testing ruby’s lube.

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!). 

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. 

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). 

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.