Gamjams Reviews: Chamois Cream - Chamois Butt'r

I think it was Dave Zabriskie who first brought the topic of "main-taint-ance" into the mainstream cycling culture. Before he was famous for posting the fastest TT ever in the Tour de France, beating even Lance, he was just any other pack-fodder American pro, racing for Team CSC.

After the publicity from winning that Time Trial, DZ joined an elite group of cyclists that have won a stage in each of the three grand tours. The demand for his strengths against the clock went up. Soon after, his web site that gave hilarious (but good) advice on taking care of your nether regions disappeared. I guess he hired a publicist.

Don't worry, though, the information on keeping your crotch content has been resurrected by some other fanatics.

Here though, I'll mainly touch on my own preference of chamois creams. Generally, I use Paceline Products' Chamois Butt'r because that's what I've always used. Years ago, I simply picked up a tube of Chamois Butt'r at (dare I say it) Performance Bikes and applied liberally. The stuff just works for me on those hot days in the saddle.

I think the best part about this stuff is how it softens the chamois itself. I don't think any actual chamois cream softens my skin enough to prevent a bit of chafing and soreness on hellishly long/hot rides but they sure can make you more comfortable.

I personally do not prefer the tickling, cool feel of "euro" creams with menthol like Assos. (When I wanna get my jollies and giggle, I do that off the bike.) Chamois Butt'r does have a "euro style" cream as well, although I haven't tried it. All these 'euro' creams are more expensive, too.

I also don't like how you have to goop up your fingers to apply the stuff out of jars. The normal Chamois Butt'r comes out of a tube, so you can squirt it onto your [clean] chamois pad like toothpaste onto your toothbrush (except that I would never put a chamois in my mouth, you may have different tastes). Once its on the chamois, just mush it in like a sponge with your hand on the outside of the shorts.

The final thing that I laud Chamois Butt'r for are their Pocket Pacs. Although I would never want to put my hand down my cycling shorts halfway through a ride, it might just be necessary sometimes. Stash a little packet of chamois butt'r in your jersey pocket and apply it before turning around in Poolesville. Just don't mix it up with your Gu.