I have a question . . .

[new2ride]

I'm new to this board, found it yesterday and really love all the information it contains. Now for the question, I've been reading a lot about the chamois creme on another cycling board and wonder do ladies use this stuff?

I took up cycling this past May and absolutely love it. I ride approximately 20 to 25 miles each day. Purchased a Trek 3700 WSD, changed out the skins to gain some speed. Recently, I've notice that there's friction when I'm riding. I'm forever adjusting myself on the saddle while riding and was wondering does the chamois creme help to alleviate some of the friction. And do women use it. If women do use it, this is probably a little delicate and too much information, but how do you prevent yourself from developing any type of bladder or UTI infection?

[Veronica]

The cream doesn't go where it would cause an infection. If you are having issues with that part of your anatomy, you should probably change your bike set up.

V.

[NJBikeGal]

Chamois cream was originally for use on shorts that included a chamois! Which actually had to be "lubed" to soften it up. Today's shorts don't need chamois cream, although a lot of people stand by it as a necessity.

I have never used it. The thought of putting something called "Udderly Smooth" on those portions of my body is not up my alley! A simple change of shorts (an "upgrade," as it were, to a better pair) or a saddle change can improve your issues tremendously. If you are getting friction between you and your shorts, it could also be that your shorts are too big. Good luck and welcome to the forum!

[csr1210]

I use it pretty faithfully - I squirt a little directly on the chamios and it seems to get where it needs to be. I don't know if my issue is actual chaffing or more from hair pulling (tmi I know ), but the cream makes a big difference to me. My shorts are pretty decent (sheebeest with the shelastic chamios), and seem to fit me well, but I still have some minor issues without any lube, so there's another opinion.

I've never had any infection issues, but then again, I wasn't prone to them before taking up cycling, so I guess that's not much help. Most of the creams ARE water-soluble so peeing/showering should pretty much take care of dissolving any residue (?) -- I wouldn't use an oil based product regularly though.

I'm sure you'll get a variety of responses from "Never!" to "never without it"

Hope that helps....

[Zen]

Are you still riding on the Bontrager saddle that came on it?
If so, I would recommend scrapping it for a Terry Falcon X or something similar.

Once I got rid of the dreaded Bontrager I had no more comfort issues.

[short cut sally]

I swear by this stuff..I use pacelines chamois creme, can be purchased from TE or other bike catalogs. I don't like "generic" chamois creme, the one I tried was more liquid than creme. It prevents horrible irritation for me, I apply to my parts that get irritated and to the seam areas of the chamois, and sometimes to the chamois itself depending on how much I squirt out and need to dispose of. Never had problems with UTI's as of yet.

[SadieKate]

I don't know if my issue is actual chaffing or more from hair pulling (tmi I know ), but the cream makes a big difference to me.

I know, waaaay TMI, but it does seem to help to keep things trimmed up. Not shaved just short.

[RolliePollie]

I'm sure you'll get a variety of responses from "Never!" to "never without it"

Never without it!!!

I slather unscented lotion, like Curel or Aveeno Baby Lotion, all over my chamois. I tried Astroglide (on me, not the chamois) and it works quite well. It's made to go directly on that part of the body so theoretically it shouldn't cause UTIs or other infections. However, I'm already nearly out of Astroglide and it's pretty expensive (not to mention potentially embarassing to purchase!), so I'm going to try just using the unscented lotion on me and on the chamois.

My saddle is awesome (Terry Butterfly) but I still need something to help with chafing and/or to prevent saddle sores. It's the hill climbing that seems to get me...on flat rides I'm fine. After a nasty saddle sore, I knew I had to do something about lubrication. So it was Astroglide and lotion to the rescue! No problems since!

[lauraelmore1033]

I use it if I remember to, but I've found that the fit of my shorts is more important than using lube. When I wear loose fitting shorts, I'm constantly shifting and adjusting, and every thing ends up sore. Snug fitting shorts seem to eliminate the problem for me.

[mimitabby]

i have ridden on trusty saddles that were in the wrong place and immediately started getting irritation. make sure your saddle is in the right place; that's up/down and back/forward.

[Jiffer]

I use Chamois Buttr, as do at least a few other cyclists I know. I don't bother with it on short rides, but anything 20 miles or more. I just squirt it directly into the shorts. Not shy about the quantity, either. It's a good idea to get out of your shorts as soon as you can after your ride to prevent any issues with bacteria or anything, whether you use a cream or not. I don't know if you can get a yeast infection or not, but I did read an article about getting out of your shorts asap for hygiene purposes. And, of course, wash them after each use.

I think you just to have figure out what works for you.

[new2ride]

. . . they sure help. I've purchased some good riding shorts (Cannondale & another good brand) and they are quite comfy. Just seems when I'm on longer rides, I've noticed the friction. I did change out my saddle almost immediately after getting the bike. There was a big difference after I made the switch.

I've read about the creme on another site but it seemed it was used almost exclusively by men. Not too many women would comment on whether they used it or not. Of course, all the men suggest riding without any panties (briefs) because they indicate the seems in both can cause irritation and problems. I was very curious about using creme in the delicate area and wondered if anyone had problems with UTIs, bladder or yeast infections. I know this is TMI.

I've never really been bothered with any type of infection and wanted to get some input before trying the stuff myself. Thanks for all your responses, it sure does help with making a decision about whether to use it or not.

I am a novice to cycling and have really adapted to it and love it. I've taken up cycling for a variety of reasons, with the most important being getting a cardio workout. I'll post more on that issue later.

Thanks again! Have a great holiday. Going out to hit the trail.

[Starfish]

. Of course, all the men suggest riding without any panties (briefs) because they indicate the seems in both can cause irritation and problems.

Ummm, I think most women here would agree that you should avoid wearing any panties under your cycling shorts, too.