keeping shorts clean

[Bill Segraves]

For a multi-day ride or more, how do folks here keep their shorts and chamois clean? More than one pair so you can wash one and let it dry while you're wearing the other(s)? One of the liner shorts? Padded underwear, like the Andiamos, or some time of unpadded base layer beneath your cycling shorts? Seems like there are a lot of things that might work pretty well, but nothing that would work great. (I'd rather avoid chamois butter if I can.)

Thanks!

Bill S.

[Greg Mihalik]

Wash a pair every night and let them dry, into the next day if necessary.
"Chamois Butt'r" washes out with regular soap and water.

[Pete Staehling]

I have managed with one pair of shorts or sometimes two depending on the trip, but mostly one these days.

Rinsing or washing shorts out at night sometimes means putting them on damp in the morning. Some folks say that results in chafing for them but I have not found it to be a problem.

To be honest I usually wash shorts only every few days. Again some folks say that is a problem and they suffer rashes or saddle sores from that, but I have not found it to be a problem for me even on multi week trips. I do find that getting out of my bike shorts in camp and overnight to "air out" is important. I carry a pair of running shorts for that.

Oh and I do not use any chamois butter, but if I get any sign of irritation I apply some Balmex or other zinc based diaper cream overnight. It works like magic and by morning any irritation is gone.

[Inaki Diaz de Etura]

Avoid any padding in your clothes. Use a comfortable saddle and regular clothes, then focus on keeping clean underwear, just like hiking. Keep underwear and shorts separate pieces so shorts don't need frequent washings.

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