General Cycling Discussion - For those who shave.

I was wondering what "system" you guys are using? Oh btw this is to shave yer laigs. I've tried numerous razors, and have not been really satisfied with one in particular. I did like the mach3/venus system because of the closeness, but the price is kind of high. Thought about using an electric, but afraid that it might pull instead of shave. Any suggestions or other methods that work for you guys/girls?

Shaving is such a chore and leg hair grows like a rocket. Still gotta do it though. Sometimes I use an electric shaver and sometimes a blade. The electric is much more convenient but not as close.

which electric do you use? I'm more looking for maintenance and speed, not neccesarily closeness.

I use a barber's electric trimmer made by Wahl. I'm not talking about those large heavy hair clippers with attachments. It's used for trimming sideburns, moustaches, necklines, etc... These things sell for anywhere between 25-40 bucks. Oster makes one too. Available at any local beauty supply store. Batteries not included. Get the A/C unit.

I use a Remington electric shaver. It's cheaper over the long haul as well. Say you spend $40 on shaving stuff every 6 months, well, after a year, you've spent what a decent electric shaver will cost. I've had my electric shaver for 2 years, so as of now, my initial larger investment turned out to be cheaper than the short term, less expensive alternative. I don't have a problem with it pulling hair, just be patient and go at a pace where it cuts.

cool, thanks a whole bunch guys.

I use the Mach 3 razor they are a bit expensive but you get a close shave, and actualy in the long run it is not much more money compared to other razors. I have used cheap razors and more expensive like the mach3 the blades on my Mach3 last quite a a while compared to the cheap razors. With cheap razors I would get 1 maybe 2 shaves out of them. As for electric never found any that do as close a shave.

I hear there is "Nair" for men now

Ride Smooth
Pat

ditto on the mach3. It does a nice smooth job. Only really tend to shave the ole legs about 2 - 3 times a week.

Please pardon my ignorance but why do you shave your legs? Does it make you more aerodynamic? Please don't take this comment as being sarcastic, because it's not. I really have no idea.

I don't shave...I don't need the extra hassle. anyway. it is so that when you crash and get road rash it hurts less to scrape the asphalt out of you leg if there is no hair.

A note about nair...when I had facial hair for the first time (around 8th grade) I tried nair on my face. It hurt like a mug, and smell really bad. really really really really disgusting smell. like gag immediatly smell. gross. Otherwise, it might be a viable option for legs. they need to get rid of the smell.

Oh, well I don't crash so I guess I don't have to worry about road rash... ~knocks heartily on wood~

shaving also has medical benefits in those crashes. bacteria and other invaders get stuck in hair, with the smooth skin, you can easily clean injuries and avoid infections. If you mountain bike it also comes in handy for avoiding things like poison ivy. at the end of a ride you can just hose your legs off with what's left in a waterbottle and you're much less likely to get the PI!

I also use a Mach 3. I already have it for my face. I just use 2 or 3 blades a year, they last a long time on your legs if you trim the hair down first with a set of clippers and then shave regularly.

I shave the legs 2 to 3 times a week. I'll admit that it is partly because I race and I caved to peer pressure. :p That said, it is also because I get massages every week :D, and it is MUCH more comfortable on hairless legs.

Also, I once layed it down going downhill at 40 mph (da*n car pulled in front of me). It was winter and my legs were hairy under my tights (which were shredded). Let me tell you, lying on a hospital bed while they scrub the hair out of a flesh wound for an hour is no fun at all. Henceforth, you better believe I shave my legs year round. :b

Having said the whys of it, I've never found another razor that works as well as the Mach 3. The head swivels nicely and I never get nicks and cuts when applying light pressure. The triple blade system gives a nice close shave.

Ron

I saw Nair for men advertised in a cycling magazine (where else!). I think it was Velonews or Bicycling. The thing is I don't really like Nair or neet. YOu have to sit there and wait, make sure your legs don't touch anything, it's kind of a pain. Of course, men have coarser hair so maybe nair or neet can be better for them. I don't really have very hairy legs, and don't have to shave above my knees, so for me a lady Bic razor and ladies shave cream is enough.

Originally posted by dumpstervegan
Please pardon my ignorance but why do you shave your legs? Does it make you more aerodynamic? Please don't take this comment as being sarcastic, because it's not. I really have no idea.

I shave my arms and legs for cooling. Understand, I'm in Florida and with the humidity it's hot in the summer here. Get my head buzzed down with a "#2" also.

