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This article was first published in June 2020 and has now been revised again.
Whether beginner or kilometre-eater, racing cyclist or mountain biker, man or woman - most cyclists who regularly sit in the saddle have experienced seat discomfort at some point. The countermeasures are varied. They start with a thick pack of seat cream in the seat pad of the cycling shorts, continue with a change of saddle or cycling shorts and end with a comprehensive bike fitting by a specialist.
Seat cream: simple & quick solution for friction and pain
If you want to buy a seat or buttock cream, you are spoilt for choice: almost every self-respecting manufacturer in the bicycle sector now offers a suitable product. Then there are the creams from the drugstore and the special ointments from the pharmacy. The ingredients are similar, but admittedly not the same - sometimes they cool, sometimes they disinfect and sometimes they soothe the skin. In any case, it is worth taking a look at the ingredients. As a general rule, a cream or ointment that is well tolerated on sweaty bike tours should contain as few fragrances and preservatives as possible and be antibacterial.
The 12 seat creams in the test
- Activ 3 Fireprotect
- Assos Chamois Crème preRide
- Assos Chamois Crème Woman preRide
- Balea Calendula Milking Grease
- Gonso cycling seat cream
- Ilon Protect Ointment
- Muc-Off Luxury Chamois Cream
- Muc-OffLuxury Chamois Cream pour Femme
- Ozone Elite Protect Cream Chamois
- Sixtus Sport Buttock Cream
- Tunap Sports Bodycare Seat Cream
- Xenofit Second Skin Deer Tallow Sports Cream
Active 3 Fireprotect skin protection cream
- Pack sizes: 100 ml
- Price: 13,80 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: Odourless, very greasy cream with a consistency reminiscent of milking fat. Hardly absorbs and stays on the pads and skin for so long that it has to be washed off in the shower after the session.
Assos Chamois Crème preRide / Chamois Crème Woman preRide
- Pack sizes: 140 ml / 75 ml
- Price: 24,99 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: Compact cream with a good protective effect, tangy odour and long-lasting cooling effect, which not all testers liked. The women's product, which smells milder and is only available in smaller quantities, is significantly more expensive!
Balea Calendula Milking Grease
- Pack sizes: 250 ml
- Price: 1,75 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: The milking fat from the dm brand is an inexpensive alternative for anyone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money on seat creams. Forms a stubborn layer of grease that is barely absorbed into the skin and upholstery. Probably also suitable as thermal protection on cold, wet days.
Gonso cycling seat cream
- Pack sizes: 100 ml
- Price: 7,95 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: Lotion-like cream with a mild odour. Initially there is a slight cooling effect, but this quickly disappears. Despite the liquid consistency, a protective film forms. The small bottle is ideal for taking with you.
Ilon Protect Ointment
- Pack sizes: 50, 100, 200 ml
- Price (RRP): 9,50 Euro, 15 Euro, 30 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: Greenish, viscous ointment that smells of eucalyptus and is therefore reminiscent of cold balm. Leaves only a thin film, but seems to accelerate the healing of damaged areas of skin with its slightly cooling effect.
Muc-Off Luxury Chamois Cream / Luxury Chamois Cream pour Femme
- Pack sizes: 100, 250 ml
- Price: 18,99 Euro, 37,50 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: Pleasantly fine creamy consistency that is not greasy. The initial slight cooling effect disappears quickly. The odour is medicinal but not overpowering, the protective effect is fine. Also available as a women's version with slightly different ingredients.
Ozone Elite Protect Cream Chamois
- Pack sizes: 150 ml
- Price: 18,95 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: Slightly citrus-scented cream that spreads well despite its compact consistency and is remarkably economical. One tester initially experienced a warming effect, while another complained of sore, burning skin areas.
Sixtus Sport Buttock Cream
- Pack sizes: 30 ml, 100 ml
- Price: Euro from 14,95 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: Remarkably fluid cream that smells sharp and is initially cooling, but is not very economical. Good protective effect. Some testers experienced a healing effect for various skin complaints. The small bottle is ideal for taking with you.
Tunap Sports Bodycare Seat Cream
- Pack sizes: 150 ml
- Price: 20,95 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: The only seat cream from the spray can. After spraying, a fine white foam forms, which is slightly cooling at first. Feels wet at first and is then absorbed into the upholstery. Nevertheless, no chafing.
Xenofit Second Skin Deer Tallow Sports Cream
- Pack sizes: 125 ml
- Price (RRP): 7,95 Euro >> available here
Conclusion: Ointment with a consistency reminiscent of Vaseline, which is odourless and leaves a greasy layer. Good, long-lasting protective effect. Caution: Not suitable for strict vegans as real deer tallow is used.
