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review
Skincare & embrocation
Chapeau Chamois CreamChapeau Chamois Cream

Chapeau Chamois Cream

8
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jul 28, 2013

4
£11.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Provides an extra layer of protection from the saddle so you feel more comfortable on longer rides especially in the warmer weather.
Weight: 
230g
Contact: 
www.chapeaucycling.co.uk, www.velobrands.co.uk
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Chapeau Chamois Cream help you stay comfortable on the bike, whether you choose the unscented or menthol variety.

Chamois cream is one of those items that provokes fevered discussion, the marmite of the cycling world - you either love it or hate it.

Some riders will swear that t if you ride for a decent length of time then you can't leave home without a liberal application of chamois cream. Chapeau have two versions in their line-up, original and menthol. Besides an obvious difference in fragrance, the original has a slightly thicker consistency.

The menthol version does smell nice and is only slightly thinner in it's consistency.

The stated way to use the cream is with a generous application to the buttocks and perineum before added some directly onto the chamois pad itself. The cream benefits the rider through creating a long lasting barrier between the rider and pad but also an anti-friction layer to prevent bacterial gowth. A useful bonus for every rider.

The low down in performance terms, it does provide a thick layer when applied to the pertinent areas. It does provide a comfortable barrier and on longer runs it does keep matters running smoothly allowing you as a rider to concentrate on your effort without getting distracted. For longer rides you will have to be liberal in the amount you apply.

Once applied the cream is easy to wash off so there is no sticky residue left to cause unpleasantness later on your ride.

Either flavour of the Chapeau Chamois Cream provides a suitable layer of protection. The original is slightly thicker but the menthol version smells nice.

Verdict

 Provides an extra layer of protection from the saddle so you feel more comfortable on longer rides especially in the warmer weather.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Chapeau Chamois Cream

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Aimed at riders who want to ride further for longer. In the warm weather it keeps your seat area comfy and has the stated ability to keep things hygienic. Two things important to every cyclist.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

There is a slight difference in thickness between the two creams, the original is the thicker of the two. However both offer a decent layer and are easy to wash off your hands once applied.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Both chamois creams provide a layer of protection from discomfort and over a longer ride keep seated matters from distracting you.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

The cream lasts sufficiently for longer rides, the only time there was a wearing off of the benefits, there was over 10 hours of saddle time.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The layer of protection and comfort provided make for an enjoyable experience.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

The 200ml tube will last a fair while even with liberal use of it.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

I've never used chamois cream before but was surprised how effective it was. A convert.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Besides the performance the ease at which you can wash it off means you don't get any residue left on your hands.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I don't know if the ease at which the cream washes off means it is not quite as thick as it could be to provide a true barrier. This is a small gripe considering the other benefits.

Did you enjoy using the product? I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

Chapeau Chamois Cream
chamois cream

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4 comments

Avatar
Chapeau | 11 years ago
0 likes

Rob PC and Monkeyjo

We're sorry you didn't find our chamois cream to your liking. When developing the creams we investigated the viscosity of the Assos cream and matched it against the menthol, so there shouldn't really be a difference there.

However, what we did find during testing is that people used up to a third less cream when squeezing from a tube compared to "scooping" from a jar. This difference did, of course, affect a rider's perception of the longevity of the cream.

We also found that the absorbency of the rider's chamois also affected longevity and comfort. If a rider did not apply enough cream to breach the saturation level of a chamois then all the cream would be absorbed and the rider would not feel the benefits for as long.

Our riders have tested the creams on and off road, during multi-day events such as the Marmot and at endurance events such as Twentyfour12 and, when used correctly, the creams have performed to our highest expectations.

Some riders do not like the fresher feeling of the menthol, and also like a slightly thicker cream, which is why we developed the Original "flavour".

As we hate to see our customers disappointed by any of our products we'd love you to try the Original for free. If you email me we'll get some samples out to you. If you then still feel that Chapeau Chamois Creams are not for you, well, at least we've given it a fair shot.

Avatar
monkeyjo | 11 years ago
0 likes

I did the exact same thing Rob. Ran out of Assos and the only thing in my LBS was this stuff. I didn't like it and my A**e even less so 20

Won't be buying it again.

Avatar
Metjas | 11 years ago
0 likes

"Either flavour of the Chapeau Chamois Cream..."

you really did get carried away 1

Avatar
Rob PC | 11 years ago
0 likes

I've been using it after my previous Assos cream ran out. Compared to the Assos, its definitely thinner and I've noticed that after 4 hours in the saddle it seems to stop offering me protection. I've also had a few more issues with saddle sore since switching. On the plus side, it does smell nice though, and as stated it is easy to wash off.

Personally for me, its not something I'll be buying another tube of and I'll be back to the Assos.

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