Symptoms of "done" shorts?

[Kiwi Stoker]

Loose stiching that is more than a bit of a bit of sewing. Chafed/bitty fabric inbetween the legs. Chamois too soft or flattened out. Lyra getting that "used swimsuit" look and feel as the elastic goes.

[marni]

It isn't just bike shorts. There is a huge black woman at the gym who works out inextremely tight, extremely thin lycra nylon shorts and bra. Her pubic hair, her butt crack and her nipples all show, but she seems to enjoy the attention. Thankfully I am usually on an elliptical when she is on the treadmill, so I can do an hour with my eyes closed. easy. I just go to my counting and breathing regularly place and zone.

marni

[zoom-zoom]

Gah, I don't want to see anyone's junk like that -- I'd be finding a new gym!

[tzvia]

Oh my... for me what kills the shorts are the thigh bands, they start getting lose long before the waistband and well before the material starts getting thin. Which i don't get, as I hand wash them and air dry only (nothing with elastic ever sees the inside of my dryer and all cycling clothing gets hand washed). When they start looking dorky, I relegate them to commuting use until they become unbearable then I toss 'em.

I'm happy to get a year to a year and a half from a pair of shorts- which really isn't much as I typically have 4~6 pair that I cycle through.

[zoom-zoom]

Oh, I have 2 pair of PI shorts that don't even have all that many miles on them, but the thigh bands are so stretched out that they fit like a LG. Like you, my shorts never see the dryer.

[Bike Chick]

It isn't just bike shorts. There is a huge black woman at the gym who works out inextremely tight, extremely thin lycra nylon shorts and bra. Her pubic hair, her butt crack and her nipples all show, but she seems to enjoy the attention. Thankfully I am usually on an elliptical when she is on the treadmill, so I can do an hour with my eyes closed. easy. I just go to my counting and breathing regularly place and zone.

marni

Double Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

[TrekTheKaty]

First they went from my fav long ride shorts to short rides, then spinning class then after spinning class I realized they needed to go. Denial.

[OakLeaf]

Are the fibers recyclable?

I'd feel a lot better about tossing shorts out if I wasn't putting all that plastic in the trash (rather than washing it down the drain a few molecules at a time ).

[zoom-zoom]

Are the fibers recyclable?

I'd feel a lot better about tossing shorts out if I wasn't putting all that plastic in the trash (rather than washing it down the drain a few molecules at a time ).

I've wondered that, myself. As I contemplate tossing my first pair of shorts I wonder if they are going to sit in a landfill for a few eons.

[Catrin]

Interesting topic, I've been starting to wonder the same thing about my favorite pair of shorts (PI Elite). Have only had them a little over a year, but they have been used for many, many spinning classes and even more bike rides. They, like all of my shorts, have never seen a dryer.

I've been noticing lately that I must use far more chamois cream than at one time, so am thinking that the chamois is finally getting worn or thinning a bit. I've a pair of Terry Liberty shorts, but can't wear it for more than an hour's ride if that long...guess it is time to hit the store sometime soon