I've worn this short now for a total of about 400 km in rides from indoors on my trainer (30km) to paved outdoor bike trails (with at least two 4 hour'ish 100km rides). The shorts fit nicely and comfortably. If you're looking for real compression and between sizes I'd pick the smaller... if you're looking for less compression, and between sizes, pick the larger. If you're looking to store any thing like ID or keys in some small pocket in these shorts... not happening so you'll need either a jersey with pockets or some other place to put these. I've washed the shorts about 6 times now and they are seeming to hold up to "perma-press" wash and "low temp" drying using Tide, Clorox 2, and NO softener.