Chamois Butter and shorts!!

[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.

[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.

[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.