What’s Best For The Bum?
I’m determined to get to the bottom of this. OK… no wise cracks about how many buns… I mean puns… I can fit into this post.
But really… I have never used a chamois cream (creme) and I’m not sure I’ve ever really had a true saddle sore. Don’t get me wrong… my bottom side has felt pretty cheeky after those long rides. Last year, I trained and rode in three century events in the North Carolina mountains. They all had a lot of altitude, one as much as 13,000 plus feet of combined climbing. I’ve been thinking… as I increase my training for the same rides again this year… Would it help to lube up before the long mileage?
Some things I’ve read on the internet suggest chamois cream (creme) is only needed on real chamois… but other articles, including product descriptions suggest using it on synthetic chamois as well. 
Like Assos… I believe this was Lance’s preferred product.
Assos is described like this:
Then there’s Chamois Butt’r described like this: 
This non-greasy skin lubricant is the number one choice for riders challenged with chafing in sensitive areas–great for extended riding.
- Lotion can be applied directly to the skin, or can be slathered on the pad of your shorts to prevent uncomfortable friction
- Restores the softness and suppleness of natural and synthetic chamois padding in your bike shorts
I’m sure we all prefer soft and supple… but I’m left wondering do I need this?
Will it make my ride more comfortable?
If so… what kind do you think I should try first?
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Comments
I lube before every ride. When you are riding day after day you can get sore and raw. I just the Butt’r. I just squirt some on the chamois and rub it in. I got a sore last year and have been using it ever since.
Jeff- cheap’s always good but with it being so greasy isn’t it hard to clean?
Chris- thanks… maybe I’ll try out the Butt’r first.
I never have had a problem and do not use anything on the chamois before a ride. On the other hand, I often use the Sixtus Buttock Cream (pretty direct name!) after a ride and shower. It is very soothing and where there are blisters or chafing it all disappears by the next morning. I have had one tube of this stuff for about eight years–you only need to apply minute amounts. I have looked on the Sixtus USA website and they suggest you can put it on the chamois as well before a ride, so then you would use it up a lot faster. I used it regularly when I rode 900 km across Spain in 2002, and the one persistent saddlesore I had had at the start vanished.
I really like the other Sixtus products as well. Before a big group ride in Germany in cool weather, you could smell the eucalyptus on everyone using the Sixtus Start-Oil!
Here is the website for anyone interested: http://sixtususa.com/product_info.php/cPath/9/products_id/151
Usual disclaimers.
I like Sportsbalm. It has a very nice smell. Assos is really good, too. I never used to use chamois creme but after a lot of problems with saddle sores and also fungus infections I started using it on every ride. Haven’t had any problems since.
Leslie– thanks for the input and the link to the product. Good sell with the long ride across Spain. Hell… I’d use Crisco just to be able to have a long ride across Spain.
I want to be you when I grow up. 
I’ll certainly check out Sixtus.
Groover– Good point on the smell… don’t know if I would enjoy pedaling a hundred miles smelling something like Ben-Gay.
Well with Sportsbalm… and an approval on Assos… that makes about four products I can choose from.
At this point, anything to stay away from Fungus Infections…Yuck
Thanks for the suggestions.
No doubt the best way to avoid needing cream is just to ride a LOT. Basically train the bum.
From my old soccer days, if I have a problem I will add a little vaseline. Works fine.
Assos - ah the great Swiss company - quality at a hefty price.
Will– Good point… and I’m sure with all your miles you’re in really good shape. Yeah, I figured the Assos wasn’t cheap. I saw it’s $22 and the Butt’R creme is about $16.
Hey, if it’s THE best treatment for my bum… I’ll pay.
Lubing is a good strategy, after a ride get rid of shorts, wash up and you could apply vaseline to the skin.
Ron– I know about getting rid of the shorts and a good washing… but adding the vaseline after is also good tip!
I’ll try it this weekend. I’m off to the mountains for a longer training ride with some good climbing.
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I use good ol’ Vaseline. It works really well and it is cheap too.