Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anne on July 13, 2015 at 7:38am

Not a well researched piece.

A Chamois is not a sheep, it is a goat.

He makes contradictory statements in saying not to use Vaseline, but then recommends Bag Balm, which is primarily a petrolatum base with lanolin and other ingredients. In other words, it is Vaseline with other stuff in it.

Secondly, modern day 'chamois creme' are designed to condition the skin of the rider, not the 'skin' of the shorts. Sweating is a necessary thermoregulatory function of the body, even 'down there'; ingredients in chamois creme are designed to either close pores, kill bacteria or otherwise retard the production of oils. Cornstarch is the opposite spectrum of 'lubrication' - everyone's body chemistry is their own.

There should be a minimum of chafing with properly fitted shorts (not old, baggy bunchy ones) and a good saddle. If you have "weird looking chamois" or "seams all over", I would not wear them. In a perfect world, with a well-matched 'interface' (skin, shorts, saddle) you would not need chamois creme, but everyone is different.

and, the article is from 2008.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 13, 2015 at 4:10pm

http://a-z-animals.com/animals/chamois/


https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/chamois


Anne, I'm sorry you didn't like the article.
A chamois is a goat but hides of other animals are also used. Defined by wiktionary; a soft pliable leather originally made from the skin of chamois (nowadays the hides of deer, sheep, and other species of goat are alternatively used.)
He mentions that "lubing" body parts that contact the chamois IS a good idea.
Yes, everyone is different regarding skin treatment. It's all about personal preference.
If you read the comments he does recommend Bag Balm as an after treatment because of its soothing effects and he does acknowledge its petroleum base.
And although the article was dated from 2008, I still found it as valuable and useful to me. I didn't find any current dated searches that were any better.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 13, 2015 at 8:06am

Summer time, lots of riding, different problems, different approaches to personal situations.


http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/good-chamois-cream-for-com...

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on July 13, 2015 at 3:38pm

I think that sensitivity to friction can vary quite a bit from one person to another. Definitely one of those "your mileage may vary" subjects. ;)

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 14, 2015 at 4:14am

Helpful articles related to treating this dreaded cycling ailment: Saddle sores & chamois rashes.


http://thedailygrind.robdamanii.com/2012/08/07/dealing-with-saddle-...


http://totalwomenscycling.com/lifestyle/how-to-treat-saddle-sores-7...


http://www.runladylike.com/2012/10/04/the-ugly-truth-about-cycling-...


http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/home-remedies-for-saddle-sor...


http://www.roadbikerider.com/injuries/how-solve-saddle-sores

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 15, 2015 at 3:53am

http://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=62


Another helpful article: By Bernie Burton M. D.


Please do not read this article if you don't like Bag Balm or Vaseline !