Road Cycling - Chamois Cream?

Does anyone use a chammy cream on synthetic chamois? What are the advantages?

I dont have any saddlesores (yet!), or problems with my shorts; I just want to keep my shorts around for as long as posible.

Joe,

I've read that on synthetic chamois its not needed.
I personally don't use it and have had no problems.
however, as they say YMMV.

Marty

Ahhh... the deep dark secret of cycling... butt lube!

I've never sued Chamois Creme itself, per se, though I know of some people who swear by it. I use Bag Balm on certain occasiona - (1) when I go for a long, 100 km + ride, (2) when my butt is sore from a previous ride, (3) when I ride offroad in wet conditions, (4) when I wear my Sugoi bibs with the unfortunate chamois stitching. I don't apply to the chamois, but to the part of my body that makes contact with the chamois the most.

The down side of Bag Balm is that it does tend to discolour the chamois [like I care].

You can use any of a number of products, from Chamois Butter to Bag Balm to hand lotion. The idea is the same -- it creates a thin lubricating layer between the chamois and your skin to prevent chafing. Back in the day, they used lard and olive oil, so go figure.

Assos chamois creme is great stuff. Applied to the skin or the chamois it prevents chafing reduces the incidence of saddle sores. If you don't think you need it, you probably don't need it. If it sounds like it would help, it will probably help.

Oh Yeahhh!

A lot of the cycling shorts being sold today at reasonable prices have artificial chamois or other materials. The true use of chamois butter isn't needed on those. Only directly on a real "leather" material that stiffens up after washing. Real chamois is just too expensive for my tastes.

I use chamois butter all the time on my skin. It definately helps with the chafing and on hot, long rides. The better butters (hey I like that) have lanolin and vitamin E and other type of lubricants. I've heard that the original Bag Balm is really good for saddle sores too. Hard to find in the city and easier to source in a Farm Supply store. I've seen other brands in the local pharmacy store too, but they are not as thick in consistency. Performance used to sell some that looked like bear grease (not that I've ever really seen bear grease;) and smelled sweet, but I think they discontinued it. It was funny that it would wear through the shorts and made my leather saddle all shiny and smooth. It did double-duty in that way.

If you don't need it, consider yourself fortunate. One thing for sure is that after a long ride, get the he** out of those damp shorts, take a shower and put on dry, clean clothes. That will cut down on the chances of saddle sores.

I use Udderly smooth udder creme (http://www.udderlysmooth.com/productsudderlysmooth.html) every ride. My shorts have synthetic chamois. I put the cream in the creases between my legs and, um, vitals to prevent chafing, not on the chamois. They carry it at the local W@l-Mart, farm supply stores, and building supply stores. It's also a good hand lotion for chapped skin, etc. I used to use Noxema, but that didn't cut it for me.

Noxema beauty creme: cheap, water soluble, doesn't plug pores, and works.

:edit: just reread roadbuzz's post... I'm always one step behind!

Originally posted by dirtsqueezer
just reread roadbuzz's post... I'm always one step behind!

The operative word is me. I read somewhere that Andy Hampsten used Noxema, and subsequently I used it for years. I just like Udder Creme better, and have been meaning to try Bag Balm.

Walmart sells Bagbalm. I've used Chamios buttr, Bagbalm, Udderly smooth udder creme, Assos and petroleum jelly. I don't find much difference between petroleum jelly abd Bagbalm. I like Chamois Buttr the best because it isn't greasy, and it washes off very easily. The Assos had a weird warm and tingly feeling. I didn't like it much. Later.

I did my first Century last year and did not know anything about lubes. Well let me tell you I paid for the lack of knowledge. I was very sore. I was asked by one of the other riders, “well didn’t you lube up.” I was like what…
Now if I plan a ride longer than 30 miles I lube up. I use Chamios buttr, and it works great.


:D

Chamios Butt'R works well for me. I did not have as good luck I apply to me in the affected areas and not to the chamios. Cheap insurance.

Noxema. I know it may sound crazy but try it. I don't recall where I picked up the idea but on days when I'm feeling a little chaffed I'll put some noxema on the inside of my legs and it makes all the difference.

It works for me :)

Zack

Here is another misunderstanding from the history of cycling.

Chamois creme per say was used back in the old days when cycling shorts pads were made of . . . real chamois. When repeatedly washed, the chamois would dry out and become stiff over time similar to leather after it is wet and dries. The creme was used to recondition the chamois. It is totally UNNEEDED with modern synthetic chamois.

Now, the variety of products on the market today are not really for use on chamois, but intended for use on your nether regions as a lubricant on long rides. They are intended to prevent chafing and irritation from sweat (read salt). They also help when you had to take that mid-century dump and your you-know-what is less than totally clean.

