Today I learned of a new chamois cream on the market claiming to be the best out there and the longest lasting... hey, I know this is Friction Freedom's claim, but let's analyze why certain creams work better than others and why.
Did you know that properly made apparel and fabrics are actually sown with basic physics in mind? Have you ever had a tear in your trousers and it wasn't on the seam, leaving you no choice but to throw it away or use a patch to cover it up? Properly made clothing uses thread that has a slightly less tencil strength than that of the fabric, specifically designed so that when stress is applied to the fabric, the thread(seam) gives way saving the fabric, then the piece is easily sown back together looking and performing like new! Less thought out apparel doesn't use this basic principle causing tears in the fabric making a patch the only way to salvage the piece.
This principle carries very similarly over to chamois cream. If you have a cream that lasts forever or is hard to get off your hands, then it will probably last longer than the fabric (YOUR SKIN!). Most of the formula's that last forever are petroleum based... hey petroleum jelly is very inexpensive and it serves a great purpose, but not as a chamois cream. Petroleum based products are fantastic for after you've showered, cleaned your application spot and you're done creating friction in that area. For example: Bag Balm is for soothing cows nipples AFTER milking, not DURING!
Petroleum also stains your bibs/shorts, so unless you plan to only wear black shorts and saddle, plan on staining your team clothing and white saddle.
Bleeding: Really, petroleum lasts longer than your skin... the last thing you want in your shorts is an open wound! Try putting petroleum jelly between your thighs and go run 5 miles and tell me if I'm wrong... please prove me wrong!
Mostly WATER BASED chamois creams are on the other side of the fence, they last 2 minutes and are absorbed into the skin. Most of these creams are inexpensive, but if they don't work why would you use it?
Friction Freedom is mostly water and lanolin based with it's proprietary blend of emulsifiers which gives it a thick, viscous feel while still be soft to the skin and of course some other key ingredients that make it great.
My goal isn't to talk bad about others products, I just want everyone to be educated. I have spent countless hours researching, testing and exploring this subject and feel I have some applicable knowledge. I've ruined multiple saddles and bib shorts trying all kinds of products before Friction Freedom came up with it's formula that is safe.
Friction Freedom has the proper physics to be strong and long lasting, but to give way before the skin does, keeping your skin happy and giving you comfort day after day.
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