Lifespan of shorts?

[ny biker]

I have two pairs of Sugoi shorts that are 3-4 years old and have been relegated to trainer use, if not the trash. The fabric is still in good shape, but the chamois is toast, I think. I've lost muscle mass, that's true, but I don't feel like the chamois is moving around. It's just not comfortable any more, if that makes sense.

I have noticed with my older shorts that the chamois looks faded and washed out, and the foam definitely compresses/wears down with repeated use. I don't think I've really noticed them becoming uncomfortable, but that might be because I only use them for short rides when they start to look old.

For shorts with worn spots of fabric, I know some people get more life from them by wearing them only in cooler temps when they'll have tights over them.

[ridebikeme]

On the average, most manufacturers will say that a shorts life span in three years. Of course, at times that all goes out the window because we all are different in terms of how many days/week we ride, how many pair of shorts we own/rotate...etc. I use my shorts year round, so I've always thought that I'd save some of the 'older' ones for trainer use but only do that unless it's going to be a shorter ride. Unfortunately, there is no majic answer here, I've learned to buy shorts in pairs when I find a pair that I like and to do that quite often. For me, a good pair shorts is the insurance that I will go out and ride on the days that I simply don't want to do anything HA!

[emily_in_nc]

I've got shorts that are 10 years old that are still fine, but that's a rarity. These particular ones were Performance Ultra from way back when and have seen a lot of use but still fit, have good chamois, and since they have sewn leg bands, haven't had issues with elastic breakdown as I've had in some other shorts. I've thrown out a lot of shorts in the time that these have lasted. Also have a couple pair of Shebeests that are 4-5 years old and still going strong.

[Crankin]

I have some Terry Bellas that are 4-5 years old. Generally, I notice the chamois degrading before anything else.

[Becky]

Crankin, I've also noticed that my Bellas have held up well. I should probably buy more, seeing as they've been a good value. Hopefully there will be some "Tour de France" coming up soon!