By the way, my fav is Bag Balm, as used on the udders of milk cows since 1899.

Dave

I use lube all the time, long ride or not. Paceline butt buttr is what I've been using.

I've tried a few of the products that have been talked about. All seem to work to diff. degrees. I had a bout with a persistent sore that hung around when i stepped up mileage. I went to a generic combination of antibiotic creme and cortizone creme. I not only got rid of sore without cutting back on riding but was more comfortable without discoloring the chamois. Use the creme and not the gel. And you can forget the jokes about washing shorts...they are cleaned at least every 300 miles...hehe

I've found that I need lube between my skin and what ever type of chamois I ride in. And after about 30 to 40 miles I have to reapply the lube. Well I was in REI today and found Chamois Buttr in little individual packs that will fit in either Jersey back pockets or under seat bag. Woohoo.

I posted a review of 5 chamois creme (http://camp4.wordpress.com/2008/03/23/chamois-creme-cheauxdown/) products on my blog:

http://camp4.wordpress.com/2008/03/23/chamois-creme-cheauxdown/

This thread is ANCIENT!


However, I'll repost something I recently posted in the Long Distance Forum:

If your bicycle is set up correctly, and you've got a good saddle, and you've developed good core muscles so you are sitting on the saddle properly ... you'll greatly reduce the chances of saddle sores.

I rarely use any creams at all on my rides. I did experiment with them one season, but found them to be sticky, messy, uncomfortable, and not worth it.

However, you do have to take care of your skin in really hot weather (because you sweat lots), and in rainy weather (because your shorts will be wet).

If you are sweating lots, it helps to stop at a gas station washroom, or something similar, along the way and wash yourself with water, then dry yourself well with paper towel. If you do not have the luxury of clean water and something to dry yourself with, baby wipes can help. Washing away the salt from the sweat helps reduce the chances of irritation.

If you know you'll be riding in rainy weather, a cream of some kind can help protect the skin. Wet skin is fragile skin.

After the ride, have a nice hot shower and wash well with soap and water. If you have no rashes or anything, you're good to go. If you do have a rash, apply some zinc oxide cream to the rash. You might want to wait till just before bed, and whether you are a male or female, I would recommend wearing boxer shorts to bed because zinc oxide cream is messy. In the morning you should be good to go. :)


122240 km ... and only one saddle sore. :D

I lube up every ride. Apply directly on the skin.

Does anyone use a chammy cream on synthetic chamois? What are the advantages?

I dont have any saddlesores (yet!), or problems with my shorts; I just want to keep my shorts around for as long as posible.

yep. assos. just a little pinch between the cheeks and gums.

ps - it's not about the shorts.

Any opinions of the new vs. old formula Assos cream? It was amazing how quickly the old stuff disappeared once they changed the formula. Couldn't find it anywhere.

I really liked the old style Assos cream, but am doing OK so far with the new stuff. It actually seems to last a bit longer than the old formula. I do miss the tingle, though... ;)

Always in wet weather......some parts do best when stayed at 37 deg C
and chamois helps that

another good option is sudocreme.

Holy Cow!!!! this is an old thread................. you mean people were asking this same question 8 years ago???? sheeshhhhhhh.......................

1st post, and it's an amazingly positive personal "testimonial."

That almost NEVER happens!

Quote of delete post.

To bad there isn't a single free sample for me to try, otherwise I would give it a shot. I have tried everything else and am stuck with 2 or 3 right now that are close to perfect. Not gonna pay for 5 of them and find out it is just butt'r repackaged (you would be amazed at how many cremes there are out there that do this).

Holy Cow! This is an old thread - You mean people were asking this same question 8 years ago?
Now just wondering if a demonstrably better product is out there.
I am curious as to this Body Glide. (specifically the Chamois Glide Balm) Anyone try it? http://www.bodyglide.com/#/product_compare scroll down the chart

Now just wondering if a demonstrably better product is out there.
I am curious as to this Body Glide. (specifically the Chamois Glide Balm) Anyone try it? http://www.bodyglide.com/#/product_compare scroll down the chart


Thanks for reminding me of the name of that product. I was giving another cycling group a list of the creams etc. which I've tried and which do not work, and could not remember the name of that particular product.

Mostly WATER BASED chamois creams are on the other side of the fence, they last 2 minutes and are absorbed into the skin. Most of these creams are inexpensive, but if they don't work why would you use it?

Friction Freedom is mostly water and lanolin based with it's proprietary blend of emulsifiers which gives it a thick, viscous feel while still be soft to the skin and of course some other key ingredients that make it great.


