Qoleum Embrocation

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.

Qoleum reckon this Warm version is good for days below 24°C, which is just about all of them in the UK. We wouldn’t use it on rides that warm, but it’s the option to go for milder spring and autumn days.

At the other end of the scale you’ve got the Extra Hot, which Qoleum recommend for rides when the temperature drops below 7°C – so for most of the winter. And it is hot. You feel like a Ready Brek kid with your own central heating on a cold ride, your legs gently smouldering… in a good way. We’ve known hotter – it doesn’t burn your legs off – but it’s certainly spicy.

We really like it. Although it’s obviously no substitute for wearing the right clothing, this embrocation can help you feel that bit more comfortable, especially for mega-cold rides including winter races.

Just make sure you apply it after any chamois cream, not the other way around. We don’t need to go into details. And make sure you wash it off thoroughly in the shower afterwards, especially the Extra Hot version. Do a half-arsed job and your legs will feel like they’re on fire.

Qoleum boast that all of their ingredients are natural, and all of the different grades have that unmistakable menthol smell – so they’ll probably clear out your sinuses too.

Verdict

Natural, easy-to-apply embrocation in three different grades; a decent price