Training & Nutrition - Why should I shave my legs??

I am thinking about shaving my legs ,but I keep asking myself why am I going to do this, only reason I see so far is other cyclist do it.......is this just a cosmetic thing??

it'll make you pretty.

it makes you FEEL pretty, too.
nuf sed.

I am thinking about shaving my legs ,but I keep asking myself why am I going to do this, only reason I see so far is other cyclist do it.......is this just a cosmetic thing??

Read the endless threads on the subject by doing a search.

:D I just did it yesterday. Curiousity got me to do it. It feels really cool, my girlfriend says she can see my muscles better (and that she feels like a lesbian :D :D :D). The road rash thing is a myth, it won't make it worse, but it will make cleaning whatever road rash you do get a bit more difficult.

Shave it for looks and to satisfy curiosity. If you don't like it, you can always let it grow back.

:D I just did it yesterday. Curiousity got me to do it. It feels really cool, my girlfriend says she can see my muscles better (and that she feels like a lesbian :D :D :D). The road rash thing is a myth, it won't make it worse, but it will make cleaning whatever road rash you do get a bit more difficult.

Shave it for looks and to satisfy curiosity. If you don't like it, you can always let it grow back.

It sure in the hell makes it easier to apply sunscreen before a ride, and lotion after a ride. Why do you think the road rash thing is a myth when quite to the contrary it is oppositely stated by a rather famous physician/author/cyclist?

It sure in the hell makes it easier to apply sunscreen before a ride, and lotion after a ride. Why do you think the road rash thing is a myth when quite to the contrary it is oppositely stated by a rather famous physician/author/cyclist?


If it contributed to road rash, then in the contact patch there would be no hair present, as it would have been ripped off when it contacted the road. Since I've gotten road rash before and saw there was still hair where the contact patch was, it seems illogical to me that it could contribute to road rash. It does make cleaning it a lot more difficult and painful that it has to be though.

And massage feels better too...

Ive been dabbling with it myself, I even started a little bit from my inner ankle to about half way up my calf where the chain sometime hits and greases my leg on a sit climb.

Only thing stopping me at the moment..

#1 Im not in "Cycling shape" (5'10" 195)

#2 I dont want people to think Im a poseur as Im not fast yet (been ridin 9 months)

Ive lost 25 pound in 9 months but I still dont feel like I should though Id like too.

However, Ill agree, that place I shaved looks really really kool, got some mad veins that run allover that I didnt see before I shaved it.

Should I wait or get the razor out tonight? lol

PS, I have very fine, thin hair on my legs, It probably wouldnt even get noticed.

;)

If it contributed to road rash, then in the contact patch there would be no hair present, as it would have been ripped off when it contacted the road. Since I've gotten road rash before and saw there was still hair where the contact patch was, it seems illogical to me that it could contribute to road rash. It does make cleaning it a lot more difficult and painful that it has to be though.

It certainly doesn't contribute to road rash, but as you said it does make it more difficult to deal with. More importantly, it is more prone to be infected accourding to Dr. Arnie Baker, champion cyclist, and prolific cycling author.

[. . .] #2 I dont want people to think Im a poseur as Im not fast yet (been ridin 9 months) [. . .]Does this mean that you are posing as a non-poseur? :)

It certainly doesn't contribute to road rash, but as you said it does make it more difficult to deal with. More importantly, it is more prone to be infected accourding to Dr. Arnie Baker, champion cyclist, and prolific cycling author.


Does the increased infection have to do physically with the hair being present (collecting dirt on it and things like that), or with people being wusses and not wanting to hurt themselves pulling the hair when they clean it?

you'll look better in hose?

Does this mean that you are posing as a non-poseur? :)


No, I just dont want people to think, hmmmmm, look at the guy averaging 15 miles per hour on his entry level bike but hes legs are shaved lol.

A poser is a person (to me) that rolls up with his new Madone 5.9, Full all out Campy or DA 10, and doesnt ride because of a "back problem" or his bike is making a "noise" or he has to meet someone about something and cant ride" but would rather hang out and wait for the group then go have a few beers. Then you see him the next afternoon and he says "man, I had a killer 70 miler this morning" I say "really?" hes like yea, I say " you ride alone" hes like "yea, couldnt find anyone to ride with". Bike still new with the tits on the tires and chain is glistening. Thats my idea as a poser. Flame away!


