Skincare & embrocation

Paceline's chamois cream comes in two different versions: you've got yer straight Chamois Butt'r (in the tube, £12.99 for 227g) and yer Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle (in the jar, £13.99 for 227g).

This cream is thicker than most - the consistency is a lot like Vaseline - but it's easy to slap on to your skin or the pad of your shorts, and once applied it stays put.

This does exactly what you want a chamois cream to do - prevent rubbing and the nasty consequences thereof, such as raw skin, saddle sores, and other cyclists' nightmares. And it's still going strong at the end of a long weekend ride.

Qoleum Embrocation is from Belgium and comes in three different flavours. Number 1 is Warm, number 2 is Hot, and number 3 is Extra Hot.

The Warm version is actually pretty mild. The consistency is like, say, suntan lotion. Get a palmful and rub it into your legs before your ride – you need to rub it in well for maximum effect – and you’ll get a pleasant glow. It’s nothing too crazy, but it’s enough to make a difference to the way your legs feel.