Chamois Butter and shorts!!

[jessica47201]

I was wondering how many of you use chamois butter and if so, what type. Which ones are safe for women to use? I don't want to end up with an infection. Also, what are some good cycling shorts? I've been looking at some Louis Garneau or a pair on aerotechdesigns.com. It think they are the plus size century short. I need a pair of shorts that are plus size, like a 1X or a 2X. Can you use all chamois butters on all cycling shorts, such as the gel padded or foam padded? Any help would be great!!!

[papaver]

I use Assos chamois creme and i don't have any problems with it. Which is fantastic because i'm allergic to all kinds of showergels.

Believe me the difference is huge on long rides.

As for padded shorts I wear assos (the absolute best but very expensive), shimano and bioracer (but the last one is perhaps not available in the US).

assos (i have the shorts, which I prefer)
https://www.bikebuster.com/details/140908.html

Shimano:
http://www.icoste.com/626_General-Clothing/Shimano-Originals-Shorts.htm

bioracer
http://bio-racerusa.blogspot.com/2008/06/reskin.html

The last two brands are 50% cheaper than the assos. They are more than ok.

[HoosierGiant]

I was wondering how many of you use chamois butter and if so, what type.

We use Chamois Butt'r and have always been happy with it. However, it's the only brand we've tried so I can't compare it to anything else on the market -- never had any problems though.

[OakLeaf]

I don't think infection is an issue with chamois cream in particular. Infection is just an issue that some women have with long hours in the saddle - whatever you do generally to fight yeast infections (assiduous cleanliness, getting out of wet clothes as soon as your workout's over, a diet that helps acidify the vaginal environment, etc.) is doubly true on the bike.

I think the differences between women and men, in terms of what chamois creams we might use, are (1) irritation and (2) possible greater absorption and/or greater sensitivity to endocrine disrupting chemicals.

I would hesitate to use a petroleum-based lubricant like A&D or Aquaphor on a foam chamois. That's just an instinctive thought, not something I read anywhere. (1) It would basically be impossible to wash out and (2) it might degrade the foam. Anything designed as a cycling lubricant should be safe for all chamois.

I use Beljum Budder. I'm not entirely thrilled with it - it does tend to migrate inside, and it can be irritating there (I don't get any irritation from it on external parts, as long as it stays there). It's the best I've found so far. But, after hearing so many people's glowing reports of Body Glide and finally reading an ingredient list, I'm going to try that as soon as I get to a store that stocks it.

[ZenSojourner]

I wear whatever shorts are on sale (read: cheap) and the only time I tried to use chamois cream it was a greasy mess.

I don't slide around in my shorts - unless I use chamois cream.

A nice length ride for me (when I'm sorta in shape) is 30 to 50 miles.

I'll do 75-ish (for the MS-150) but it's sorta painful. Possibly because I haven't been in what I would consider to be REALLY good shape since I got back on the bike a couple of years ago.

Just sayin'. I ride longish rides several times a week (or did pre-shoulder hurt) in cheap shorts with no problems.

Is there a problem you're having that you're thinking of trying the chamois cream?

[ASammy1]

Anything over 50 miles and I have to use chamois cream.

+1 on the Assos cream. Just an FYI though... it has a cooling effect in it and I know some people don't like that.

For shorts, I wear Exte Ondo bibs or PI Sugar shorts.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just use some hypo-allergenic hand lotion. Works fine for me and lasts on rides over 50 miles. It's light and water-based, not greasy, so it washes right out in the laundry.

I always think it's funny that they call that grease stuff 'chamois butter'....like we're slathering it on Kaiser rolls or something? :D

[roadie gal]

I don't use any sort of lube. I don't like the feeling.

As for the shorts, I've worn Aerotech Designs Top Shelf shorts and liked them a lot. You certainly can't beat the price.

[mtbdarby]

I've tried chamois butter and a couple other and ended up using bag balm. It's cheap, works and washes out. You can get it at the drug store and it comes in a green tin.

[OakLeaf]

Kaiser rolls

Oh! I knew we needed a new euphemism! :p:D

[ginny]

I used Chamois butt'r on a tour last year. I rubbed it onto the shorts specifically where there were seams and if the thread had been doubled back. I didn't have any issues at all on that long ride. I don't generally use it on a weekend ride unless I have been riding a lot and feel some chafing coming on... an aside, I don't generally have infection issues, so I may not be the best resource here. Also, I made a point of changing out of my shorts just about the second I stopped riding on that tour (this was on the advice of a more experienced touring girlfriend of mine).

