So, leg shaving, advice please....

Did mine for the first time in about 5 years at the weekend. Trim down with a bodygroom, sort of an electric razor for the body, and then Veet for men cream. Forgot how weird it feels at first, went swimming yesterday which was a bit odd

Manscaping?!

Heavens above, what kind of forum is this?!!

If you are gonna shave your legs, you have to do at least a little bit of 'manscaping'... also, exfoliate otherwise it itches like crazy!

Farky - you're a riot man!!!! I go as far as the hips. Yet to get the courage of crack and sack. Haven't had issues with chamois cream in this area. So shave as far as I dare go. Have gotten used to the weird feeling when wearing trousers/jeans. But must admit, smooth legs are easier to clean when the weather is rubbish and flies and that less likely to be trapped in the summer!

Hells bells, I now know far more about Farky than I wanted to!

Oh man - you beat me to it!

Ive got a wee list of 'sensitive subjects' to be discussed on the forum.

Shaving whys:
1. If you ride in all weathers but with shorts, it makes it easier to keep the legs clean. Have you seen my hairy wet muddy legs after a ride...gotta be worth a few KGs!
2. With said dirt, the chance of infection from a minor off injury is increased and the pain of shaving around a wound is worth shaving for.
3. Roadrash means loosing the top layer of skin. If youve had this and tried to apply creams and bandages to protect it and aid skin growth, you will know the value of being shaved.
4. I hate that hair sticking out of lycra look and this alone is worth the minor job of shaving.
5. Massage is much better believe me but then it depends if you plan on having one. The pain my physio reaks on me kind of hides the pain from having hair but then a relaxing massage is never going to be relaxing if you dont shave.

Hows:
1. Trim, I trim with a beard trimmer down to a manageable level, let it grow and then trim again. This means sensitive areas dont suffer from beard rash.
2. Shave, I shave the easier and more visable areas, lower legs and thighs. Keep it regular and no matter how random or poor your technique, it will do its job and provide its benefits.
3. Creams, if they dont burn your skin they can be easier to do, apply, leave and scrub off. Simples and no chance of cuts. Be careful around sensitive areas but also it can make sensitive areas easier to de-hair as you dont need to shave them whcih can be worse or as bad.
4. Wax, for the brave but obviously the best.

Wheres:
Very personal but all the way does work best depending on how sensitive you are. I also do my feet, yes you read that right, hairy feet! And ankles and knees. Im bald so the damn stuff grows in excess everywhere else!

Its not quite a back, sack and crack job but if you come off on a corner for example, the thighs and hips get it the most.
If you use the now openly discussed chamois creams then a hairly crack isnt much fun either so a little pruning does wonders around there, same could be said for sack but now where getting into the real personal stuff. Again it can have severe gains and risks so that can be left to personal choise. I never used to, now do and its been a great benefit on the bike and off it, ahem. It really is a ballbreaker fo a job though.

Happy shaving!

I stick to the use of blades! Her indoors tell me I should wax. It's just getting it part of your routine and being happy with how far you go up. Bearing in mind, it does look strange when you wear swimming trunks and only shave to mid thigh as for reasons there's probably loads but all in all we shave our legs cause we just do

There's (only) two reasons to shave your legs:
1) Its easier to massage (apparently)
2) Its heals better if you get road rash & similar injuries.

If you're not planning to engage in any of the 2 activities, don't bother.

Why do it in the first place?

Shaving is a pain and you have to do it so often. Bite the bullet and use an epilator. As it rips the hair out the roots go too so you stay smoother for longer. Have to htfu tho cos it stings!

I tried it when I was 17. First time, I shaved all the way up my legs, then a day later when the stubble started, it made my balls sore. I walked like John Wayne for the next couple of days until the hair was long enough to soften.

Disclaimer: Rather like Farky's chamois cream thread, this may be a rather candid conversation! Perfect for the Internet...

Seemed to take ages to do properly, or there were leftover bits round the knees, or worse, rush that bit and cut myself.

I tried a cream instead, can't remember what they're called (ask your missus!) but it's a paste that takes the hair off. Never seemed to get smooth legs though, so constant stubble.

Prepare for cold legs even under trousers! Just until you get used to it, obviously.

All that said, massages work fine without shaving, and crashes are hopefully mercifully rare. The other reason (as I see it) for shaving is the 'furry Lycra' look when the hair pokes through on a long ride. Mind me asking what your reasons are?