Following Jay’s lead on lubricating creams and anti-chaffing, I want to write about an often overlooked element of riding a bike, chamois cream. Chamois cream, like the other lubes that Jay mentioned, helps prevent chafing and typically provides a comfortable day in the saddle. There are many, many brands of chamois cream and there are even some products that aren’t official “chamois creams” but work nonetheless.

Bag Balm- not chamois specific – Bag Balm is a lubricant/cream that has been designed specifically for animals and more specifically horses and cows. Used to soften a cows teats and treat abrasions on the utters themselves, bag balm is an excellent chamois cream and very affordable. It also comes in a very stylish green tin. Make sure your short chamois can handle the petroleum (The manufacturers website should have that information.)

Record Dermalon- This has been one of my favorites, not overly exciting in terms of fragrance but exceptional in use. Made in Italy, this stuff is a solid performer and designed to stay put. It can greatly improve your bicycling experience and help ensure maximum saddle time.

Okole Stuff- Okole is the Hawaiian word for butt and this stuff is also one of my favorites. It truly is a hard choice between the Dermalon and Okole Stuff, but the nice smell of the Tea Tree oil in the “Stuff” wins my heart every time. Made by a Professional Mountain Bike Racer and very good friend of mine, Okole Stuff is meant to work and be reliable for the long haul.

These are the three that I have used and continue to use. All of them are great so take a look at each and you decide. If you have never used a chamois cream, I really consider starting to do so, it can truly make a ride better.

Written by Matt Simpson