[katluvr]

I think the theme here is "what works for you".
I uses Udder Creme (cheap) when I worry about long rides or have had multiple days in teh saddle and I worry.
Otherwise I wear SheBeast shorts and never need it.
Me and my riding buddy have a theory...$20 shorts = 20 miles, $100 = 100 miles. And most of the time it works that way.
But everyone is different. Seat plays a role, too.

I have friends that use destin link creams since they have a lot of chaffing issues (related to the moist environment).

I have heard or used most of the creams mentioned here...all seem comparable. When you find one you like...you will swear by it!

Happy riding!

[Karma007]

My shorts are cheap for now ($40-50 I think) and my budder of choice is Belguim Budder. I haven't tried any others, but on rides of 40+ it makes my cheap-o shorts seem like heaven on my buns. I would like new shorts but it isn't in the budget.

[aicabsolut]

I use Assos. When I'm feeling cheap, I'll use Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle. The regular Chamois Butt'r and other lotions aren't waxy enough. They don't last well enough once I get sweaty. Thicker, antibacterial stuff like Assos also keeps the chamois (even elastic ones) soft (I apply after washing, then use just a little bit or some straight on the skin before riding), and that that seems to help me the most.

[ZenSojourner]

My shorts are cheap for now ($40-50 I think)

You think $50 shorts are cheap?

Mine run $10 to $25. *hugz* to the Bike Nashbar Clearance Sales!

Sojourner

Sorely afflicted with PSSS
(Poor Starving Student Syndrome)

[jessica47201]

Thanks for all of the advice. I really don't have any problems with infection, I just didn't want to start if I used some chamois butter. Right now I think I'm just gonna continue with some saddle adjustments on my new saddle and get some shorts and see what happens!! I don't think I need chamois butter just yet.

[papaver]

Thanks for all of the advice. I really don't have any problems with infection, I just didn't want to start if I used some chamois butter. Right now I think I'm just gonna continue with some saddle adjustments on my new saddle and get some shorts and see what happens!! I don't think I need chamois butter just yet.

i don't have infections either, but i do have that burning feeling without the butter. The first couple of rides the butter feels 'strange and akward' but after that you won't leave without it.

[VeloVT]

If I am hopping on my bike to ride a mile to town, I won't use chamois cream. Otherwise, for any "real" ride, even if it's only 10 miles, I use it and it really does make a difference for me. I spread a generous amount all over my chamois.

I am trying different kinds -- I wouldn't say I have a favorite yet. I've used Assos -- I like the menthol actually, but interestingly, unlike Aica, I found it to disappear faster than Chamois butt'r in sweaty environments. I've used Chamois Butt'r and it's fine (I'd like to try the Eurostyle version). I actually use Body Glide frequently and I think it works pretty well. It's the least messy option, although you can't reapply it hygenically like you can with the creams. However, it's quite long lasting, so it's less likely that you would need to.

Anyway, I haven't tried anything I've hated yet... Except someone here recommended Astroglide as a chamois lubricant. I tried that and it just didn't work for me -- it was gone in about 10 miles. It seemed to me to sweat off much faster than actual chamois cream.

[fidlfreek]

JUST FYI - I find yeast infections and general irritations were minimized when I switched to a free and clear laundry detergent for my cycling shorts (and everything else too). No dyes or fragrances in a biodegradable formula. Given my success w/ that I'm hoping that any chamois butter would also be free and clear....any clue on that ladies?

The Astroglide comment made me think. What about lubes? Astroglide is pretty down-market imho, but there are lots of other longer lasting formulas that are specifically made for mucus membranes that might work for our biking purposes

Maybe some of these might work?
Primo Lube link (http://www.blowfish.com/catalog/supplies/lube_silicone.html)

[sgtiger]

My concern with lubes would be that some start to feel tacky after a while. Yuck! In previous threads about chamois cream others have mentioned using diaper rash cream in place of the chamois butter because they were sensitive to the ingredients in various chamois creams. You might give that a try. Aveeno makes one that is a lighter texture and washes out easily.

[GLC1968]

Another Assos chamois cream fan, here. I'll use Chamois Butt'r in a pinch, but I prefer the Assos by far. It seems less messy/goupy to me and it definitely lasts longer. It washes out easily, too. I only use it on rides of 40 miles or longer. It makes a HUGE difference in my comfort (girly bits, not sit bones).