Im not that fast and I am not slim and trim as the "cyclist" so I sure dont want someone to think Im posin lol

I just wanna ride

WOrd

No, I just dont want people to think, hmmmmm, look at the guy averaging 15 miles per hour on his entry level bike but hes legs are shaved lol.

A poser is a person (to me) that rolls up with his new Madone 5.9, Full all out Campy or DA 10, and doesnt ride because of a "back problem" or his bike is making a "noise" or he has to meet someone about something and cant ride" but would rather hang out and wait for the group then go have a few beers. Then you see him the next afternoon and he says "man, I had a killer 70 miler this morning" I say "really?" hes like yea, I say " you ride alone" hes like "yea, couldnt find anyone to ride with". Bike still new with the tits on the tires and chain is glistening. Thats my idea as a poser. Flame away!


Im not that fast and I am not slim and trim as the "cyclist" so I sure dont want someone to think Im posin lol

I just wanna ride

WOrd

Man that must make me a poser then... I show up at the end of the groups 50 mile ride wearing my full team kit. They asked if I rode today... I say oh just a quick spin around the block.

I just rode a 45 minute crit...

I am thinking about shaving my legs ,but I keep asking myself why am I going to do this, only reason I see so far is other cyclist do it.......is this just a cosmetic thing??

So you look cool.

Does the increased infection have to do physically with the hair being present (collecting dirt on it and things like that), or with people being wusses and not wanting to hurt themselves pulling the hair when they clean it?

Here is an exerpt from one article:

Healing

Ah, road rash. Every cyclist will eventually experience this "joy" of cycling after a nasty fall. The presence of hair on the legs makes cleaning the wound more difficult. It can also increase the chances of infection.

And another:

Shaving your legs

Those new to the sport may be wondering why most cyclists shave their legs.

Cyclists at elite level shave their legs to assist with regular massage, particularly in long multi stage races. Shaved legs are easier to treat and generally heal quicker from grazes sustained in falls.

The most common reason for shaving legs with the majority of racing cyclists is uniformity. Shaved legs are the trademark of a cyclist serious about their sport.

As you read various literature dealing with cyclists shaving their legs, the increased possibility from infection due to road rash, and the ease of dealing with said rash is a common thread. It has to be obvious that massaging shaved legs is a bit easier. I self massage my legs after hard rides, and find it much easier to do sans hair. Finally, there is no denying it is a coming of age thing - I personally don't know a serious cyclist with hairy legs, so it is the lemming factor.

I liked the shaved look and feel very much but for us hairier guys who are lazy about shaving half their bodies twice a day to keep the rash away it's a no-go. I could never keep it up more than a week or so.

What I would recommend for the slovenly gorillas out there is a decent electric clipper, with no guard or maybe the #1 (shortest) guard. You get the basic effect and can see actual cycling muscles (always nice) without the misery of initial stubble.

just my 2 cents.............

Wax it, boys, wax. Go for weeks without having to deal with it.

Wax it, boys, wax. Go for weeks without having to deal with it.

My sweetie has considered waxing, but he is afraid that the hair would grow back thinner and softer, and he expects that someday when he is racing less he will want his coarse manly gorilla legs back in full form.

Cyclists at elite level shave their legs to assist with regular massage, particularly in long multi stage races. Shaved legs are easier to treat and generally heal quicker from grazes sustained in falls.

The most common reason for shaving legs with the majority of racing cyclists is uniformity. Shaved legs are the trademark of a cyclist serious about their sport

Back when I was racing, I did it for both the above mentioned reasons. Then I kept it up because it got me laid... a lot. lol. It's a lot of work though; once you start you have a project 3 times a week minimum. Be warned, your wife/girlfriend will hate you if you come to bed with porcupine legs.

