Well, after reading my last post, Coach Kris brought his keen insight, experience, and professional knowledge to bear on my arse problem.
Four words:
cycling shorts
chamois butter
DUH!
OK, so that's five words, but I had gotten into the habit of riding only in tri-shorts in part to "toughen up" and in part because I don't like the cycling shorts that I have. It is probably long past time to spring for some new bike shorts. In fact, doing so is probably patriotic: doing my part for the economy.
So, here's the question to you, gentle reader. What are the best, most comfortable cycling shorts in the known universe and the best chamois butter to go along with them? If you ride a bike, weigh in. But, that said, as much as I respect the "woohah," "bajingo" and "vajayjay," I'd especially prize the opinions of those readers who have "junk" that needs to fit down in all that lycra, chamois and butter.
I'm just sayin.
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17 comments:
Pearl Izumi microsensor-about $120 but they last awhile and are super comfortable for those long rides!
(And I am getting this info from hubby-he has ridden in a LOT of different shorts-so it's "guy parts" talking here.)
He never has to use the butter (except on toast) so can't help you there.
I'm still mystified by the idea of chamois butter - it can't help with soreness can it? Is it a miracle concotion? It seems like more a de-chafer...
I like straight up chamois butt'r.
I also like my sugoi sugar short - while that's a women's short, I have found that they make a men's version with the same pad (touring, 3d or something).
I have a pair of specialized shorts I spent $$ on, they're supposed to do everything shy of launch the space shuttle, but I'm not as impressed with them.
I also a gel pad on my saddle to eliminate hot spots. It's not pretty, but it works.
doesnt matter how comfortable the shorts are, or how much chamois butter i lather up down there with, i am always in pain :) good luck with your junk!
NO GEL PADS. period.
Deez Nutz for lube is supposed to be good, but I haven't tried it yet.
Try some bib shorts...you will like them. Descente, Assos, LG, PI Microsensors, Castelli.
The thing about shorts is that they are like saddles. What works for me probably won't work for you. You have to just find what works for you and "stick" with it. :) Your junk will love you for it.
I really like my Giordana Silverline shorts and DZ Nutz.
Chamois butter is great, but not nearly as important as a good saddle and comfortable shorts.
Butt and junk comfort has everything to do with shorts and saddle. EV.RY.THING!
Pearl Izumi.
Sugoi.
Bib shorts.
All good. You get what you pay for so don't go cheap.
Chamois Butt'r. Liberally.
I'm gonna go R/X rated on you hear and say that keeping the 'wool' on the crotch (not the pubes) trimmed close helps reduce chaffing and discomfort as well. Don't use a razor and you don't have to wax (Yikes) or go Brazilian but a clipper works well. Yes, I do this during biking/race season and it works for me. Once you start this, you have to stay with it to keep the stubble down to a minimum. Consider this carefully.
Good luck.
First I'd like to thank Benson for that image and I'm thinking it is time to re-post the Norelco Personal Groomer ad. I will do that today.
The men in my tri club could not say enough good things about the Louis Garneau bib shorts we had as teamkit for guys last year. So maybe check those out. I have no idea what 'model' they were, though.
I use Aquaphore for 'down there' and it works great for me but I have no idea if it would be good for a guy.
And, like Benson, I run a pretty tight ship down there - so to speak.
I have always had good luck with Sugoi shorts and Chamois Butt'r in the purple and yellow tube. It was a life saver at IMAZ. Also as was mentioned, the saddle has a lot to do with it. I have one of those crazy ISM Adamo saddles and I am in love with it. Even after being off the bike for awhile, when I got back on the saddle it was still comfortable for a 45 mile ride.
I also use chamois butt'r for bike rides. For longer rides I sometimes put down a layer of BodyGlide first before the butt'r. When racing triathlons I use BodyGlide because the chamois butt'r tends to wash away during the swim.
Yeah, that wouldn't be me. But I do love my LiveStrong shorts and for what it's worth Lance rides in them. (Okay, no smart-ass comments about that...) Hey, there's an Inspiration Award for you on my blog. Think I posted it Wed. of this week. Enjoy and thanks!
P.S. I saw Kate Major talk at a local bike shop. She swears by Assos cream. And when she said it with her cute little Aussie accent, I could've sworn she was saying "ass sauce." LOL
Sugoi RS cycling shorts--HEAVENLY. Campmore regularly has these at 1/2 price (they retail for $120-$125). I like them WAY better than Pearl Izumi's comparable high-end model. Seamless, molded chamois I hardly know I'm wearing. Not so with Pearl--just not as comfortable.
Add Body Glide and you should be golden.
chamois butter and a ISM Adamo saddle :)
I used to like Pearl Izumi bibs until I tried Giordana. They are just Awesome! I really like the MC3-OF Chamois, with just the right amount of density versus softness. It makes even a bad saddle comfortable. This chamois is in just about all of Giordana's models, but the Silverline is the real value. You can get a pair of bibs from Ribble (www.ribblecycles.co.uk) for less than $50.
And for chamois cream, definitely Assos. End of discussion.
"Ass-Sauce"... LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Just to chime in: the hubby likes Pearl Izumi (the mid-grade, $79/ea I think), and I like Sugoi (all kinds). I also tend to think the best chamois is one with the fewest seams.
As far as ass-lube...I like Aveeno baby lotion for short rides and bag balm for really long ones.
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