I haven't found my 'dream' shorts yet...so until I do, I have a couple of different brands/styles that I'm wearing. Nothing I'd recommend as outstanding or anything though.

[SnappyPix]

Has anyone else tried the new formula Assos?
I want the old Assos back, with that reassuring tingle!

The new formula doesn't seem quite so mentholated (although the colour has changed from cream to blue), and the ingredients seemed to have changed from things like "Which Hazel" (sic) to a whole host of parabens and chemicals.
It doesn't seem to last as long as the original stuff too, which is the most important downside. :(
Now looking for an alternative, sadly.

[papaver]

Has anyone else tried the new formula Assos?
I want the old Assos back, with that reassuring tingle!

The new formula doesn't seem quite so mentholated (although the colour has changed from cream to blue), and the ingredients seemed to have changed from things like "Which Hazel" (sic) to a whole host of parabens and chemicals.
It doesn't seem to last as long as the original stuff too, which is the most important downside. :(
Now looking for an alternative, sadly.

if it's blue, it's the cleaner not the creme.

[SnappyPix]

Nope, it's definitely chamois creme, not cleaner ...

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j7/SnappyPix/assos.jpg

And it's definitely Assos.
Bought a couple of tubs from different stores here in the UK.

[papaver]

bizarre... i bought mine just a couple of weeks ago and it's cream coloured.

[ASammy1]

I have the pale blue stuff too. Just bought my new jar a week ago.

[SnappyPix]

I think the cream coloured stuff is the old stock.
That's what I'd previously used prior to the new stock.
The tubs have also changed colour - no more red Swiss flag logo.
Now reads "Cycling Body R&D", as per their website.

They've also changed the wording of the ingredients - no longer reads "natural" :(

The new stuff doesn't have the same, umm, warm glow, and tends to disappear after an hour or so.

[GLC1968]

What?! Why would they mess with a good thing??? I'm so bummed out...I liked the old formula and that it was 'natural'. I actually started using it because of the witch hazel figuring that it would help deter bacterial growth. Crap. :mad:

[OakLeaf]

ewwww. Why don't I like the idea of putting anything BLUE on my "Kaiser roll?" :p

[ZenSojourner]

ewwww. Why don't I like the idea of putting anything BLUE on my "Kaiser roll?" :p

Honestly the idea of putting something there that has WITCH HAZEL in it is even more shuddersome, in my book.

:eek:

LOL!

[ASammy1]

ewwww. Why don't I like the idea of putting anything BLUE on my "Kaiser roll?" :p


LOL!!!

[equus123]

If some of you ladies are interested in all natural stuff, I used two containers of nubutte. The stuff works well and has a nice smell so anybody behind you will be enjoying your draft. :p The company's philosophy is also awesome and I enjoyed reading their thoughts behind the stuff.

http://www.nubutte.com/

[ny biker]

I use Assos. When I'm feeling cheap, I'll use Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle. The regular Chamois Butt'r and other lotions aren't waxy enough. They don't last well enough once I get sweaty. Thicker, antibacterial stuff like Assos also keeps the chamois (even elastic ones) soft (I apply after washing, then use just a little bit or some straight on the skin before riding), and that that seems to help me the most.

Assos has an antibacterial ingredient? Good to know. Since I'm allergic to anti-bacterial ointments, I presume I would have a very unpleasant rash if I ever tried Assos.

The only chamois cream I've used is Chamois Butt'r. I need it less often since I started buying shorts with seamless chamois. But sometimes I still use it for very long rides.

[SnappyPix]

Assos has an antibacterial ingredient? Good to know. Since I'm allergic to anti-bacterial ointments, I presume I would have a very unpleasant rash if I ever tried Assos.

The only chamois cream I've used is Chamois Butt'r. I need it less often since I started buying shorts with seamless chamois. But sometimes I still use it for very long rides.

Is anti-bacterial the same as "bacterio-/fungistatic qualities" as per their new pot????!
Actually sounds like I'm Assos bashing (now there's a double entendre, if ever there was one!), but I do actually think they're an excellent brand. Would still be interested to hear from anyone who's tried their new formula though.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

ewwww. Why don't I like the idea of putting anything BLUE on my "Kaiser roll?" :p

Ok, so my new terminology, the "Kaiser roll" seems to be catching on. :p

Pass the butter, please. :D

[Fujichants]

To this day, I still don't understand what chamois butter is used for...

