Lifestyle

A Few of the Best Cycling Chamois Creams

What are chamois creams and which one to go for?

Not every cyclist uses chamois cream – but for many riders, it’s an absolute necessity, especially for longer excursions.

Chamois cream is essentially a lube for you and your bike. It may sound a little odd, but it can make a huge difference to your riding comfort by reducing friction around your undercarriage.

A long day in the saddle is tough going on your body as pedalling is a repetitive motion which can cause chaffing and irritation to those already sensitive bits. Chamois cream helps prevent that problem by reducing the friction between your bits and your shorts.

Many chamois creams have anti-bacterial properties and they’re all designed to be used exclusively in those sensitive areas. So there’s no need to worry about being irritated in other ways. They’ve been known to help reduce the number of in-growing hairs and contain cooling properties which help with inflammation and the reduction in saddle sores.

Padded shorts are designed in such a way that you don’t need to wear underwear, they are your second skin layer so the chamois cream can be applied directly to the lining of your shorts, or to your skin. There is no right way, it’s all down to your personal preference. Just ensure you cover those areas which come into contact with the saddle, or areas that are prone to rubbing: thighs, soft tissue and creases.

We’ve rounded up a selection of cycling chamois creams for you to try yourself…

Rapha Chamois Cream

Rapha’s chamois cream has been rigorously tested by their ambassadors and team riders to develop a reliable and effective lubricant for riding.

Ingredients include lavender, for its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon as a natural antiseptic and Patchouli, which is considered an anti-inflammatory also.

Available here for £15

Endura Chamois Cream

Made by the cycling giants themselves, Endura‘s own Chamois Cream is made in the UK from all natural ingredients. It’s been designed to provide an anti-bacterial barrier for your skin and to help prevent chafing and soreness. It can also be used post ride to help soothe and heal!

Bodyglide for Him & Her

This multi-purpose lube isn’t just for the undercarriage, it can easily be used for those rubbing bra straps and annoying waistbands.

It’s made from natural plant-based ingredients without the use of petroleum and oils which can ruin clothing. Bodyglide contains Vitamin F Forte which helps to keep skin soft and moisturised.

Her Butt’r

Developed by a female sports physician, Her Chamois Butt’r contains aloe vera, tea tree oil and shea butter for a soothing and gentle lubricant.

This product is specifically designed for female cyclists as it has a different pH balance to its male counterpart chamois cream.

ASSOS Chamois Cream

From the famed manufacturers of padded shorts comes ASSOS’ chamois cream.

Specially formulated to provide anti-bacterial and soothing protection against chaffing and irritation, this cream is ideal for those long days in the saddle.

ASSOS cream is famed for its light cooling effect that can feel uncomfortably tingly to some, whilst others love the added freshness. This is a personal choice, but if you already feel strange about applying a chamois cream, it’s probably not the one for you.

Muc-Off chamois cream

Muc-Off doesn’t just make bike lube, they also produce cyclist lube too.

As part of their new athlete’s range, the chamois cream has cooling abilities with its Aloe Vera, witch hazel and shea butter formula. Free from parabens and formaldehyde, this cream is anti-bacterial and provides deep skin nourishment.

So what are you waiting for? Take care of your booty with one of these chamois creams and leave the irritation behind.