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95 comments
Look it's a big enough flippin chore shaving one's face, so shaving my legs is the last thing I want to do!
Apart from vanity it's never gonna benefit me whats so ever.
Trim your downstairs area so you don't get that problem. It will also keep your crotch cooler (reducing odor and sweat).
Slap some imac on your legs (dry legs, pre-shower/bath) job done! avoid using it on your crotch (unless your other half has a video recorder handy )
I don't care in the slightest if anyone does or doesn't shave their legs and I wouldn't take part in any discussions about it if... it wasn't the irritating mildly brainwashed minority of prats imposing their way of doing things and their sense of aesthetics onto the rest of the cycling population.
You are guys not much different from some deluded naturists claiming that walking around with your dangling willy out is "more natural" or vegetarians trying to convince you about the superiority of their diets or die hard roadies who believe that 23mm tubs is all everyone should be ever riding...
Being a part of a subculture/sect/tribe tends to kill one's objectivity to a certain extent.
As shavers you are effectively freaks and members of a micro scale minority of cycling nerds. Most of other cyclists won't give your smooth calves a second glance and most of non-cycling population think you look like idiots. Just because YOU prefer the look of shaven legs does not mean that objectively they look better. Oh and no, most of women don't "dig it". Get real.
Having said all that... I wouldn't go back to hairy legs. Buying an epilator next week
To shave or not to shave. Each to their own.
I prefer to use leg and arm warmers instead of shaving. From very light warmers/sun guards in summer, to more warmer (Roubaix, Vuelta fabric etc) ones in winter. I wear them all year round.
For me, this is a much easier way to achieve the same effect as shaving. Vanity doesn't interest me one iota.
I also like the warmers/sun guards for their aero effect. As I live in a hot climate the warmers/guards also protect against sunburn. In addition, they wick moisture from the skin into the air - except when the humidity is high. They are perfect for days when the humidity is low or the air is dry.
The warmers make my fat legs look slimmer (black colour only!)
On some rides other riders have tried to take the piss out of me. I honestly don't care what people think, it works for me
Fail.
Sliding down a stretch of tarmac on your thigh and knee at 30 mph is shit. Dressing and attempting to heal the resulting wounds with hairy legs is even shitter. Dressing the resulting wounds with shaven legs is marginally less shit, much quicker and substantially easier.
Experience in both scenarios has resulted in me shaving my legs for this purpose.
The other option is don't crash. I'm shit at not crashing.
Most women say they don't dig it, until they see for themselves. Then they're converted.
Ive never really had hairy legs. Theyre bald apart from a thin strip down my my shins so I decided to just shave them.
I'm really into straight razors (I have 6 of them, each one is over 70 years old) despite only having to shave twice a week at most. So when it came to doing the legs, again, not much to do but a quality shave!
Epilator, waxing, my goodness, have you all gone soft. get a straight razor and shave your legs like a man (I am aware of the irony here).
But in the UK we have such poor weather for 2/3 of the year, every opportunity to wear shorts is treasured. That period of the year where we can banish the tights to the back of the cupboard are almost holy. Wearing tights when its not necessary is the work of satan
I fail to see how you get the same effect? Or what is the same effect you are on about?
I've crashed in knee warmers (leg warmers and tights are not on!) and still ended up with road rash, which was still easier to look after due to shaved legs.
I don't shave, but much like the OP, I stand to be convinced of its merits.
That said, even having read the comments so far, I just don't see the benefits over staying hairy? I think it's bascially established that any aero claims to shaving are complete nonsense, I don't get massaged after I ride, I have no particular desire to look "pro", and I don't ride my bike on the presumption that I'm going to fall off. This "fresh sheets" thing is just bizarre too.
As shallow as it may be, I don't shave for the simple fact that I wear normal shorts far more often than I wear bibshorts, so I'd rather have the occasional disapproving look from a club cyclist than having everyone think I'm a cross-dresser as I walk round Tesco...
I thought the aero claims had been recently backed up, and were greater than any of us had thought... or was that an April 1st thing?
Whenever anyone asks me why I shave, I simply say that;
- hairy legs look shit in white ankle socks and lycra shorts
- It shows off the 'tone' better
- It is a statement that say I belong to a certain peer group
Then I might come out with all the normal stuff.
I really like the feel of my smooth legs and as I get a proper sports massage off the Mrs after a hard ride (guffaw) having them smooth is certainly a benefit.
Thong?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/8-pack-Strings-thongs-bodywear-size/dp/B00B6F06U...
Not sure, but I was reading it as the aero benefits (if any).
If you have a secret crossdressing fetish then taking up cycling is a great way to keep the wife off the scent, but you shoud probably do something about that moustache.
It's a bit weird really but it's well established now and mostly done to fit in so carry on and shave or don't, nobody really cares. I tried it once, never again.
I think I'd have some serious 'spider's legs'
Do you know why it's done?
It's to improve massaging. The hairs get in the way.
Nothing to do with aerodynamics, campness etc..
Now you know.
That's just one of many reasons commonly given for it, folk can wear their body hair however they like for whatever reasons they like, not everyone has massages.
Come on, don't tell me you don't all admire yourselves in the mirror, tensing and caressing those sculpted leg muscles. This, I believe, says it all:
http://www.landofmudandglory.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/i-ride...
Wish I hadn't read this thread. I'm going to feel self concious every ride now I've discovered that other riders are judging my legs.
Well of course other cyclists are judging your legs, but not on their appearance.
Your legs aren't impressive enough. For me it's like a Diet Coke advert everytime I go out haha
Hairy or not is definitely your own choice. I prefer to trim down No. 1 for the summer (only full shaved twice I think) It is just less time consuming, looks the same and doesn't feel weird in trousers. I am happy to grow all winter and get the shears out for spring.
Meanwhile contrary to popular opinion it does get warm or hot in the UK in the summer. I would think someone wearing warmers or tights in 20+ temperature was mental because its HOT! FFS its summer you muppet. I find air is a very good means of wicking away sweat.
I don't think hairy legs are dirty, but I do think calf tattoos are as ugly as sin.
Massage, bah. Aero, pah. Road rash, piffle. My shaved legs feel lovely. No other reason needed. Each to their own though.
What I fantastic holiday I have just returned from. Main thing I came back with were fabulously hair free tanned legs, of course with the regulation bibshort tan line. Sunbathed in bibshorts just to ensure continuity.
On a serious note, but of course this is based on my own empirical evidence I repeat MY own empirical evidence.
I still compete, massage is easier for the therapist and more comfortable for me.
Wounds heal a dam sight quicker.
Water runs off the legs quicker where as hair retains it and you get colder.
Sweat evaporates quicker.
If you have a BF % below 12% your legs look awesome, if it's up there in the 20's then of course it doesn't look that great, however surely 15% below is your goal hence the training/riding.
You are a liar if you say you don't care about vanity, never met a man yet who doesn't.
And finally Athletic women love it.
And if this really bothers you? Get out more.
I have a calf tattoo
Missed that. See it always gets personal. What would happen if I said it rubs me up the wrong way when I see an 'all the gear no idea' mamil on his colnago C60 topping out at 10mph weaving all over the road and carrying more fat around his calf than his bike weighs!
Oh well..let's bring on the keyboard warrior vitriol.
We should have a UK Road bike members bike cafe get together day. Have a proper discussion. Now that would be interesting. You have to wear your road cc name.
Well I am in. I would really like too meet some of you.
Tattoos have been around a lot longer than bicycles. Me thinks you should get over it
just shave everything, it's simpler
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