how long do your shorts last?

[SadieKate]

I've only gotten rid of shorts because the chamois is shot, and never had a shorts-career-ending spandex issue.

Same for me. The shorts are going strong long after the chamois dies. I also line dry everything I can as I find it lasts longer and is more environmentally friendly (not to mention I don't have to pay the power company when Mother Nature will do it for me). Only time I use the dryer is when I'm on vacation and we're having multiple days of bad weather and I only have that one pair of knickers or tights.

I do find that half-dead chamois work just fine for mtbiking so I can get lots more wear out of the shorts. Last year, I finally realized that 10 yrs was about the max I could expect.

[Technotart]

I have never used fabric softener in my towels because it made them less absorbant - I didnt even think about the same effect in cycling gear tho!!! Great point!