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To the non-cyclist some cycling behaviors can be quite perplexing if not simply shocking. Do we really need to shave our legs? How many times I’ve tried to answer that question with a straight face I cannot count. . .
Dr. Max Shute writes in with his thoughts on your crotch. . . .
Some of our quirks are unnecessary, but some do have merit. Case in point, a few months back while visiting the 'in-laws' a family friend witnessed me rubbing generic Noxcema onto the crotch area of my cycling shorts before a ride. “What in the world are you doing and why?” was the elevated response. I told her that I liked the tingling sensation of the menthol. Already finding me an odd part of the family, she went on her way without further inquisition.
Truth be told, I tolerate the wake up call that my thrifty choice of chamois cream inflicts. I use it because it provides lubrication to an area of the body that can, at times, become quite hard to amuse after several hours in the saddle. Chamois cream these days is a misnomer as no one rides on a real leather chamois anymore. Science has developed much better synthetic, anti bacterial alternatives than the stiffening leather patches of yore that caused riders to ask for cream in the first place. Way back in the day it’s intent was just that - to soften the chamois after it dried from washing. A side benefit seems to have been the lubricating properties for their butts before rides and adding a degree of comfort. Many old schoolers will tell you that using chamois cream today is silly as we don’t use a real chamois any longer. To an extent they are correct, we certainly do not need to soften up today’s synthetic chamois pads. Some of us, however, do need the lubricating properties that today’s creams provide.
If you do not have a problem with saddle sores or any other posterior irritations there is no need to start using a cream. If however, you spend significant time in the saddle you are likely suffering at some level due directly to the friction of a dry cycling pad. This type of rider needs to consider trying out a cream. When I splurge I choose something thick with a low water content that will stick around for awhile. Products like Brave Soldier and others are pricy, but very effective. Look for a product with a blend of silicone, anti-bacterial agents, and a low water content otherwise the product will simply absorb into the pad negating their lubricating properties. These products won’t heal saddle sores and irritations but they will help tremendously in preventing them from occurring in the first place.
How much do you apply? You can only go wrong by applying too little. Each brand will have a recommendation but you basically take as much as necessary to have all major friction points covered. You can apply directly to yourself as well but let’s not get carried away. As long as the major friction points are well lubed you’re getting as much protection as possible from today’s scientific chamois cream advancements.
One final word on bike fit. No chamois cream in the world will take the place of proper bike fit (see our articles on saddle height, cleat set-up, stem length). Many of us are riding around on racing bikes which are meant to go fast first and be comfy a distant second. It is this part of the cycling culture that renders our posteriors, as well as many other body parts, sore during and after a ride. Get properly fitted and comfortable on your bike first and see if the saddle sores subside. If not you are going to need all the help you can get. A good application of chamois cream will certainly be part of your daily cycling ritual.
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