If you’ve never used chamois cream before you could be missing out on a real gem of a comfort booster, ideal for longer days in the saddle. Chapeau! is a small British company and have been offering their own line of chamois creams for a couple of years.

With the advent of the synthetic insert in shorts (presuming you wear a padded short under your baggies) the use of chamois creams isn’t as essential as it once was. That’s not to say there isn’t still a place for them though, and some endurance riders swear by them for long distance races and rides.

The Chapeau! Chamois Cream provides a protective barrier to chafing between your skin and the pad of the short, and reduces any friction or irritation that might otherwise lead to discomfort. If you’ve done a very long ride in the saddle (like a 12 or 24 hour race) you’ll be familiar with the chafing discomfort that can occur. The Chapeau! cream eliminates any discomfort from ruining your ride. Using a cream is as good for a short ride as it is for a longer stint. And if you do suffer from a sore bum, this could be just the stuff you need.

Chapeau! Chamois Cream is available in Original and Menthol. The Menthol gives a slight tingle, so you certainly know where you’ve applied it. Talking of applying, the best way is to squirt a little onto a finger and then just rub it all over you undercarriage. Yes we’ll admit it’s a slightly bizarre thing to do, especially the first time you do it. But once discovered the comfort this stuff gives you when you’re in the saddle for a few solid hours, you won’t regret taking the plunge.

Verdict

There’s loads of chamois creams on the market, but we really like Chapeau!’s offering. It’s well-priced and doesn’t smell offensive. The 200ml tube lasts ages and makes it easy to apply.

Pros

Keeps chafing to a minimum

Cons

Menthol isn’t for everyone…

More information: Chapeau! Chamois Cream
Price: £11.99

What Chapeau! says:

Chapeau! Menthol Chamois Cream is lightly mentholated for an extra soothing affect. It can be used as anti bacterial preventative measure against chafing and soreness or after a ride to sooth and help heal any discomfort. The cream works by forming a long lasting anti friction barrier between skin and chamois pad, preventing bacterial build up, keeping you comfortable and making your ride that much more enjoyable. It is an essential purchase for any keen cyclist.