A severely chafed butt can stop even the toughest cyclist. One of the main challenges for those who ride for distance is avoiding the evil saddle sores. A properly protected butt can make the difference between a pleasurable cycling adventure and torture that can last for days. I’ve been using Paceline Chamois Butt’r to protect my bottom on long rides for the past two seasons.

Chamois Butt’r is a specially formulated white cream in a squirt bottle that contains mineral oil, vitamins (E, A and D), aloe, lanolin and assorted other soothing chemicals. You squirt a generous amount directly on the chamois pad on your cycling shorts, spread it evenly over the surface with your fingers, put your shorts on, hop on the bike and head for the hills. The cream provides a lubricating and protective layer between your butt and your cycling shorts. The 8oz bottle I purchased has provided about 20 treatments for my medium-sized cycling shorts. It cost me $15 in 2006.

What I like:

Chamois Butt’r protects my butt just like it claims. It has made a big difference for me on long rides. Before using the cream I would often suffer for days after a long ride. Saddle sores are nasty scrapes in a seriously uncomfortable location. Bike seats are not known for their tender loving care of sensitive tissue. I typically will use the cream when I plan to ride for 4 hours or more. It certainly would help for shorter rides too, but it isn’t worth the hassle.

What I don’t like:

As you can imagine, putting a thick layer of cold cream in the crotch of your shorts is not entirely comfortable. While you’re waiting to ride the comparison with a soiled diaper is almost unavoidable, but within minutes on the bike the Butt’r is no longer noticeable. I suspect that if it wasn’t a bit of a mess it wouldn’t be as effective.

Who needs it?

This is a product mainly for the seasoned cyclist who is already used to hours in the saddle. It really isn’t the best option for someone who is just starting out with short rides. It will prevent chafing, but won’t prevent the simple sore butt that is common for the beginning cyclist.

Recommendation:

I highly recommend this product to anyone who cycles for hours on end. After a long ride, the Chamois Butt'r allows you to focus on resuscitating your sore muscles rather than tending to large red chafing sores on your more delicate areas.


Recommended: Yes