Stay comfortable this summer and avoid saddle sores

Long, hot days of an Australian summer means early starts for rides and runs. 

Sure, we often try and avoid it by heading out early, about an hour before the sun actually rises. And from December to February this can mean riding as early as 5am to avoid the heat and the traffic heading to the beach. 

But as we all know, "it's not the heat, it's the humidity"! Even early starts can mean riding at 30 degrees for a few hours - and you are going to be pouring out plenty of sweat. 

The combination of heat, humidity and friction can turn a glorious morning ride into an uncomfortable ordeal.

Anti-chafing cream is a cyclist’s and runner's best friend, especially at this time of year, helping to ensuring that every adventure is smooth and irritation-free. (Well, if you're riding gravel or MTB, the roads won't be smooth of course!)

How summer heat affects cyclists

When temperatures rise, so does the body’s sweat production. Excess sweat leads to moisture buildup, which amplifies friction between your skin and clothing, particularly in high-pressure areas like the saddle region. Left unchecked, this friction can result in painful saddle sores, chafing and irritation, which can sideline even the most seasoned riders.

How Fast Legs Anti-Chafing Cream helps

1. Reduces friction: Anti-chafing cream forms a protective layer on the skin, acting as a buffer against the constant rubbing of the chamois - vital during long summer rides when sweat can exacerbate friction.
2. Manages moisture: Our anti-chafing creams include ingredients that create a barrier to prevent sweat from irritating the skin. This is critical in hot and humid conditions where skin irritation is more likely.
3. Cooling relief: Fast Legs anti-chafing cream is formulated with menthol  and aloe vera for a soothing, cooling effect, offering relief from the heat while preventing irritation.

Tips for summer use

• Apply generously: Don’t skimp. Hot weather rides often demand more coverage. Focus on areas with the most contact and friction. Apply to the skin, not the chamois of your bike shorts or knicks.
• Pair with the right gear: Obviously, a proper bike fit and well-designed cycling knicks, paired with our anti-chafing cream, maximise comfort and protection. 
• No underpants: Quality cycling knicks or shorts help prevent saddle sores, and should be worn without undies. Underwear just creates another source of friction. 
• Reapply: For longer rides over four or five hours, consider carrying a small sachet of cream in a plastic sandwich bag to reapply mid-ride.

So enjoying the road or trail - and take your mind off the excruciating pain of saddle discomfort.

Fast Legs Anti-chafing and Chamois Cream is a simple yet essential tool that allows you to stay focused on your ride, keeping you cool, comfortable and free of saddle sores under the summer sun.

Post ride, ensure that you shower well (obviously) but we created the Fast Legs Anti-bacterial Body Wash to ensure nothing starts growing where it shouldn't be growing.

And if you have experienced chafing, many of our customers also use a small amount of Anti-Chafing and Chamois Cream post ride as it can aid in healing.