To prevent chafing?

I can imagine it being a greasy mess, like riding around with a wet diaper or something.

And um...i'm picturing a big goopy mess after a long ride. Or does it somehow get absorbed into your skin or shorts?

[ZenSojourner]

It was a greasy mess the one time *I* tried it.

That was also the only time I had any chafing.

Once I changed out of the now greasy bike shorts and into a clean, dry pair, no more discomfort or chafing. Never before, and not since.

[ZenSojourner]

Ok, so my new terminology, the "Kaiser roll" seems to be catching on. :p

Pass the butter, please. :D

I did NOT need that image!

:eek:

[Alex]

I've used Chamois Butt'r on rides over, say, 50 miles or so, and been very happy with it. I don't use a chamois cream on shorter rides. However, DH read that parabens are best avoided, so he bought some Hammer Seat Saver to try.

http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=PRODUCT&CAT=BODY&PROD.ID=8292&OMI=10167,10047&AMI=10167&uir=product.category,BODY,Body%20Care#info1

I used it last weekend on a 40-miler, thinking I should find out sooner rather than later if I hated the product. It's a different consistency than the Butt'r, but seemed to work just fine. Here are the ingredients, cut and paste from the website.

Ingredients: Pure Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Distilled Water, Calendula, Yarrow, Chamomile, Comfrey, Stearic Acid, Beeswax, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E Oil, Basil Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Tea Tree Oil.

Thanks to some folks on TE, I bought some Assos shorts last year. I will NEVER go back to any other kind.

Alex

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I did NOT need that image!

:eek:

You mean this one?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3472199784_07da0eb9e2.jpg

[GLC1968]

The Assos did get somewhat absorbed by the body, so it wasn't like wearing a wet diaper or anything (not that I truly remember that stage in life, of course). It was never goopy - though you don't need globs of it to work, either. Just an even layer on the chamois before you put it on. I would carry small baggies for reapply at rest stops on centuries, but only needed to use it once.

Everyone's anatomy is different. Just like we all can't ride the same saddle or shorts, not everyone's nether regions handle friction the same way either. Without chamois cream, I've got FIRE going on down there. Think rug burn...on the sensitive parts! :eek: It's awesome that some of you don't need it, but don't poo-poo those of us who do. Until someone suggested it on here when I was new, I never knew such a solution was a possibility for women (I thought it was only for men). Let's not scare off any new riders who might also need to make use of these products. :)

Thanks for sharing the info about the Hammer Seat Saver, Alex. I'm going to give that a try instead of ordering new Assos cream.

[Skierchickie]

I've been using the Assos creme, and like it better than Chamois Butt'r or Body Glide (the Body Glide seemed to make my shorts stick to me). The Butt'r was okay, although on long rides on hot days it seems to congeal or something (not crazy about that). I still use it when it's more convenient, but I prefer the Assos. A little messy when donning the shorts, but kind of disappears - must soak in. I don't really notice the tingly-freshness as much anymore - I sure did at first, but I guess I got used to it. I'm not happy to hear that they've changed it.

Okay - I've been meaning to ask this. Has anyone else noticed the Assos stuff bleaching out the chamois in their shorts? I started wearing Shebeest SSS shorts last year, and got another pair. They have a light blue chamois, but now they are both all bleached out where I put the goop. It doesn't matter, as it doesn't seem to be hurting anything, but I just wondered if anyone else has noticed this?

By the way - I love the SSS shorts, but am not as crazy about the Tech tights, which are pretty similar (supposedly the same chamois, according to the tag, but actually not quite the same). They are a lot better than any other bike tights I have, but I wish they weren't designed for skinny little bird legs - I had to get an XL to go over my legs, which is bigger than I'd like in the, well, the butt area, and the leg material bunches behind my knees (they are too long, and not very stretchy). I have to arrange them carefully to keep from getting chafed on the backs of my legs.

Me too, GLC1968. I haven't peed fire after a ride since I started using Assos. I used to ALWAYS pee fire after even the shortest rides.

Oh - and Bag Balm might work for some people, but I find it way too greasy and stiff. Great for after-ride issues, but I didn't like it on my chamois.

[ZenSojourner]

You mean this one?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3472199784_07da0eb9e2.jpg

MUST I trot out the UN Convention on Torture again?

