Is Chamois Cream really necessary?

rayman1

I have been cycling for a few years now doing 80 to 100k at weekends and have done a few longer sportifs such as the Sean Kelly and Ring of Kerry.
Can't say my rear ever felt really sore after a spin, just occasionally a little tender after a very long one. I have fairly decent bib shorts, Santini and Assos.
Is there any real advantage in using chamois cream?

ford2600

rayman1 wrote: »

I have been cycling for a few years now doing 80 to 100k at weekends and have done a few longer sportifs such as the Sean Kelly and Ring of Kerry.
Can't say my rear ever felt really sore after a spin, just occasionally a little tender after a very long one. I have fairly decent bib shorts, Santini and Assos.
Is there any real advantage in using chamois cream?

I don't use any. Did Fleche recently with none.

Get hygiene, bike fit, cycling fitness right with decent bibs and saddle that suits and your 95% there.

Have never spent more than 60 on bibs

stecleary

In a word - No

I've never used it but it's down to personal choice.

rollingscone

Surely the most YMMV item in cycling.

Darkglasses

If you're lucky enough to be comfortable without it, then obviously you don't need it. But everybody's butt is different, and I can see how it could help certain problems.

Borderfox

Never used any, talc the odd time but no cream

Seaneh

I am what the politically incorrect would call a fat f*ck, although I prefer the term aerodynamically challenged.

I've never used it and tbh I've never needed it. I normally get on the bike just out of the shower and talc up the area in question for longer spins and I've done 100km+ spins without nothing more than a softened backside.

smacl

I use it if I'm likely to be more than four hours in the saddle, find it makes the spin much more comfortable.

godtabh

I never felt the need for.it.but.recently did 350km in about 4 days and felt it. Doing 540km in 4 day in the summer. Will probably use it then

07Lapierre

I didnt use it during the WW200 3 years ago when the weather was wet all day....i regretted it! Ouch!

slap/dash

Absolutement! I apply liberally before every ride.

It's helpful for 3+ hours but it's just one of the enormously funny and enjoyable homoerotic aspects of roadie performativity.

unichall

Never used it so without stating the obvious, what does it do for you?

Bristolscale7

Sudocrem?

easygoing39

Never used it , dont see the need . Good bibs, good training and good bike fit should be all that's needed for comfortable hours in the saddle.

Darkglasses

unichall wrote: »

Never used it so without stating the obvious, what does it do for you?

It's a mild lubricant, so prevents saddle-sores and friction which causes a burning feeling at the perineum. Friction can be caused by slightly abrasive shorts, badly fitting shorts, badly fitting saddle, or if your pedal style causes you to move around on the saddle. Also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Not sure how important anti-bacterial is, unless your shorts are manky.

Ole Rodrigo

Chamois cream was originally for softening a chamois made of leather. Now, theres no need as most chamois are made from synthetic materials.

manwithaplan

I use some on long rides on cold wet days. I can get a bit of chafing on the line of the outside of the saddle then. I don't use it otherwise.

It makes your arse feel minty fresh.

Harrybelafonte

ror_74 wrote: »

Chamois cream was originally for softening a chamois made of leather. Now, theres no need as most chamois are made from synthetic materials.

There's no need to soften the chamois maybe.

This is another one of the pointless cycling questions. Answer is simple, do you get saddle sores when you're cycling? Does your arse get really sore after spins? Then yes chamois cream may help, if it doesn't then look at your saddle and fit. If you don't suffer any maladies then just get on with it.

There's guys here talking about being fat and heavy and not needing it. That's not the point. I didn't need it from 122kg to 86kg but after that point I found more pressure on my sit bones and perenium and I needed something. Eventually I had to change saddles too.

Roller sessions are also unforgiving so many may need cream for them alone.

Cee-Jay-Cee

I believe the reason sone people need to use it is poor fitting shorts. If the pad can move around (from the shorts being a bit too big) then you'll get chaffing/discomfort on longer distance spins. Saying that I bought some for longer distance spins even though I don't suffer saddle sores.