I figure there are 2 audiences taking the time to read a review of this kind of product 1) those who've never used a chamois cream and are wondering if it's something to try, and 2) those who've tried numerous creams and are still looking for the best.
For audience 1, the answer is YES, you've got to be using this stuff, and Chamois Butt'R is an outstanding option. Works fine by itself, but I often go with a thin layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline on the more tender parts of the male anatomy plus right where the inner thigh hits the groin and then go with this product mainly where the directions suggest putting it (immediately posterior to those tender parts). For context, I only ride a triathlon bike, so positioning and pressure points may differ from your riding situation. Of course after a couple hours of intense sweating on the trainer or on a humid day, Chamois Butt'R will need to be reapplied. Their little one-use packs are like magic about halfway through an Ironman bike leg.
Then, for the 2nd audience, I admit I have a limited chamois cream repertoire I've only used this product and their Eurostyle version over the past 15 yrs. The Eurostyle gives a significant cooling effect down there, much more than I'm comfortable with. With that stuff, you're feeling mentholly down below for quite some time, and then when you shower, it comes back to hit you with an open hand of minty-ness. No thank you-a fresh feeling is good, but for me, ice is not nice down there. Stick to this original Chamois Butt'R-you won't regret it.
Certainly, I wish it didn't cost so much, but for the protection it provides, I'd be willing to pay significantly more.
I bought PaceLine cream because BTD was running a one-day special on it, and I've found it to be as effective as other more expensive chamois creams. It's got medium viscosity and holds up well on long rides. Even if you don't buy the cream on discount. the 8oz. tube is reasonably priced. Allergen Note The ingredients list includes lanolin, so if you're allergic to lanolin this cream might not work for you.
Through nearly thirty of riding and racing I have tried several different brands of chamois cream, and both my wife and I keep coming back to this one on the basis of performance and value. There are other way cheaper brands out there but which don't hold up. And there are other crazy-expensive brands that perform no better. When you can catch a sale on this stuff, it's a pretty good deal on a good product.
Chamois creme really makes a difference to how well I feel after a ride, whether it be 30 miles or 200 miles. Every time I do a ride of more than 20 miles or so without using some form of creme, I can feel the imitation on my skin. I enjoy long rides and tours with 7 days or more of continuous cycling, so a good chamois creme really makes a difference.
The Paceline creme is way better than no creme at all, but there are better alternatives. This is a good value product and I wouldn't hesitate to use it for a 50 mile ride. But it does tend to lose effectiveness during longer rides.
If I'm doing a really long ride (100 miles or more) or many days of 50 mile rides, I will choose another product. My favorite these days is DZ Nuts, but I think the Assos Chamois Creme is also pretty good.
After thirty years of cycling I have tried a lot of different stuff and wasted a lot of money on hype. This product, however, is a good value. When BTD runs a special during the off-season, load up! This stuff is more durable than other brands I have tried, yet does not leave any residue.
I love this chamois cream, this is a must for my rides, in special for the long ones, above 70 miles. If I forget to apply this cream before a ride, that next week will be a painful one (and I only wear Assos and top quality castelli bibs)
thanks to BikeTiresDirect for the good price and VIP points. Great store!!!
I have had some sit bone issues in the past so when I go out I use a lot of chamois creams...I use asso chamois cream on the chamois and use The ButtR on my bottom I find the combination to work for me, and have no
issues on long rides over 50 miles..
For over 10 years, I have used Chamois Butt'r before every ride, just a little for lunch rides, and more for weekend rides of 3 hours. Recently did a double metric plus at 136 miles and 8 hours, and the only thing sore was my knee. Nothing can ruin a ride quicker than a bad saddle sore, and CB does a nice job avoiding unnecessary irritation. Another nice feature is that extra CB wipes off clean without soap and water, and never presents any concern in the laundry.