All of this leg shaving talk is starting to affect me.
I found myself standing in line at the plumbing supply, looking at mens legs in front of me and wondering what they would look like if they were shaven.
At lunch I mentioned it to the my UPS guy... he's game.
So my mission...to make it a smoother, silkier world...one leg at a time!

It could grant you membership in the OCP club. :D

Back when I was racing, I did it for both the above mentioned reasons. Then I kept it up because it got me laid... a lot. lol. It's a lot of work though; once you start you have a project 3 times a week minimum. Be warned, your wife/girlfriend will hate you if you come to bed with porcupine legs.

I find that I can keep mine well maintained with just once a week sessions with the razor. I must admit, the girls do like it which rather surprised me. When I didn't shave, one of the faster girl riders in the club used to give me a hard time. She asked me how I would like it if girls didn't shave their legs. When I replied that I wouldn't (being a leg man), she said, "most of us feel the same way about men's legs." She is a total babe, so I listened carefully!! :D

I have been riding since April and feel like I am doing good, but not sure at what point I should shave either. I have not lost much weight. I am still 5'9" and 203lbs. I have trimmed the hairs on my legs. (people ask if I shave them already)

When is the appropriate time to shave them?
Also since it is almost October is it pointless until spring?





Ive been dabbling with it myself, I even started a little bit from my inner ankle to about half way up my calf where the chain sometime hits and greases my leg on a sit climb.

Only thing stopping me at the moment..

#1 Im not in "Cycling shape" (5'10" 195)

#2 I dont want people to think Im a poseur as Im not fast yet (been ridin 9 months)

Ive lost 25 pound in 9 months but I still dont feel like I should though Id like too.

However, Ill agree, that place I shaved looks really really kool, got some mad veins that run allover that I didnt see before I shaved it.

Should I wait or get the razor out tonight? lol

PS, I have very fine, thin hair on my legs, It probably wouldnt even get noticed.

;)

If you have to ask, you are not ready grasshopper.

And trimming? WTF?

I have been riding since April and feel like I am doing good, but not sure at what point I should shave either. I have not lost much weight. I am still 5'9" and 203lbs. I have trimmed the hairs on my legs. (people ask if I shave them already)

When is the appropriate time to shave them?
Also since it is almost October is it pointless until spring?

Please check the dates on threads before you post. This thread has been inactive for 3 years.

"Gravedigging" is considered bad form.

:slaps foread:

Morons never learn

"Gravedigging" is considered bad form.
I think posting pics of your legs from that angle would be considered even worse form:eek:

If road rash was a true reason for shaving legs, cyclists would be shaving their arms too, since the arms typically get as much or more road rash in an accident. But cyclists dont have chiseled arms to show off. The whole "shaving helps with road rash" i figured was made up by people who shaved their legs for vanity who searched for any and all reasons other than vanity when asked why.

:slaps foread:

Morons never learn

with your good arm.........right?!@? ;)

later.

If road rash was a true reason for shaving legs, cyclists would be shaving their arms too, since the arms typically get as much or more road rash in an accident. But cyclists dont have chiseled arms to show off. The whole "shaving helps with road rash" i figured was made up by people who shaved their legs for vanity who searched for any and all reasons other than vanity when asked why.

Incorrect. I always get far more road rash on my legs. On my most recent accident, I have pretty bad rash all over my leg, a little on my elbow, and my shoulder. There is hardly any hair on my elbow. The nurse that was cleaning me up mentioned how much the shaved legs helped.

with your good arm.........right?!@? ;)

yep :p

I plan to shave once the first collegiate races starts, shaving or my first race! However, I don't plan to shave very high, I have no idea how its going to work out, its gonna look funny.. Plus, I know once I shave, it will never grow back, im not a very hairy person.

Incorrect.

Not always. Ive had more road rash on my arms then legs in crashes. Actually the most on my hips but they dont have much hair to begin with. I still believe its an after the fact thought up reason :)

I used to shave, but these days I leave mine hairy.

Having trained, raced, massaged, oiled, crashed and healed many times with and without hair, I can say it's different, but no better or worse with or without hair. Infection... use soap and water, moreons.

