Chamois Butter and shorts!!

[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

[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.