Chamois creams?

[Longers]

Now my rides are increasing in length and it is finally getting warmer I'm wondering if it's worth getting some chamois cream.

Recently purchased a turbo which came with a small sample sachet of Elite. I used it on a my first 100 miler a couple of weeks ago and everything felt very comfortable "down there" but that could be down to wearing some (excellent) Castelli shorts for the first time.

Is it worth using one of these creams or are they only a bit of marketing hype? If it's a good idea to get some what are your recommendations?

Cheers,
L'rs

[anonymous-user]

Always use it if i'm out for more than 5 miles or so, normally use Assos which is like butter and results in no chaffing and a supple pad for hours on end. Using the Elite stuff at the moment which is ok but only because the lbs dont stock Assos.

Some people use nappy cream as its cheaper which makes sense if you do a lot of miles and wash your shorts daily.

[TonyHetherington]

Yup I use on anything over about 10 miles. Makes sense to me; on a 4 hour ride your legs will turn something like 24,000 times!!! Some lubricant, just like the gears, seems sensible.

[donfisher]

It's good on long rides, either distance or just time on the bike.

If you're not sure then this sort of stuff is actually as cheap or cheaper than a full tube of some of the more expensive cream per ml in the little tubes rather than a big pot if you just want to try it out:

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.i...

I've used it on a 50+ and 100+ miles and had zero chaffeage whereas I've got chaffed on as little as 10 miles without it.

[Mr Will]

[Magic919]

Paceline chamois butt'r is a better call than Assos I think. The Assos stuff causes some real stinging if you get any sores and I think it's menthol or similar in the cream. Sudocrem is great for helping things heal if you've got it wrong.

[Longers]

Thanks for the suggestions

[louiebaby]

Used Assos when doing LeJog last year, and recommend it. It has a slight tingle a couple of minutes after application, which is </pervert>

Sudocrem is a good shout for when it goes wrong though.

[upsidedownmark]

For balance, I've tried with/without, and don't really notice the difference - even on 6hr rides..

[TonyHetherington]

louiebaby said:

Used Assos when doing LeJog last year, and recommend it. It has a slight tingle a couple of minutes after application, which is </pervert>

I always forget.



...and then remember. Ooh!

[yellowjack]

upsidedownmark said:

For balance, I've tried with/without, and don't really notice the difference - even on 6hr rides..

I've NEVER tried ANY of these creams/butters. I used to think nothing of going out for 4 or more hours in the saddle, and never returned home feeling like I wished I'd 'lubed'. Rule #5 anyone?

Anyway. Putting 'butter' on yer bits is all a bit too "Last Tango in Paris", no?? What exactly are you fellas 'preparing' for

[Mr Will]

louiebaby said:

Sudocrem is a good shout for when it goes wrong though.

Works well enough as a preventative measure too. Don't really see the point of splashing out on the fancy versions!

[Mr Will]

yellowjack said:

upsidedownmark said:

For balance, I've tried with/without, and don't really notice the difference - even on 6hr rides..

I've NEVER tried ANY of these creams/butters. I used to think nothing of going out for 4 or more hours in the saddle, and never returned home feeling like I wished I'd 'lubed'. Rule #5 anyone?

Anyway. Putting 'butter' on yer bits is all a bit too "Last Tango in Paris", no?? What exactly are you fellas 'preparing' for

Saddle sores are not pleasant, hence the preventative measures. I don't find its a problem for any single ride regardless of length but if I am riding a decent distance every single day then it can get painful.

[TonyHetherington]

Mr Will said:

Works well enough as a preventative measure too. Don't really see the point of splashing out on the fancy versions!

God dammit Will. It's what we, the cycling fraternity, do each and every day! No point on fancy versions?! Deary me. We, the cylista, do nothing but buy fancy expensive versions of things that we could buy far more cheaply and simply if we wanted to.

Shaking my head, I tell you, shaking my head

[Mr Will]

In that case: http://teamjva.com/portfolio/detail/taint-paint/

[TonyHetherington]

"Available in whimsical Bacon-Cheddar and Salmon Mousse flavour, and in both coarse and fine grit"

[prand]

Hmm, a very big blob of Vaseline usually does me ok. Is that bad?

[Mr Will]

prand said:

Hmm, a very big blob of Vaseline usually does me ok. Is that bad?

It's good barrier protection but dries the skin out, which can make matters worse if used too often (applies to all usages, not just under-carriages).

[Longers]

I've only done 1 ride longer than 65 miles and I used a free sample that day so will never know how it would've felt without it (having not had any problems building up to that distance since last October) which is why I kind of agree with...

upsidedownmark said:

For balance, I've tried with/without, and don't really notice the difference - even on 6hr rides..

But in view of...

Mr Will said:

Saddle sores are not pleasant, hence the preventative measures.

... I think I'll take the cautious approach and prevent rather than have to look for a cure

[Mr Will]

As long as you are gently edging up your normal mileage, I wouldn't worry about it until you find you need it. You might never find that you do.