A chamois creme kind of question

[salsabike]

I am one of those who uses lots of chamois butter in the space between thigh and groin because I'm pretty subject to chafing and saddle sores. So, OK and fine. As we have upped our mileage in preparation for a one-day tandem STP---e.g., 100 miles on Sunday, 40 on Tuesday, 50 coming tomorrow, etc.---I have also been blessed with some chafing on the girly bits themselves. So here's my question, silly though it may sound: Is it okay to put chamois butter right on the girly bits too? Maybe I ask this because we tried Assos last year--ONCE--and both said, "Ooh. I don't really want to feel this way down there...". Chamois Butt'r the brand seems to be pretty mild, but I still would like to know from the more experienced riders if it's okay to just slather that stuff on, especially on a day when I expect to be riding 206 miles. Thanks, guys.

[velogirl]

Yes, it's okay to apply chamois lubricant just about anywhere. However, it's meant to be an external application (ie don't insert it into your vagina).

Now, if you're getting that much chafing, I'd guess that your shorts are too big and your chamois is moving around. Your shorts should be TIGHT -- as tight as you can stand. This will prevent your chamois from moving (which should also prevent the chafing).

[salsabike]

Thanks, Velogirl. Just nice to know it's OK (and I wasn't planning on any, um, internal use).

Shorts are appropriately tight. I think it's a saddle thing.

[Lise]

Hi, Salsa,

I was being cheap and using Aveeno diaper rash ointment, but it was so goopy. I just bought some Chamois butter and used it for the first time yesterday. Much better. I put it all over (externally). As a women's health care provider, I would just remind everybody that any oil based lubricant can break down latex, so if you're using condoms, make sure the chamois butter's all gone!

[mimitabby]

Hi, Salsa,

I was being cheap and using Aveeno diaper rash ointment, but it was so goopy. I just bought some Chamois butter and used it for the first time yesterday. Much better. I put it all over (externally). As a women's health care provider, I would just remind everybody that any oil based lubricant can break down latex, so if you're using condoms, make sure the chamois butter's all gone!

hmm, so you are saying that bicycling CAN lead to pregnancy!!! eek:

[KnottedYet]

Hee heee heeeeeeee, not for me!!!!

[Nanci]

I was going to guess what Velogirl said- shorts too big?? You shouldn't be having that much actual chafing.

I use three things, but pretty rarely, only on longer >100 mile rides.

Bag Balm or Udder Balm- has lanolin- smells slightly "sheepy," feels great, washes out of clothes, thicker consistancy.

Chamois Butr- in the little packets from TE. Thick consistancy- may last longer than Bag Balm. Washes out of clothes ok.

My favorite- Brave Soldier Friction Zone- smells delicious, has no lanolin, but you might not like it because it gives a tingly feeling on the girlie bits- not what I would call numbing, though- king of "minty." Thinner consistancy. I carry the whole big tube with me and reapply at every potty stop.

NAnci

[li10up]

I was watching OLN and they showed Lance getting ready for a ride. He "buttered" up the chamois. So, based on what he did, it seems you are supposed to put it on the chamois not your body...does it matter?

[bcipam]

Favorite is Assos Creme which is expensive but feels so good (it's metholly so if you don't like that this is not for you). I usually (if it is needed) apply it to the chamois and girly parts. But I also like that Chamois Butter makes small, individual application sizes you can carry on the bike. If doing a week long ride, I start with the Assos but carry the Chamois Butter mini's just in case.

[Nanci]

BCIPam- If you like the mentholiness of Assos you'd probably like Friction Zone, too. I was on a ride and a guy was complaining about how someone gave him some Assos on a ride and the feeling really surprised him.

[bcipam]

I gave a jar of the Assos to a buddy who wanted to try it and well, he complained about the minty freshness as well. Think it works better for women than men. I'll look for the creme you suggested. Any idea where to find it? The assos is very expensive (although a little goes a long way).

[Lise]

hmm, so you are saying that bicycling CAN lead to pregnancy!!! eek:

More business for me, that's all I'm saying.

[Nanci]

Performance bike has it. You always hear how $$$ Assos is. How much is it??? Friction Zone is $13 I think.

[annie]

I think I paid at least $15 for Assos at an LBS. That was a couple years ago. May have gone up in price since then. I love the stuff! That tingly menthol feeling? Ooooo! Still, its pricey and I don't get it anymore. If I use anything, I use bag balm. Cheap, lasts a long time, and washes out easily. It is as effective as the Assos, just without the tingle. And you can get it at most drugstores, or even Walmarts ( if you must.) I put it, be it official chamois creme, or bag balm, on ME. Not on the shorts. I know exactly where ME needs it. It will put itself on my chamois when I sit down on the bike seat. Just make sure you've already pee'd before you put it on or you end up wiping if off and having to do it all over again. Couldn't tell how many times I've done that.

annie

[salsabike]

Just as an update---I positively SLOSHED with chamois butt'r on the STP, all the way. Worked pretty well! So I have to remember to put it on more than once on a long ride...