testing ruby’s lube.

03/27/2015

When I started cycling in 2006, I was pretty clueless. It took me a few rides to realize shorts with a chamois were a must, and even after a several thousand miles, I rarely remembered to bring fuel on long rides (thank goodness for pre-ride espresso and teammates who always looked out for me!). 

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Nine years in the saddle later, though, there’s one thing I’ve never picked up: chamois cream. No real reason other than it never really dawned on me to buy it, and I didn’t think it was necessary since I’ve never suffered from saddle sores or crazy chafing (even though tri shorts are my go-to!). 

Fast forward to last fall post-IMWI. While I’m quite comfortable on the bike thanks to my Cobb saddle and Coeur Sports shorts, several friends tweeted about different chamois cream brands, which peaked my curiosity. 

Enter Ruby’s Lube. The small, Idaho-based company put a call out on twitter right around then for anyone interested in trying their anti-chafe balm, so I thought… why not? Because you can never be too comfortable on the bike for 5+ hours, right?! 

I’ve been biking with it ever since. 

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There’s lots to love about this “motion potion for every notion™.” 

I’m all about minimal ingredient lists, and this one fits the bill with only five: olive oil, lemongrass, calendula, beeswax and benzoin. That’s it. Only all natural, pronounceable ingredients that smell really good! And, while it can be a little greasy from the olive oil – be sure to mix it by squeezing the tube a few times before each use – it’s not liquidy; I’d compare its consistency to basic body lotion. It easily washes clean from both skin and cycling/tri shorts with soap and water (the first time I tried it, I was a little worried about oil stains, but a-ok… not a one). 

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Ruby’s Lube is also water and sweat resistant, which makes it perfect for sweating through all the watts on the trainer (and, there’s been a lot of sweating on the trainer this winter); sitting in the saddle is now a little bit smoother. And, I’m hopeful it’ll keep me chafe-free during open water swimming and six hours outside in the saddle, too, but given there’s still snow on the ground in Minnesnowta, I haven’t had a chance to test either of these yet. 

Another bonus: Ruby’s Lube doubles as a moisturizer for dry skin or a baby’s bottom and a sore muscle balm; it can even be used for a little lovin’ ♥

Read more about the story behind Ruby’s Lube (I love that founder Tracy Gibson started the company by growing calendula in her backyard!) and buy yours here

Ruby’s Lube provided me with a full-size sample (thank you!). Opinions are my own.

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9 Comments

  • Reply katielookingforward 03/27/2015 at 8:38 am

    Sounds awesome!!! I haven’t needed lube yet, but hopefully I’ll be spending more time in the saddle this summer and I will try it out!

  • Reply Kristen 03/27/2015 at 9:05 am

    I was like you when I started cycling – clueless about nutrition and chamois. I didn’t realize that cycling burns so many calories! No wonder I bonked so many times on those early day rides. 🙂 Thank goodness the cycling community is amazing and shares information openly. I soon learned about all of this through friends, word of mouth, and blogs. While I use chamois cream, I have never heard of Ruby’s Lube. Will have to check it out, especially if they have a variety of creams for a variety of purposes (i.e., baby). I like the fact that it has natural (and minimal) ingredients.

  • Reply Kristin 03/27/2015 at 9:24 am

    okay so, honestly, i have never used chamois cream. i just haven’t even had problems with chafing or been uncomfortable. but maybe you’re right and things could be better? this looks like a product i could get behind. love supporting women led small businesses!

  • Reply Shannon Mulcahy 03/27/2015 at 10:38 am

    I’ve never tried lube but am certainly curious. I love that Ruby’s doesn’t have a bunch of nasty chemicals so maybe I’ll have to give it a try

  • Reply Celeste E. 03/27/2015 at 11:49 am

    Oh my garsh! If my memory serves me correctly, I think I took that picture of you! Seriously, that was nine years ago? Holy crap. It seems like yesterday. I really have no real need to Ruby’s, but if I ever do, I would certainly give it a try!

  • Reply Karyn 03/27/2015 at 12:40 pm

    Love Ruby’s Lube! I discovered it last year while down in CdA on a training weekend, and it pretty immediately became my go to. Definitely a quality product… and it smells great too.

  • Reply Kecia 03/27/2015 at 1:50 pm

    I too was like you and bonked many times in my early days of cycling…who knew you were suppose to eat food/take in nutrition when you rode?!?!? Lesson learned…the hard way. As you know, I’ve used Hoo Ha Ride Glide, but I’ll have to look into Ruby’s Lube since it is so minimalistic with ingredients. Thanks for the suggestion!!

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 03/29/2015 at 12:10 am

    Great review! I didn’t use chamois cream for a long time! Once I started to use it, I have never wanted to go back! 🙂 I have tried a few different creams. I am always game to change brands. I will definitely try this!! Sounds like a great story!

  • Reply Kathy Howe 03/29/2015 at 6:30 am

    I still feel clueless about cycling! Definitely a learning experience almost every ride… I don’t use a lube. But I’ll have to try this. I don’t like feeling ‘sticky’!?

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