520commuter

Hey guys.

So I am increasingly discovering two holes being worn in my shorts that I ride to and from work on. I am about to toss my third pair in as many months! All of them have quite a bit of miles on them, but common. They don't wear out anywhere else!

and nah, I don't like to wear lycra shorts on the commute, except for when it is raining or might rain. I always just wear khaki shorts around town.

pcsanity1

I have had great luck with the PI Ultrasensor and Microsensor.

prabbit

Where are the holes being worn? Are the shorts that are getting the holes khakis?

svwagner

I wear Ground Effect Supertankers for just about all my warm-weather commuting. Black, cotton duck canvas, baggy. Indestructible. I've been wearing the same two pair for a couple of years (25 miles a day, 5 days a week all summer as well as most of spring and fall--just add knee warmers) and they hardly show any wear.

They've got a minimal pad--very minimal; it looks like a single layer of 200 weight fleece. They've also got cinches at the knees (or for me, below the knees as I'm rather short and stout).

If you buy a pair, they come in S, M, L and run BIG. I wear the L and I'd compare it to a roomy XL in U.S. sizes.

They also make riding pants (Ranchsliders) in the same material/design. I've got a pair of those as well, and they're excellent for cool/cold weather unless it's raining.

520commuter

Thanks for the replies; I'll look into those.

Yeah, these holes are in normal department store (or thrift store) khakis. They wear holes right at the sitbones (where most of the weight is on the seat), and nowhere else.

pdxtex

im not surej what the short model is called but i have a pair of cannondale mountain bike shorts that are really nice..they retail for about 85 bucks but i picked them up at performance for 50..they are nylon, with a kinda lycra stretchy back panel...they are definitely lose but aero enough not to flap around....oh yeah, they come with a separate undie/chamois thing so they are indeed padded.....nice!!!!

pdxtex

oh yeah, if they are always wearing out in the same two spots, perhaps your seat is the real culprit...does it have funny stiching of embroidery that might be rubbing your short to oblivion?

bnet1

Wow! I just thought about all of the money I'll save by not having to buy fancy cycling shorts. One of the advantages of a 'bent. My WallyWorld specials are holding up just fine.

'bent Brian

svwagner

yeah, they're a bit pricey. but, they're bombproof as far as my experience goes. i'd rather pay more and have them last a looong time (2 years so far) than pay a lot less and have them wear out in a couple of months. i expect the two pair that i have now to last for at least another 2-3 years before they even need repairs. i even crashed once in the pants--abraded skin but not so much as a frayed thread on the pants.

then again, if i found a pair at the local second-hand/thrift store for 5 bucks, i'd be in heaven. not that such a thing would ever happen.

520commuter

Hmm, there is stitching on the seat, but it looks like the shorts are wearing out at the pressure points, not at the stitches... I don't think that the seat is the problem - it is comfortable and in good shape, so I ould hate to spring for a new one.

I would love to try some of those shorts you guys mention, but dang, I may have to stick with the walmart/thrift store variety. They may wear out faster, but even then they've got to be cheaper.

mguisado

Take a look at mountain biking type shorts. I recommend:

https://www.roachclothing.com
https://www.corerat.com

They are expensice but will last forever.

mg

Nicodemus

Rugby shorts! Tough as hell, I have yet to own a pair that has worn out. I wear them everywhere. Plus they're properly short, not like most "shorts" that go too low and rub against my legs.

I don't know how easily you'd find them in US (it not being much of a rugby culture), but try a few sports shops - maybe you'll get lucky.

KonaSmoker

Former player here. What brand rugby shorts are you talking about?

Nicodemus

I don't know, let me check... adidas. I don't use the button-up ones (my waist size seems to be far to unpredictable for that), I prefer the flexi-waistband ones. As little effort as possible in getting dressed that way.