:mad:

[OakLeaf]

Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle is paraben free. I'm not thrilled about iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, but it's not an endocrine disruptor anyway. I might have to give it a try.

I'm not sure I understand the comment about hygienic re-application of Body Glide. Care to be more graphic? If it comes in a stick, then you never have to touch it with your hands (unlike most chamois creams), right?


<roflmao @ Kaiser rolls>

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3471777333_ca0ae7c9af.jpg

[VeloVT]

Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle is paraben free. I'm not thrilled about iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, but it's not an endocrine disruptor anyway. I might have to give it a try.

I'm not sure I understand the comment about hygienic re-application of Body Glide. Care to be more graphic? If it comes in a stick, then you never have to touch it with your hands (unlike most chamois creams), right?


<roflmao @ Kaiser rolls>
I apply chamois cream directly to the chamois. when using body glide, I rub the stick right onto the *clean, laundered* chamois. I was referring to re-application during a ride (which isn't something I need to do much, but I can see how it might be beneficial on very long rides, and they do make "individual serving" packages of Chamois Butt'r for that purpose). Rubbing the Bodyglide stick on a sweaty chamois mid-ride would seem to compromise the hygiene of the stick. Maybe I'm just being a silly girl afraid of cooties, but that seems icky to me. It's something I wouldn't do.

Was that too graphic :D?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm not sure I understand the comment about hygienic re-application of Body Glide. Care to be more graphic? If it comes in a stick, then you never have to touch it with your hands (unlike most chamois creams), right?


It's like the Seinfeld 'double dipping' episode with the chips.

[VeloVT]

Maybe they mean it's like the Seinfeld 'double dipping' episode with the chips.

I suppose it's a little like that :o.

Of course I share the stick of bodyglide with my boyfriend, who uses it to prevent nipple and groin chafing when running, so I'm probably being neurotic... but, ick, sweaty chamoii have got to be teeming with bacteria. :eek:

[OakLeaf]

OIC.

Really I'm less concerned about getting my own bacteria on the stick, than I am about other people's germs on my hands. I know I'm not the only one who's had to butter her Kaiser roll in a portajohn...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I know I'm not the only one who's had to butter her Kaiser roll in a portajohn...

A classic TE quote if I ever saw one!
You should make it your sig line! :)

[sgtiger]

OIC.

Really I'm less concerned about getting my own bacteria on the stick, than I am about other people's germs on my hands. I know I'm not the only one who's had to butter her Kaiser roll in a portajohn...


A classic TE quote if I ever saw one!
You should make it your sig line! :)

I agree! That's why I put it in the quotable quotes thread.

[OakLeaf]

Done. :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Excellent.

[tctrek]

OIC.
I know I'm not the only one who's had to butter her Kaiser roll in a portajohn...

** snort **

[aicabsolut]

I've never had Assos bleach anything. I've got fairly dark colored chamois pads on most of my shorts. I think they've toned down the menthol in their newest formula, though. It's definitely less tingly than it used to be (and also greenish-white and not yellow).

[jessica47201]

I really appreciate all this information!! I've got my pen and paper out taking notes. I'm learning some great stuff, about "buttering my kaiser roll", I about fell out of my chair at work!!! My radio operator didn't know what was going on, cause I was laughing and snorting!!!

[elc11]

I swear by the Assos creme...at least the old formula. I haven't tried the new stuff yet. I use it for all rides of ~90 minutes or longer, and for shorter rides if I did a long ride the day before. I apply it directly to the skin--sit bones, areas with creases, the general area towards the back that will have saddle pressure. The instruction say to apply it to the chamois but it was easier to figure out where to apply it on myself! It doesn't feel goopy, it does seem to form a protective barrier so when my chamois gets soggy on a hot ride my skin isn't equally soggy. Also seems to keep the chamois well "anchored"--I think a chamois that slips around causes more chafing. It hasn't caused any change of color in my chamois.

My favorite shorts are the Pearl Izumi Attack with the Race chamois (2007 model year with orange chamois). I tried the 2008 model and the fabric on the chamois was more slippery and the sizing of the shorts was tighter (actually all of the ladies cycling apparel seemed to get smaller for 2008). My solution was to go to the PI outlet store last October and stock up...their current year stock is full price but previous years' stock is always about 25% off; in October all Ladies stuff is (further) discounted so I got the shorts at about a 45% discount. It is kind of a thick chamois but more comfortable on long rides IMO.

