A rear end question.....

[Globalti]

All these fancy creams are just emulsions of oils and petroleum jelly with water so you might as well use Vaseline, which is cheaper.

On 7 hour Polaris MTB events especially in wet weather I used to get a sore ricker so I used to smear a good fingerful on the old thing, which worked a treat.

 

[Fiona N]

All these fancy creams are just emulsions of oils and petroleum jelly with water so you might as well use Vaseline, which is cheaper.

That's not entirely true - Vaseline can seal the skin surface in an entirely unhappy manner. If you want waterproofing, it probably does the job fine but if you want to ensure you're not going to enhance skin irritations from yeasts and other naturally-occurring bacteria in a warm moist environment, you're better off with something which offers friction reduction and slight anti-microbial properties without water-proofing.

 

[pepecat]

Ladies (and gents), thanks for the advice! I have good shorts, but i think i shall experiment with the sudocream (on me rather than the pad initally) and see how i get on.

I was going to ask if vaseline would be any good, but Fiona has answered that one!

 

[Spinney]

Girlie here too (if that term can be applied to someone my age!)

I use padded shorts, no knickers, and don't use cream. I can 'feel' my bits and bum after 80 miles or so, but not so much that it is a problem.

Before I discovered this combination (and before getting my bike set up properly for me), I had both sore sit bones and chafing - around the crease between top of thighs and bum - basically where the bottom edge of my knickers were at the back - at least in part due to sweat in cotton knickers. The pad in a decent set of shorts should absorb the sweat, which is why you shouldn't wear knickers under them.

Standing up on the pedals now and then also helps a bit - means your bum is not in continuous contact with the saddle.

Good luck with your longer ride!

 

[Cubist]

Try the UdderlySmooth, it's a bit greasy at first application, but then works into your skin nicely to give a pleasantly moisturised feeling. It doesn't sting, ( I occasionally have a bit of sensitivity in an area shared by both sexes.....)

Sudocrem is another winner, but I find it messier to apply. However, being zinc oxide based it prevents perspiration and combined with an anti-bacterial pad stops unintentional offence to others if you get my drift, especially on a hot day.