Rich Land Our guy in Merchandising has written a interesting piece on Chamois Creme and why you should take notice.. Read on.
Chamois crème has grown in popularity over recent years, fuelled in some part by the rise in people taking part in Cyclo sportives. In reality calling it chamois crème may be a little misleading as modern chamois are very good and do not need the softening and treatment that the old ones used to. So why use it? Well the crème itself acts as an important anti bacterial barrier for the skin. Sweat by nature can be corrosive and an irritant to the skin especially if exposed for long periods of time. This is where the chamois crèmes come into their own
Covering the body where it comes in contact with the chamois will greatly reduce the chaffing caused by sweat and so keeping the rider more comfortable over long periods. Depending on the crème, some manufacturers include other ingredients which offer benefits that include: increased blood flow, reduced bruising, softening of the skin, cooling (due to menthol’s). The difficult task comes in trying to choose a crème for you.
They fall into two basic types which we will call Euro and Non Euro. The Euro is typically a thicker crème and will include some form of menthol or cooling element. This is the slight tingle effect that you can get once applied. How much of the tingle effect you get will depend on the amount that the manufacturer includes in the recipe. This can be a welcoming thing if you are cycling in hot weather conditions. The Non Euro can have many of the same ingredients in it, but negates the use of menthol. Typically Lady cyclists prefer this formulation, and many Gentlemen also. Typically Euro style comes in Tubs and Non Euro comes in tubes, but of course there are exceptions to the rule.
If you come from the old school and still prefer to apply the crèmes to the chamois this will be fine as the formulations wash out easily and will not damage the pad. My top tip if you prefer to do it this way would be to apply the crème to the pad when it is freshly washed and just out of the washing machine. This way the crème goes on easy and as the short dries it will soak up the product and be there when you need it while riding. If you have never tried chamois crème, I’d recommend that you do so, it may be a revelation for your riding.
In use both crèmes will do the job very well, it is a question of which one you prefer.
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