How Long Do Bike Shorts Last? (And When to Replace Yours)
 The Short Answer is: |
Bike shorts can last 1-2 years or up to 500 hours of cycling. Signs that it's time to replace them include broken stitching, worn-out Lycra grippers, or increased discomfort while riding. Some high-quality shorts can last for many years. Cheaper shorts may only last 3-6 months. |
Bike shorts are an essential piece of clothing for any cyclist, providing comfort and support during long rides. However, like any other piece of clothing, they don’t last forever.
In this article, we will discuss how long bike shorts typically last and when you should replace them to ensure optimal performance.
Table of Contents
How long do bike shorts last?
The lifespan of bike shorts varies depending on the quality of the material and how often they are used. Generally, bike shorts can last between 200 to 400 hours in the saddle or about 3 to 12 months when laundered weekly.
However, good quality bibs should last around 500 hours (or 1-2 years) of cycling. It is recommended to check them for wear in terms of elasticity of the lycra and padding after every 200-400 hours of use. Some people have reported using their bike shorts for over five years with proper care and maintenance.
Factors that affect the lifespan of bike shorts
The lifespan of bike shorts can be affected by various factors such as the number of hours spent cycling, frequency of washing, exposure to sunlight, abrasion, and repeated stretch cycles. The chamois pads in the shorts also have a limited lifespan that depends on the rider’s usage.
The quality of materials used in making the shorts can also affect their durability. Generally, bike shorts should be replaced after 500 hours of cycling or when there are visible signs of significant wear such as broken stitching or worn-out fabric.
How to know when to replace your bike shorts
Bike shorts wear out over time and need to be replaced when they are no longer adherent to the body, the foam in the chamois is packed down so tightly that it feels like a heavy fabric, or if the seams are unraveling.
The lifespan of bike shorts can vary depending on how often they are used, but generally, they should be replaced after 500 hours of cycling (generally 1-2 years of wear) or when there are visible signs of significant wear such as broken stitching or worn elastic grippers. It’s also important to replace them as soon as you feel any discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to the topic:
How often should you wash your bike shorts?
According to cycling experts, you should wash your bike shorts after every ride. This is because sweat gets absorbed into the fabric and chamois, which can develop bacteria and lead to saddle sores and infections. If you ride every day, plan to do a load of laundry two to three times a week to ensure the garments are getting cleaned promptly.
How do you wash bike shorts?
To properly wash bike shorts, follow these steps:
- Turn the shorts inside out.
- Wash them in cold water with laundry detergent only.
- Avoid using fabric softeners or non-chlorine bleach as they can damage performance fabrics
- For heavy stains, use a laundry stain remover spray.
- Squeeze and massage the shorts until the water foams up and it feels soapy, then let them soak for 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and hang dry or use a heated setting on the dryer.
How do you maintain bike shorts?
To maintain bike shorts, it is recommended to wash them in cold water and avoid using harsh detergents that can damage the synthetic fibers and elastic waistband. Some cycling clothing manufacturers suggest using a gentle cleanser like Nikwax BaseWash. It is also important to use a heated setting on the dryer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bike shorts can last for a few years if they are well-maintained and checked regularly for signs of wear and tear. A general rule of thumb is to replace them after 500 hours of cycling or when there are visible signs of significant wear such as broken stitching or worn padding.
However, some high-quality shorts can last for many years due to the careful selection of component parts. It is also important to wash them regularly and replace them as soon as you feel any discomfort. Ultimately, it is up to the individual cyclist to determine when their shorts need replacing based on their own usage and comfort level.