[cylegoddess]

So THATS what buttering a Kaiser roll is!! I was wondering about that. I thought, no she cant mean food.What CAN she mean? Took me to the end of the thread ! :p
I use Lucas Paw Paw ointment. It in a tube, you get it at health food shops( well here anyhow) its convenient, you can use it for your lips too, its good for road rash, burns and chafing. Also no parabens,dyes and that crap. You dont get the menthol rush but if I wanted that, Id use tiger balm!:eek:

[cylegoddess]

Oh and its cheap and natural( nothing but pawpaw.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh and its cheap and natural( nothing but pawpaw.)

Which brings up the question....has anyone ever tried using actual butter on their 'Kaiser roll'?

[papaver]

Which brings up the question....has anyone ever tried using actual butter on their 'Kaiser roll'?

Nope it's gets brown when it's too hot. :D

[deeaimond]

I use pure shea butter. It's great and is not messy at all. Abit waxy at first but dissolves as it warms up, absorbs into the skin eventually. No chemicals (I have detergent allergies so it is definitely not giving me problems) Tried other things but this works the best for me. (it helps that all the bits are nice and moisturized:D)

problem is I'm not sure where to buy it. I got a huge tub from my bf's mother, and it'll probably last me another year or so. She got it in Ghana. I'm thinking if u live in a town with like... a store specialising in cosmetics for african people? or on the internet.

[Norse]

I've tried chamois butter and a couple other and ended up using bag balm. It's cheap, works and washes out. You can get it at the drug store and it comes in a green tin.

+1 on the Bag Balm, and that's after a lot of experimentation. You can't beat the price either. If it's a hot day, I also use corn starch. For shorts, I am using PI Ultrasensors right now. They breath better than their Microsensors and have less of a diaper.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Just so people know, Bag Balm ingredients are: petroleum jelly (same as Vaseline), lanolin, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (an antiseptic).

[OakLeaf]

I use pure shea butter. ...

problem is I'm not sure where to buy it.

Nubutte is based on shea butter. It doesn't lubricate enough for me, but I love it as a healing salve.

[Jiffer]

On long rides I use A&D ointment. I apply it with a tissue directly onto skin (it's hard to wash off your hands and smells). Then I put Chamois Buttr directly in my shorts.

I used to just use Chamois Buttr, but started having some irritation issues, which I found (from this forum) that A&D helped with. It helps heal current irritation and protect from future irritation. But I also like using the Chamois Buttr in addition on long rides. I have added more Chamois Buttr in the middle of a long ride and have discovered that I do NOT want to do this anymore. Just makes things way too slippery down there! "Parts" move around and I find myself constantly trying to get comfortable on my seat.

Sometimes after a long ride when I'm feeling just a bit sore or chafed down there, I'll use just the A&D the next time I ride (which is typically a short and easy recovery ride). And/or I'll use it with regular clothes on if I'm trying to heal from something. For the most part, now that I've gotten my system down, I don't have to do that.

Everyone is different in what they use and what types of irritation they get, if any at all. Some people don't use anything at all. I started with Chamois Buttr because that's what my husband uses, then when I started having "issues", did research on this site, I discovered A&D and found I like the combination of both.

[shootingstar]

After perusing this whole thread with insight on the cream stuff, I'm gettin' an inferiority complex.. I've been cycling for so many years on some long rides.

Still no padded cycling shorts nor chamois creme.

I actually feel less motivated now after reading all this stuff. :cool: Ok, so I'm a padded shorts hillbilly.

[Aquila]

Like Jiffer, I use A&D ointment. If I'm a little sore, I also use a little at night, and it seems to help the skin not feel chafed or recover or something.

I smell like a freshly diapered baby, but anyone who gets close enough to smell without knowing me pretty intimately deserves what they get!

(It's also really great for hard winters on hands and feet.)

[papaver]

After perusing this whole thread with insight on the cream stuff, I'm gettin' an inferiority complex.. I've been cycling for so many years on some long rides.

Still no padded cycling shorts nor chamois creme.

I actually feel less motivated now after reading all this stuff. :cool: Ok, so I'm a padded shorts hillbilly.

It all depends on the type of bike you ride. When I ride my commuter bike I wear normal shorts. On my racing bike: bibs!!!!

[Norse]

Went home and looked at my shorts and realized I had to correct what I said earlier - PI's good shorts are the Microsensors, the diaper shorts are their Ultrasensors.