First of all, Lanolin is the oil from wool, so if you have any allergy to wool, you should probably not use a product containing this oil, especially in such a sensitive place.

Second, the water based products like Chamois Butt'r and Assos cream have lasted much longer that a few minutes for me. Both have lasted in excess of 3 hours on the bike. In addition, they wash completely out of the chamois when washed, leaving no residue.

I for one, like the "cooling" effect of the Butt'r and Assos, I've used and sampled other products, but these are the two that work best for me. I've used both for a long time now.

Just my 2 cents worth. Some of you may try this gentleman's product and it may work for you. Just keep riding!! :thumb:

I lube up every ride. Apply directly on the skin.


I agree and lube more than the butt.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?649126-Chamois-Cream-side-effects

I use dznuts, it is water based and I have no problem with it lasting. I did 140 miles last week and it was still in place when I showered it off. I can't help but think that some of the posts are biased marketing.

Holy Cow!!!! this is an old thread................. you mean people were asking this same question 8 years ago???? sheeshhhhhhh.......................

Revived as an infomercial.

Spam

zombie/shill!!

http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/6-tips-to-safely-kill-zombie-projects.jpg

Quote of deleted post


Quote of deleted post]

Perhaps this (http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?223-Advertise-Your-Services) would have been the more appropriate place for your posts?

I use KY brand lubricants.

Thanks for reminding me of the name of that product. I was giving another cycling group a list of the creams etc. which I've tried and which do not work, and could not remember the name of that particular product.

Bodyglide is the only one that DOES work for me. Your experience doesn't apply to everyone.

I've never really felt the need to use the stuff but a local guy has me intrigued with his new stuff (it appears to be new anyways). Has anyone ever tried this chamois cream (http://www.enzoscyclingproducts.com/Chamois-Cream.html)?

^^^^^ why yes. it is outstanding. simillar to DZ Nuts, but cheaper. it smells fantastic as well. i want to eat a scope of it everytime i apply it. srsly. later.

Body Glide worked pretty good for me too. But if you're able to make a quick rest room stop about half way through a long ride, baby wipes on the area in question, worked better.

yep. just a little pinch between the cheeks and gums.

I wonder if anyone else remembers that Copenhagen commercial with Earl Campbell? Classic. Anyhow, yeah, I did it then that way, and I do it now.... this way.

I've never really felt the need to use the stuff but a local guy has me intrigued with his new stuff (it appears to be new anyways). Has anyone ever tried this chamois cream (http://www.enzoscyclingproducts.com/Chamois-Cream.html)?

I purchased some of this (button hole cream) from Psimet a few weeks ago and I am very happy with it. It is the best chamois cream I have used.

Epic necro.

I use chamois cream on any ride more than 5miles. It's not necessarily a comfort thing for me, but a hygiene thing.

^^^^^ why yes. it is outstanding. simillar to DZ Nuts, but cheaper. it smells fantastic as well. i want to eat a scope of it everytime i apply it. srsly. later.

Seeing as you and I have the same source more than likely, straight from the old goat himself, I have to agree. After 100+ miles in the saddle, when you peal your shorts off, you will want to eat them.

OK, I just threw up a little in my mouth, but I do remember Rob saying he put it on his toast once.

^^^^ yo man, i didnt say nothing about eating no shorts!

:)

im talking about a spoon and the cream. you know, i may just let this one go.......


later.

^^^^ yo man, i didnt say nothing about eating no shorts!

:)

im talking about a spoon and the cream. you know, i may just let this one go.......


later.

HAHA! Speaking of eating it, my mom saw it on my table, but I didn't have a label on it, it was either before Wayne knew what he was going to call it, or before he printed up the stickers. My mom opened it, smelled it, and immediately applied it to her lips, claiming she enjoyed the tingling sensation from it. Wayne still laughs every time we cross paths about that.

I use a generic A&D Ointment from WalMart. It lasts a long time in the saddle. Seems to wash out just fine.

Seeing as you and I have the same source more than likely, straight from the old goat himself, I have to agree. After 100+ miles in the saddle, when you peal your shorts off, you will want to eat them.

OK, I just threw up a little in my mouth, but I do remember Rob saying he put it on his toast once.

I have never put it on toast....but a topping on ice cream would be interesting. :innocent:

Wayne is the man - the Chuck Norris of the Chicago Cycling Scene. It was my respect for him that had me trying the product. It was it's outstanding performance that had me selling it as a distributor. I am biased, but I have some very good rumors that it might make it into an upcoming issue of a prominent cycling magazine....maybe we can all say we knew him when.