Question about bike shorts and commuting...

[GLC1968]

If you have a fairly long commute where you sweat, do you wear the same shorts on your return trip as you wore on the way in?

Right now I only bike my commute one direction per day, so I just wear new shorts each time. I'm thinking about biking both ways on some days. I can see leaving a sweaty shirt to dry out for the afternoon commute...but what about the shorts? Would it be gross to wear them twice in one day or is that what most people do?

FYI: I commute 14 hilly miles each way, so I pretty much always sweat.

[7rider]

I turn my shorts inside-out and hang them on a hook in a quiet corner of my cube to air out/dry. I do the same with my jersey and bra. I'll wear the same stuff home. It all goes in the laundry then, and I hop in the shower.

[DebW]

If you have a fairly long commute where you sweat, do you wear the same shorts on your return trip as you wore on the way in?

I wear the same shorts both ways (13 mile hilly ride). After I shower and change, I spread the jersey across my top tube and hang the inside-out shorts from a brake lever in my office. They are always dry by the time I go home.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Ditto Ditto Ditto.

My commute is about 29 miles RT. I wear the same shorts, jersey, socks, and grin

I know we all want to be clean but some level of germs, is natural and not going to harm you. Sterile is not what I'm after

[GLC1968]

So I'm guessing that you guys don't use chamois cream for the commute? Reusing those shorts would be kind of gross...wouldn't it?

I'm going to try going without tonight and see how I do. I started using in on my previous, poorly fitting bike out of necessity, and now I'm scared to go without it! This bike fits though...so it should be fine.

[Tater]

I wear the same shorts, jersey and bra (leg warmers now, as well!) for both ends of my commute (24 miles RT). I do the same as Regina and just hang things under my desk to dry out. As for the cheek lube, I typically only use it in the warmer months and even then, in the afternoons, so I didn't have to worry about sliding into pre-lubbed, already worn shorts. Sorry, not much of a help here!

[7rider]

So I'm guessing that you guys don't use chamois cream for the commute? Reusing those shorts would be kind of gross...wouldn't it?

I only use my Chamois Butt'r on longer rides on the weekend. I don't use it when commuting.

[DebW]

I often use chamois butter in the mornings but not the afternoons. The shorts don't remain slimy and the hours-old chamois butter isn't effective. Need a fresh application in the afternoon if I'm using my old worn-out shorts (if I remember to have some with me).