This is probably going to spark a great deal of debate, but until very recently I was not aware that people put lube on their chamois pads. I have spent hours browsing around bike stores and bought many pairs of biking shorts, but I have never seen a lube being sold retail, nor heard a discussion about it either. Now, in an internet search for shorts, I see many web sites offering something to lube up before riding. I haven't felt a need for this in shorts that have synthetic pads, but my real chamois pads do seem to harden. Would lubing up prevent this? Is it absolutely necessary? Does it hurt the leather of a saddle if I get sloppy? Does it mess up other things, like the lycra of the shorts, or other cycling clothes being laundered together? Is this too personal a subject to discuss? Garth Libre in rainy South Florida after a spectacular three man race on Key Biscayne Saturday morning.