so far, so good.A Note On The Inseam and WaistThe Actif has an 8-inch inseam, which is a little shorter than your average cycling short. For comparison, its a half inch shorter than the Breakaway and Bella shorts. Inseam length is an entirely personal thing, so this isnt good or bad, just a heads-up.As a gal who primarily wears bib shorts, and prefers high-waisted shorts when Im not wearing bibs, the rise on these did feel a bit shorter than Im used to. I found I needed a longer jersey (like the matching Terry Actif jersey!), to make sure I didnt end up with a gap of skin showing at my lower back when I was in a riding position. Something to keep in mind when youre putting a kit together.Only Comes In Black and GrayThe Actif only comes in black and gray. No fun colors, no patterns. If you want something more exciting, check out the Bermuda. But if you just want a reliable, no-fuss short that works with everything, the neutral color options are fine.Bottom-Line: A Budget Short That Wont Leave You DisappointedThe Terry Actif isnt trying to be a premium short. Its a budget short, and it knows it. But for what it is an affordable, comfortable option for spin class, casual rides, and newer cyclists it delivers. The fabric feels nicer than the price tag suggests, the chamois is soft and walkable, and the construction held up even when I was unnecessarily mean to it in the laundry room.If youre not ready to invest in a premium short yet, the Actif is an obvious place to start.More Short Options To ConsiderBest Padded Bike Shorts For WomenTerry Bella Bike Short ReviewTerry Breakaway Bike Short ReviewAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Review: Terry Actif Bike Short appeared first on Femme Cyclist.