As I get older I realize that some thing just change
without any real rhyme or reason. Why do I now need to monitor nose hair
that was never a problem before? For over four years I had used Chamois
Butt'r after having some issues with saddle sores early on. It worked
great until around the start of the 2009 road racing season when I again
starting having some sore spots. Even a week off the bike in July didn't
really seem to help out much. It then started to feel like the Chamois
Butt'r was making things worse when I applied it. Again, I didn't have an
explanation for the sudden problem but knew I needed to try to get it resolved.
I tried several other options and nothing really seemed to help.
About this time Bain Foote posted information about
his product
Skin
Sake Athletic Ointment on the LAMBRA mailer.
I figured I would give it a try so purchased some from Bicycle Connection.
Skin Sake Athletic looks a lot like Boudreaux's Butt
Paste and also has Zinc Oxide listed as an active ingredient. I had tried
Boudreaux's years before when first searching for products and found that it was
hard to get out of my chamois in the wash. Skin Sake does not have this
same issue. I have had no problems with any type of buildup on my chamois
after using it for four months.
Bain did mention that Skin Sake stays on longer than
Chamios Butt'r so that I would not need to apply as much of the product before a
ride. I still apply about the same amount - there are some areas it just
isn't worth skimping on. I did notice it is a little harder to get off my
hands after applying than Chamois Butt'r. It does easily come off with
soap and water or a wet wipe but the Chamois Butt'r pretty much rinsed off.
I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing. I put a much higher
importance on how this stuff protects my crotch than a rapid clean up.
Protect it did. Within a few weeks the saddle
sores were gone. I didn't reduce any mileage or change saddles or shorts so am
pretty sure for me it was a matter of the Skin Sake resolving my problems.
I used it during rainy races and it did still held up well. I think this
product not only prevents friction but also heals the skin. I don't make
it a habit staying in my cycling shorts after a ride but sometimes it just
happens. I don't feel as bad knowing the Skin Sake is more like a medicine
than just a lubricant.
I have noticed in cooler weather it takes a bit more
pressure to get the products out of the tube but not really a big deal.
Skin Sake Athletic ointment resolved my saddle sore
problems and is priced out about the same as similar products. One 6 oz
tube has probably lasted me a little longer than an 8 oz tube of Chamois Butt'r.
However, if you have ever had issue with saddle sores, you know that finding the
right product that works for you is more important than saving a few bucks.
That fact that it doesn't cost more plus is a product from a local racer is just
langiappe