I have had gravel and asphalt scrubbed out of road rash, a few times after crashing on a motrocycle and bicycle. And I dont think it is going to hurt any more because a little hair is in the way. Besides if it needs to be shaved after a crash. There is always a nice nurse at the hospital to do it. Or if I take care of it at home my lovely wife will do it. And to shave my arms and legs to stay cool? Maybe if you are as hairy as Robin Williams.LOL. I to cut my hair off in the summer I live in Ca. we've already had a few 100+ days. But the rest of the year it is pretty long, to keep me warm. But then to each his own.

hell. Your legs tan better with no hair in the way. lol

The best option for the first time is to go get waxed. This will give you a couple of weeks (approx) of no hassles and then you can start shaving from there.

Originally posted by dumpstervegan
Please pardon my ignorance but why do you shave your legs? Does it make you more aerodynamic? Please don't take this comment as being sarcastic, because it's not. I really have no idea.

The whole shaving / not shaving topic has been discussed quite a bit. Try searching to see the pro's and con's of shaving.

Zack

My favorite story about leg shaving is the scene in "Breaking Away," in which the father sees his 17-year-old son, a budding bicycle racer, singing Italian arias while shaving his legs.

Father to mother: "He's shaving!"
Mother: "So? He is almost a grown man."
Father: "... his legs!"

After reading the last thread on this I grew a beard and shaved my legs (yes, really). Took careful note of the technique under the shower -- hot water, plenty of soap an a dual-bladed Schick razor with a lubicating strip. Clipped off the hair first with electric hair clippers.

A few observations...

Use a gentle or light touch with the razor to avoid grazing the skin.

Keep the skin lubed with soap.

I found it a bit itchy initially up around the insides of the thighs.

Really different sensation when drying off with a towel. The towel seems to stick to shaved legs, but slides effortless over hair. Same with clothes and leg-warmers.

Amazingly cool sensation when wearing trousers just after shaving.

Sunscreen is a heap easier to apply.

Bruises show up much better (I haven't fallen off a bike and suffered grazing for ages).

The ladies really seem to like shaved legs on men, especially if you have reasonably good muscle definition (no, not me, I observed this interaction some time ago within a touring group).

Winter is not the best time to shave legs for the first time!!!

R

Originally posted by kingajo
I have had gravel and asphalt scrubbed out of road rash, a few times after crashing on a motrocycle and bicycle. And I dont think it is going to hurt any more because a little hair is in the way. Besides if it needs to be shaved after a crash. There is always a nice nurse at the hospital to do it. Or if I take care of it at home my lovely wife will do it. And to shave my arms and legs to stay cool? Maybe if you are as hairy as Robin Williams.LOL. I to cut my hair off in the summer I live in Ca. we've already had a few 100+ days. But the rest of the year it is pretty long, to keep me warm. But then to each his own.

Even small amounts of hair have an insulating quality.
http://agham.asti.dost.gov.ph/1998/5th/extras/joanne/htmfile4/purpos.htm

I shave mostly for hygenic reasons. I usually sweat A LOT and if I'm hairy, the smell lingers. Plus I stay cooler. I work in a hot kitchen all day. Besides there's nothing like the feeling of clean cotton sheets on freshly shorn legs. It's exhilirating.

Kinda funny that Rowan said "The ladies really seem to like shaved legs on men, especially if you have reasonably good muscle definition ".

Last weekend in one of the road rally's one of the guys wife's complemented my on my calves. Sorta got me off guard. haha... Pull the ole ..umm thanks

Originally posted by lostinthewoods
Last weekend in one of the road rally's one of the guys wife's complemented my on my calves. Sorta got me off guard. haha... Pull the ole ..umm thanks

:lol:

The Venus seems to work for me best. I only go through 1 blade a month (shaving 2x per week) so that's appx. 10-12 blades per year (I take 2 months off in the winter...Yup, I live in Maine) at a cost of about $15 per year.

I have used electric, disposable (BIG mistake) and the Mach 3 and of them all the Venus provides the closest shave and works without any nicks or cuts

(you want to see a lot of blood, try shaving some skin off of your shin...bleeds FOREVER...Thanks BIC!!!)

If it's your first time shaving, I would definitely reccomend using a clipper to start (get the hair mostly trimmed down to the stubble) and then use a razor to get them smooth. From then on you can just use the razor.