But, a big plus of racing with hairy legs, guys give me more room in the pack. And, when I attack they generally don't chase (unless they know me) so that's gotten me at least one win this year, and several high placings. Plus I can ride erratically in a group and nobody gives me lip, b/c I have hairy legs I must not know any better.

Not always. Ive had more road rash on my arms then legs in crashes. Actually the most on my hips but they dont have much hair to begin with. I still believe its an after the fact thought up reason :)

You can believe what you want but I'm the one sitting here with a broken collarbone and a lot of road rash. Look, different people have different things that are important to them, and different reasons for doing things. I started shaving after a bout of road rash a year ago, then went a year without incident and recently has several accidents in a row. I am very glad that I'd been shaving, dealing with the broken bones has been bad enough, at least I lessened the complications of dealing with the road rash. To say that it's an "after the fact thought up reason" is arguing from ignorance.

I shaved for years, and having had road rash from both skateboarding and cycling I can attest it is not a myth. If you had no hair on your leg it gathers no microscopic crap/dust kicked up off the road/in the air. It then doesn't get ground into the road rash which has a better chance of healing without developing infection. It's a preemptive measure, it's easier to clean after the fact, but not always a panacea. It helps with massage I hear, (never had a leg massage, just backs). I read once it'll give you a second over 25km.. if such things matter. At the end of the day.. it's up to you. I basically commute now so I see no reason for shaving. If I were spending more time on my bike I'd shave/wax again.

To say that it's an "after the fact thought up reason" is arguing from ignorance.

I have no doubt that its nice to have shaved legs when you crash due to cleaning road rash. I just think if your reason for shaving is because your planning to crash, you might as well ride a beater bike with no carbon fibre and strap a pillow to your ass :)

I have no doubt that its nice to have shaved legs when you crash due to cleaning road rash. I just think if your reason for shaving is because your planning to crash, you might as well ride a beater bike with no carbon fibre and strap a pillow to your ass :)

Not that I'm planning on crashing, but if there is something that I can do as a practical pecautionary matter, I see no reason not to take advantage of it. 5 minutes a week is not a major burden and the positive benefits far outweigh any negatives. Road rash management is not the only reason. As I've said in other threads when this comes up, massages and electrical muscle stimulation (http://www.compex.us/)(for recovery) are other benefits as well.

Edit: I should add that my carbon bike has fared much better than I have...

Not that I'm planning on crashing, but if there is something that I can do as a practical pecautionary matter, I see no reason not to take advantage of it. 5 minutes a week is not a major burden and the positive benefits far outweigh any negatives. Road rash management is not the only reason. As I've said in other threads when this comes up, massages and electrical muscle stimulation (http://www.compex.us/)(for recovery) are other benefits as well.

Edit: I should add that my carbon bike has fared much better than I have...

it took me more then that each time i did it this past August. i clearly was doing it wrong :twitchy:. later.

it took me more then that each time i did it this past August. i clearly was doing it wrong :twitchy:. later.

Me too. I probably take 5 minutes just for my knee caps. :crash:

it took me more then that each time i did it this past August. i clearly was doing it wrong :twitchy:. later.

clearly ;)

Any chick will tell you it only takes a few minutes. :innocent:

If you have to ask, you are not ready grasshopper.

And trimming? WTF?

So you saying just shave and who cares what people say?

sorry i am new to the forum. duh as you could tell. Please forgive!

You seem a tad preoccupied with the shaving thing.

clearly ;)

Any chick will tell you it only takes a few minutes. :innocent:

what? i am too busy trying to figure out who the heck is following you. ;)

later.

after examining the photographic evidence, I have decided that I am way more sexy with shaved legs.

And I like the feel of the ripped yet supple, soft skin on my shaved guads.

And I like to laugh at myself when I look in the mirror after a shower. The harry boxer look is pretty damned funny, imo. My wife cracks up when I display myself as such.

The crazy tans lines are more than enough to get my wife giggling.

Please check the dates on threads before you post. This thread has been inactive for 3 years.

"Gravedigging" is considered bad form.

My bad, I am new to this forum and forums in general. just trying to learn more about cycling.