greenrider... you have the input on the commando... yup, the only way to go... also as mentioned, after a ride get outta those damp shorts asap... same as a swimsuit... you just don't sit around in a wet one!

the chamois cream is NOT needed for every ride, but is useful for long rides... I don't use it for any ride under 50 miles... but anything over that and I am on the saddle long enough that I want it to help reduce friction... I always use Chamois Cream for century rides... there are different brands (Chamois But'r, Aessos etc) and some with the menthol and some without... I have never used or needed the menthol or numbing stuff... I think that would be helpful if you are prone to saddle sores... I have a friend who used it for riding when he had a saddle sore and was already registered for a ride... numbing the area allowed him to complete the ride in comfort...

anyway, use the chamois cream as needed... as you ride more and more you'll figure out at what point YOU need it... it's different for every rider!