Chamois Butt'r?

[Waverly]

I have only been riding about three months and I have heard of all these products but I am not quite sure what they do. I rode in a bike ride this weekend called BRAG (Bike Riding Across Georgia). It is a three day ride that has different mileage options each day. I rode about 130 miles total. I did not use anything. Just me, my bike shorts, and my seat. I was sore but no chafing. Are theses creams for chafing or do they help with soreness as well? Excuse my stupidity!

Jess

[maryellen]

hi Jess, not stupidity, just inexperience. These products are generally advocated to avoid saddle sores and chafing. *But* during my second century ride I had painful pressure on my right sitz bone by mile 40 and out of desperation I used chamois butt'r. And it completely alleviated the problem. Don't know how or why--my theory was that it allowed for just enough lubrication and sliding in the area that it relieved the constant pressure on that one point. I haven't needed it since, but I keep a couple of the small tubes in my seat bag now.

[Pedal Wench]

I'm confused too.

I understand the need for lube to avoid chaffing. I had a problem when I first got my bike, but after adjusting my saddle, that's not the problem. However, I've got my first bout of saddle sores. It seems that Chamois Butt'r is winning in the polls - will that somehow prevent saddle sores? I get that it helps chaffing, but saddle sores are a whole different issue. I'll try it this weekend - I've got to go to REI anyway... Or, since I'm just getting the saddle sores to clear up, should I try the Desitin for these rides?

I guess I always thought that you want to keep things as dry as possible down there, and all of these lotions and creams do just the opposite.

[pkq]

Audio-A, many people use Desitin to help dry up saddle sores/heat rash due to the zinc oxide. Some people use Johnson and Johnson's Daily Protection Cream with success. Long distance riders (rando riders) ride with some lube in their bag to avoid problems. These lubes also help keep the skin moisturized and the sweat, salt, and bacteria away from skin. Skin dries out with age, not saying any of you are old, and from dehydration, many riders don't drink enough fluids while riding. As the skin dries, it becomes more susceptible to chafing. The tiny cracks in skin allows bacteria to set up housekeeping causing saddle sores, heat rash, etc. Also, sitting too much causes problems with pressure points leading to saddle sores, too.

Drink lots.....if you don't need to pee while riding, you aren't drinking enough.

Stand on the pedals lots to relieve pressure spots.

I'm sure others can provide more info.