johngwheeler

For longer rides I've been using some chamois cream to prevent chafing. I didn't really like the idea of spreading this cream all over my cycling shorts, so I've been applying it directly to my nether regions, focusing on this spots where most friction occurs.

Would there be any advantage to putting it directly on the chamois?

Also, is it usual to re-apply the cream during a day's ride? I don't want to carry a pot of cream with me, and was wondering how best to carry a small amount for a top-up application during a bathroom break.

FBinNY 

Think of it this way. If you were supposed to apply it to your body, they would have called it ass cream.

In any case this is something where some may be good, but more isn't necessarily better.

You shouldn't have chafing, even on a long ride, so something is wrong here. The shorts are supposed to move with your body, so if there's chafing, it's probably because the shorts are sticking to your saddle and you're moving within them.

I suggest you try less chamois cream, perhaps none, or just a tiny bit worked in well. I've been riding since BITD when chamois came from a goat, and we needed a bit of oil every once in a while to keep it soft and pliable. Other than that, I've had more success with talc than anything else, especially on hot humid days.

johngwheeler

I guess "chamois cream" sounded better to the marketing department :-)

I've never actually suffered from any chafing - just a bit of pressure soreness after a couple of hours in saddle. But I haven't cycled for more than about 60km in one sitting yet, and not in warm temperatures where sweat can also be an issue.

I totally agree that good fitting shorts are a must. I bought some cheap one-piece winter tights from Wiggle, and the fit of the chamois is very poor; it just hangs down like a loose diaper. Fortunately these are only for commuting a short distance on the coldest days and I wouldn't wear them for exercise or longer rides.

I think I can be a bit more sparing with the cream if I apply it directly to my body. I only need a small dab in a couple of strategic spots - inside of thighs and on the perineum. It's not something would want to do by the side of the road though :-)

catgita

Applying to skin or pad are OK. By applying to the skin you avoid the dirty diaper feel, but apply liberally to make up for the wicking. Just the problem areas is fine. The cream is a skin care product, not a lubricant. It has antiseptic properties and moisturizers. It combats the challenges skin has with the lack of blood flow, pressure, sweat and bacteria buildup. Applying a little after a thorough wash may help too. Continue to rub in a little daily as long as you see or feel any surface irritation.

jgwilliams

Well, there is one called Chamois Butt'r, which is pretty close.

Personally I apply it to my skin - ensures it gets to the right place, which is harder if you're applying it to the shorts. I totally agree with buying good quality shorts, but you don't have to go OTT. I bought some Assos shorts years back at huge expense and they really didn't work out for me. I've bought cheap ones which have been ok, but the ones I'm happiest with, and now wear all the time, are Castelli, which are priced between those two extremes. Be warned, though, that Italian makes like Assos and Castelli do come up small. I went for XL where L would normally have been my fit.

John

johngwheeler

Good point about sizing. I bought some "Rule XIV" (Rule 14) shorts from "Sport Pursuit" (on online store based in the UK), and got medium, but they're fairly tight. Not unusable, but I'd be hesitant to go for a long ride in them. The Pearl Izumis in the same nominal size are great. You probably won't find out until you buy them and try them - at which point it's probably a bit late to return unless you use your underpants (in contravention to some other rule, I'm sure!)

rgconner

I use Assos creme... so directly to the skin.

memebag

I apply it to my skin and call it "taint lube".

There was an article on a cycling web site saying some pros are switching to "Bag Balm" instead of taint lube. I have some for my hands, so I tried it on my taint. Did not work well.

Machka 

I spent one summer trying out all sorts of different creams and things on century rides. Each weekend, I'd do another century, with another product.

Turns out using no creams at all was the most comfortable.

I found all the creams caused the shorts to stick to me and bunch up which got really uncomfortable on long rides.


Ensure your bicycle fits you and is set up correctly.
Get a good saddle.
Get a good pair of cycling shorts.
Work on your core and upper body strength so that you can sit with good posture and so that you can put quite a bit of your weight on your feet.
Cycle lots.
Shower and use a bit of zinc oxide cream after the ride if you notice a bit of a rash.

I will use a tiny dab of Ozonol or something occasionally on the rare occasions I think I might need something.

YMMV

Ironfish653

The tube I have says 'apply directly to skin'
The Chamois Butt'r (purple tube) also comes in a single-use size, like an oversized ketchup packet.
Easy enough to put in a jersey pocket, however I've never felt the need to re-apply, even on 8-hour days.

Put it on before you put on your shorts. If you don't feel a little bit squishy, you didn't use enough.

pdlamb

Almost all the shorts I've bought in the last 5 years have artificial chamois that are too thick. On those shorts I apply Chamois Butt'r to the edges of the chamois where experience has shown it's needed, generally in the front and down around the narrow region of the crotch.


It's rare I need it anywhere else, but if something does pop up, that gets a tiny bit on directly to the skin. I can usually get 3-4 applications out of a "single use" packet.

jefnvk

I'd agree with others about trying different brands and finding one you like. I've got two pair of shorts and two pairs of pants. I like my Serfas shorts lining, can't really stand the Novara short lining, about ready to cut them out and just use the outer as board shorts. Even with the same brand there are variances, my tights are both Nashbar, the non bibs variant lining is comfortable but the bibs too thick and cushy.

Wanderer

I also use Bag Balm, applied directly to my skin. More for moisture control and antiseptic qualities, and works very well for me. Don't need much, as a dime sized dollop, goes a long way!

rydabent

You have never heard of Butt Butter********************???

rydabent

Butt Butter, chamois cream and all the other goo that DF riders use to protect themselves from their bikes, I find a huge joke. They simply are not needed on recumbents. Reason 38 why bents are superior for the average cyclist.

Let the warnings and the hate comments begin.

rydabent

I grew up on a farm and know what Bag Balm is. I cant imagine riding down the road smelling like Ada the ayrshire cow.

Wanderer

Youse guys from Nebraska don't ave any real winter, and feed them bovines too much dried out grass, weeds, and hemp.... Ours smell better in Illinois because of green grass...... and frequent care of them nipples.

You don't gob it on, just use it like hand lotion, to get a lite coating on the skin. You want it to almost disappear when you use it.

"A Farm Boy from Illinois"

indyfabz

Laughing my Assos off.


When I think about this thread I touch myself.

memebag

I will remember this post every time I pass a recumbent.

rydabent

But it probably wont happen going down hill.

ckindt

How long should it take to apply it directly to your skin?

memebag

Hours if done tantricly.

79pmooney

In the days of real chamois leather, I applied it to the leather. Since then, always me. (Those synthetic pads do just fine without. Hardly need to spend my money feeding the plastic.)

And if the term "chamois butter" has folks using a lot more to coat the whole no-longer-chamois with a non-butter, well good on the marketing folks!

Ben

(Creds here? Been using real chamois fat since 1975 and did so as long as I rode real chamois. 200,000 miles since I started using the stuff. I've had a few saddle sores over that time, non rider-busters. I do always keep Bag Balm on hand. The stuff that works.)

79pmooney

I apply it, pull my shorts up and go. There's no magic. Its a lubricant so your skin is in good shape down the road. Fewer microscopic issues to allow bacteria in.

(I will confess I haven't read most of the thread. Don't intend to. Chamois fat isn't high science. Just a matter of using one that works for you and using enough in the right places. Being pristine and tidy probably isn't going to help. Listen to your butt. It will tell you.)

Ben

GAJett

'Nuther vote for Bag Balm😁. Use it for all kinds of sore spots from feet to chapped lips. For saddle sores apply also at night, not just when you ride. Helps healing.