Chamois Cream...necessary?
 

Excuse my ignorance but never used this stuff before, so I'm wondering....

is it really worth the money ?

or something else like vaseline can be applied instead at a much cheaper price?

by the way, where do you apply this chamois thing on the shorts padding or on yourself?

Corsaire

Don't know - never used it!

Why do you think you need it?

Corsaire

I was having trouble with saddle sores until I started using Assos Chamois cream. Have not
had a problem since. If you have no problems riding, don't bother with it.

I have just been applying the stuff directly to the area where the problem was occurring.

The Assos stuff is a bit pricey, but it sure worked for me.

Fa(s)t Eddie

If you've ever had a saddle-sore, you already know the answer. I usually apply Assos cream directly to my body before a ride. On mtb rides, or whenever traveling with my bike to a ride, I apply the cream directly to the chamios. That way, I can do a quick change into my cycling shorts without having to lather my behind @ the trail-head, or start of the ride!

The advantage of chamois cream over something like vaseline is that the chamois cream is medicated to keep bacteria from finding a way into a pore, and eventually infecting your skin, causing a saddle-sore. It's good stuff, and since I've started using the Assos, I've not had one saddle sore. Your mileage may vary. :)

I use Chamois Butt'r. If I forget to use it, even for one ride, I tend to get a saddle sore :eek: and regret it.

Is it worth the money? We're talking penny's per use so for me, it's definately worth it!

-murray

I had a few sores this summer, so I started using Scaldex cream or vaseline (the one you put on babies) with alright results, so I was wondering if I was missing something by not using Chamois cream, it could just be a marketing hype.

On bacteria, I think a good butt wash before the ride would do just fine, don't you think?

Corsaire

Shower daily and wash your shorts! Bacteria gone.

I honestly didn't know this cream was available until a few years of racing/riding had gone by. So for me it obviously wasn't necessary. Never had a single sore.

For rides less than 80 miles I do nothing.

For rides of 80 miles or more I use a small amount of Vaseline applied between my legs to keep the salt from chafing me.

I always wash my shorts after each ride. I can't imagine what it's like to not do that, but have known at least one guy that didn't.

One other thought, Vaseline probably wouldn't wash out of your shorts as well leaving greasy residue. Chamois cream is not that expensive on a per use cost :rolleyes:

-murray

For rides of 25 miles or less, I tend to use nothing. Anything over that and I always use Assos Creme. For me, it works a treat and I've never had any issues. I usually put it on the pad and then pull the bibs on. And yes, I kinda like the feeling :D

Pleae forgive MY igonorance, but is a saddle sore more like a pimple or a chaffing thing?

I apply it directly to the shorts/chamois but only use it for longer days (for me 3+ hours) in the saddle. I've used both Assos and Butt'r and they both work just fine. Anything to further reduce friction on skin in that area is good in my book. I know guys who would never use it and guys who won't put on their bibs without it. It just depends on how sensitive you are down there.

Pleae forgive MY igonorance, but is a saddle sore more like a pimple or a chaffing thing?<<<<<

I've got both and a mix of them, damn heat/humidity!

Corsaire

Actually, I've used baby powder because wetness is what causes most of the problems. I've never, cross my fingers, had any problems even on longer rides. You are better off spending the money on high quality bibs with no seams to mess you up.

Z

Can this stuff be used for running too? I get terrible rashes under my arms and between my legs when I run 6+ miles. Will this stuff wash out when swimming? (triathlon :)) Ive thought about trying the glide sticks, but haven't ventured there yet...

My wife uses it for running (chamois Butt'r).

She runs 1/2 marathons and says it works much better for her the vasoline. I cycle but so far have not needed it. I am waiting untill I actualy get some chafing just so I know how far I can ride before I need it.

No sores yet, BUTT lately I have noticed lots of frictional heat going on there. I mean, like rubbing two sticks together. :eek: I don't go for a ride without a well-lube chain, so extending that analogy....

I imagine this stuff will hopefully reduce frictional butt heating?

vaseline clogs pores, chamois cream does not.

also, chamois cream (assos, at least), has a cooling effect.

Yeah, I've noticed vaseline gets kind of warm, I wonder if is there any other (cheaper)
alternative out there?

Assos cream runs about $17.00 in my LBS!

Corsaire

I have used Bag Balm and Udder Balm, since I live just down the street from the farm store. They worked alright but I recently tried Chamois Butt'r and I think it's much better. Seems to be less irritating and it feels more slippery on my tender buttocks.

My problem for me comes when I try to put my big behind on a little saddle (Selle San Marco Aspide). Where the skin folds (sorry for the visual), I get sores if I don't use the cream.

Everyone is different and your mileage may vary.

yeah, it's $17, but a little goes a long way.

cycling with any kind of competitive, high end, intense, ambitious or professional goals in mind isn't cheap.

you wanna ride 100 miles in comfort, you'll need to spend the bucks on a light bike that will hold up, nutrition that'll get you there, and clothes and accessories that'll support you.

I started using it years ago, but just recently went to a simple vitamin E cream available at any drug store and, more than likely, most grocery pharmacies. It costs about $2 a jar and has worked well for me. Even following all the rules (wash my ass after a ride, wash shorts after one use, buy shorts based on the chamois quality, play with saddle position until perfect, etc.) I still have problems without something on there. The stuff I've been using is a fraction of a fraction of a penny per use and has done every bit as good as the chamois creams I've tried in the past.

Funny how some people balk at paying $17.00 for something that will make them more comfortable sitting on the bike and therefore faster, yet will pay $130.00 for a carbon bottle cage, or $190.00 for a styrofoam helmet.

This is not directed to anyone in particular, unless you meet the parameters set above.

I went for years when i was younger with nothing, but now I use Blistershield, its a little bottle or roll-on stuff, slippery as hell, but not to greasy. I pull everything up, and roll away........

Wow! that sounds like the ticket !

I'll try it.

Thanks
Corsaire :)

I finally broke down and tried it after some longer rides causing chafing.
I won't be going back to 'dry'.
worth trying if you're uncomfortable (worth the price). everyone is different, some need it and I guess some don't.