Review: Mad Alchemy Medium Embrocation

(2020) Hours after applying a mythical cycling substance to winter-prone body parts, a simmer causes the utmost relaxation. There are cyclists who ride outdoors during the off season feeling ill-equipped to handle icy winds or remarkably cold temperatures. Some seek out more base layers. For years, though, we have known the secret: embrocation. Not just any embrocation mind you, thick salves that coat the skin. This is where we live in winter on the bike.

For cyclists unfamiliar with the substance, embrocation is a paste-like mixture of mostly grapeseed oil that heats up the outer dermis layer while providing a barrier for breezes and moisture. Careful application sees considerable warming indoors with comfortable outdoor control. That means embrocation application should be one of the last steps prior to throwing a leg over the bike and rolling out. Embrocation is one of the few cycling accessories that can make or break a cold ride. This morning’s jaunt to the Delaware River was exactly that.

Mad Alchemy, based in East Kingston, NH, is a cycling accessory company that fills in everything else a rider needs. Chamois cream, bar soap, shave soap, shave cream, pre-race start stick inhalers, unbrocation, and embrocation, Mad Alchemy fills a cyclist’s Dopp Kit with riding essentials. Not only do they take care of the lotions and tinctures, a keen eye can snag their stylish socks and kits. Don’t be surprised to see Mad Alchemy in collaboration with companies such as Silca or Trek. 

With dependability, mid-winter conditions delivered the necessity for embrocation. The Medium offering was slathered onto the thighs, though Mad Alchemy has suggested shins and back of neck. It was our first experience with Medium so we applied reservingly. Within minutes we felt the need to remove outside and climb aboard the bike for fear heat would continue to build. Our legs were becoming toasty. It was during the ride where Mad Alchemy’s embrocation came through. 

Mad Alchemy Medium Embrocation comes in a 4-ounce tub perfect for easy applications.

Rolling along roads sparkled with frost and the occasional patch of black ice, the descent to the Delaware River was relatively peaceful as temperatures hovered just above freezing. Believe it or not there were long stretches where the ride was enjoyable. The warm embrocation had been long forgotten. We were enjoying the outing on account we had forgotten frosty wind known to get under and through cycling garments. Because Mad Alchemy’s Medium Embrocation did its job, our ride became longer.

There are a couple of warnings regarding embrocation. The first is testing it on a small area to make sure there is no adverse reaction with the product. Not all skin types react happily to the concoction. Secondly there is the concern of the product staining light-colored clothing. Though it is winter and much of the attire is black, Mad Alchemy recommends using the product in temperatures as high as the fifties. The medium embrocation is reddish in color and runs the risk of staining. Lastly there is the concern of spreading. On several occasions we have struggled with embrocation spreading to sensitive areas. It is quite a ride when this occurs. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of heat is to apply embrocation to the thighs, roll the leg warmers up the applied area, and pull up the bibs. We have tried multiple approaches and still managed to get heat in places. Rest assured it is not hospital worthy.

Mad Alchemy Medium Embrocation has its place on the cycling shelf. It is the perfect accessory for deep winter riding to provide a barrier on the skin. Its thick property is beneficial in case one gets caught out in wintry conditions producing precipitation. To remove the salve requires abrasive scrubbing and cold water. Cold rain won’t do any harm to slathered thighs. Anyone concerned about the heat should purchase Mad Alchemy’s Unbrocation Rinse, a product specifically designed to reverse the effects. Just one more accessory for the cycling shelf.

We have tried many other products that have fallen short in the winter warmth category. Mad Alchemy has risen to the top and for good reason. Mad Alchemy’s Medium Embrocation is the perfect product to use as defense against winter’s fury. If the heat isn’t enough for you have no fear, Mad Alchemy can make it hotter. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves; Medium Embrocation is a good place to start. Rolling down the driveway and getting back outside on winter’s frosty roads is another good place.