[deeaimond]

Nubutte is based on shea butter. It doesn't lubricate enough for me, but I love it as a healing salve.

Oakleaf, I've never seen nubutte, but i'm assuming its got other stuff added to it. maybe thats why it does not lubricate as well. pure shea butter has an unpleasant lumpy texture and not very nice smell... maybe thats why most versions out there have other stuff mixed in. But the lumpy texture starts to melt one you warm it in your hands for abit.

Update: I shared my shea butter with my very skeptical touring partner and the first thing he said coming out of the bathroom was 'it doesn't sting at all!' and after that, he's been hinting at getting some of this shea butter stuff.

more point is, I put it on my inner *ahem* bits as well and I love that it does not sting. And at the end of the ride my butt and bits are all soft as a baby's! :p

I'm seriously considering this as an entrepreunerial idea...

[TrekTheKaty]

Did you know Chamois Butter is distributed by a company in Missouri? It's all you can get around here. I suspect it's just udder balm, repackaged so they can charge a couple bucks more--but I haven't compared the ingredients.

When I ran marathons, I used body glide on places where I chafed like bra straps. I wouldn't use it "down there." I've always used chamois butter for longer rides--over 40ish. Tube for the house and small disposable packets for emergency reapplication during long rides.

[OakLeaf]

Actually on Crankin's recommendation, I've tried Body Glide and it really works pretty well. It's easy enough to apply with fingers and avoid contaminating the stick. It does burn very very slightly, but not migrating is a big advantage. It lasts a LONG time and lubricates excellently. I still use a little bit of Beljum Budder, ahem, up front where it's difficult to apply anything very thick.

[OakLeaf]

I just went into Smith & Hawken today since the chain is going out of business and everything's on sale. :)

At the counter they had Pré de Provence (http://www.europeansoaps.com/new_4.htm) brand 100% organic shea butter, in tins or tubes.

I picked up a tin and we'll see how it works (although I'm still quite happy with Body Glide). It feels great on my hands anyway - soft, smooth and not at all greasy. So if you don't have a local Smith & Hawken or if they're already sold out/closed, another garden store might have shea butter.

I might just pick up another tin when I go into town again later this week...

[OakLeaf]

Yay.

Tried some on a short ride (33 mi) last night. The weather was cool (a perfect night for riding actually) so I can't speak to heavy sweat or rain, but so far, so good.

It goes on very similar to Body Glide - so a little goes a long way.

It lubricates very, very well. I purposely didn't re-apply after two bathroom trips, just to see how it did. No problems.

It's completely non-irritating. And while it's a little early to say for sure, it doesn't seem as heavy as Body Glide, which is tending to clog pores and giving me butt-crease pimples (no, I don't apply it there, but it apparently migrates either from my labia or from the chamois).

Refined shea butter is somewhat expensive, but since you use so little of it, I think it's probably about the same as Beljum Budder, or even a bit less expensive, on a per-mile comparison. I'm not sure how well unrefined shea butter would go on (sounds like that's what you're using, deeaimond?), but it's available online quite inexpensively. I did see someone selling unrefined shea butter at a street fair recently, but couldn't get the attention of anyone at the booth. :o

[deeaimond]

Yay.

Tried some on a short ride (33 mi) last night. The weather was cool (a perfect night for riding actually) so I can't speak to heavy sweat or rain, but so far, so good.

It goes on very similar to Body Glide - so a little goes a long way.

It lubricates very, very well. I purposely didn't re-apply after two bathroom trips, just to see how it did. No problems.

It's completely non-irritating. And while it's a little early to say for sure, it doesn't seem as heavy as Body Glide, which is tending to clog pores and giving me butt-crease pimples (no, I don't apply it there, but it apparently migrates either from my labia or from the chamois).

Refined shea butter is somewhat expensive, but since you use so little of it, I think it's probably about the same as Beljum Budder, or even a bit less expensive, on a per-mile comparison. I'm not sure how well unrefined shea butter would go on (sounds like that's what you're using, deeaimond?), but it's available online quite inexpensively. I did see someone selling unrefined shea butter at a street fair recently, but couldn't get the attention of anyone at the booth. :o

It doesn't clog pores at all, and I have super sensitive skin, like everything clogs it. I actually use it to prevent ingrowns as well. I'm just really glad to help 'advertise' a really awesome all natural product. Shea Butter has healing properties i heard.. Anyways, hope to see more people give it a shot, and only coz it works and is pretty amazing. :D