I rated it 5 stars... like molten lava hot 5 star Thai food.
I bought this for 'cross season because I don't like being cold, but I also don't like racing in tights or knee warmers. I've heard that this stuff is the ticket.
Before actually using it in a race I figured I'd give it a try on an indoor trainer ride. I applied what I thought was a reasonable amount to my legs, rubbed it in well, washed my hands and jumped on the trainer. For the first 10 or 15 min. I thought I got a dud container as I didn't feel much. Then the heat started to come on. And then it got hotter, and hotter, and hotter. By the end of my 1 hr. trainer ride I was pretty certain my legs were actually on fire. I sprinted to the shower and washed my legs well with lots of soap. Although there was no immediate relief, after about 30 min. the heat came down to a moderate simmer. Within an hour or so after my shower the heat was pretty much gone.
So I learned a few lessons 1. PaceLine Eurostyle Warm Embrocation is NOT for indoor use, 2. A little bit goes a long way, 3. There is no off button to the heat - you can wash it off but it still takes a while for it to run its course. But do I think it's going to be perfect outside in the cold and wet? Definitely!
My only word of caution is that I would make very certain to wash hands after application, and avoid getting this stuff anywhere near sensitive body areas. Seriously.
First time( and LAST!) user of this Embrocation crme. I applied a small amount to my lower legs before my morning ride. Temp was low 40's at the start. I didn't feel no heat at all, like I didn't put enough on. Two hours into my ride, the temp raises and the hills get steeper...I start to sweat. Oh boy, its working now....right when I don't need it. This isn't a warming sensation but rather like a chemical burning sensation. Legs are on fire...20 miles out on gravel. I managed to get some off with a moist towelette I had in my saddle bag and made it home. Legs still burned for a hour after showering. Maybe I did something wrong but I'm done with this.
Paceline is a good embrocation that goes on smooth and is not greasy. In terms of heat, I would say it provides moderate heat to get your applied parts warmed up, but won't set you on fire-and to my taste, that's a good thing. I prefer a slow burn. What surprised me was how long it lasts. Even after a two-hour ride, post ride stretch, and a good hot shower, I could still feel the embro working. Fabulous. No need for Icy Hot!
I finally decided to try embrocation after hearing a lot about it. It is great stuff, I love wearing bibs, leggings not so much. This allows me to wears shorts in 40-50 degree weather and feel comfortable. Caution! A little goes a long way,additional note, put chamois cream on prior to embro, I guarantee you will only make the mistake once of reversing the order
Great for the knees on a cold day - running or cycling. Use it on my back when playing tennis or weight training. Got to have it !
Cool weather doesn't bother me much - but my knees take a long time to warm up on those cool mornings! Warm embrocation is a lifesaver, giving me an hour of subtle warmth to get my knees up to speed. The temp is mild and hardly noticed, in fact, I don't really even feel like my knees are warm - they're just NOT cold! No more knee warmers, no more long bibs - just my embro!
