Originally Posted by
chadteck
I agree that your suggestion would be more effective if my goal were to reduce or prevent unsolicited comments to non-shavers, but my goal is to understand why shavers feel so strongly about shaving that they need to comment or question when they come across someone with leg hair; or similarly, to understand why you "don't like to see someone riding around in lycra/spandex shorts with their hairy-ass legs".
Okay, now I'm curious. There is more to this story than idle curiosity. What happened? Someone taunt you on a group ride or something?
Hold your head up. If you don't feel the need to shave, then don't shave; no need to justify yourself. Hardly anyone who doesn't race shaves their legs. And most racers shave. I guarantee that
nobody takes shaving very seriously. There are some logical reasons, but it's treated like a racing ritual more than anything. If people are giving others **** about it, then it's probably just good natured ribbing.
EDIT: as for thinking that lycra shorts with hairy legs looks weird, it's mostly because of the poodle cut effect. Hairy bottoms with smooth tops just kinda looks awkward. As it is a racing ritual, it's kind of a mark that you aren't a racing cyclist too. Along with the Primal jersey and the nashbar gloves, or the guy who is dressed top to bottom in Performance Bike clothing and rides a Scattante and Forte Pro wheels, like he walked into a Performance shop dressed in civies and rode out in a full kit and bike.
EDIT2: along more serious lines, if you are with a tight, fast group, it's also a mark that you're a noob and to keep an eye out for you and your bike handling skills/fitness.