KeepClimbing

I finnaly found the right forum, I think. I need some advice on Bike shorts, and the longer version, with straps. Is it key to only wear them one time? Also, I've read to wash them after one use with a non irritating cleanser. Two pair to start with, untill I know what fits for me. After one other forum try, I'm in the right group, thanks in advance, and hope this is part of traing?

Carbonfiberboy 

Shorts should fit tightly. If you can't get them over your butt, they're too small. If you can and they aren't baggy anywhere, that's about the right size. I don't know what you mean about straps. If you mean tights, they don't have foot straps, just zippers at the bottom to make them easier to get on. Also tight. Once you figure out what your size is, Voler is good brand, made in USA, and good quality. There are more expensive shorts which are better, but most folks don't want to pay $100+ for a pair of shorts unless they need to because their rides are so long and frequent.

Yes, wear once, wash. I use Sport Wash Laundry Detergent: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OPJ5OW/

Usually clothing discussions for road cycling happen over on the Road Cycling forum, but this is fine.

jon c. 

I'm guessing by 'straps' you're referring to bib shorts. Don't wear bibs myself, but with all shorts you should wash after each ride. I just wash on gentle in the machine with other delicates. I hang dry them, but I'm not sure if the that's necessary. Some folks throw them in the dryer and report no ill effects.

Carbonfiberboy 

Yes, I dry mine on low heat/delicate in the dryer and wash them in the machine set warm/delicate.

I don't wear bibs because I ride a lot in the rain and doing a #2 in bibs means getting undressed, which is slow. Few women wear them for a similar reason.

GeorgePatton

Theres also the option of "biking underwear" which you can wear under shorts. They are like 10 dollars on amazon. I wear them and they do the job.

gregf83 

The more shorts you have the less frequently you need to wash. After a few years you'll likely accumulate quite a few sets of clothes. I usually wash about once every 5-7 days and hang the shorts and jerseys to air dry.

Carbonfiberboy 

Good advice. I've been riding for many years and buy one pair of shorts/year whether I need them or not. Then I toss the pair I like least. I have a drawer full of shorts. This also helps me choose shorts which I like better, over time. So at least buy another pair, but different from the ones you're using now.

KraneXL

Read the manufacturer's suggestion. Despite opinions to the contrary, it reduces the life of the material, and many also cause it to lose some elasticity/support.

rumrunn6

another vote for air drying, which happens well enough overnight