my58vw

Why do they do it? Doe sit help speed etc or is it to help if you are injured? Who actually does it? Thanks

mmerner

I don't do it myself, but I hear it reduces drag, thus you go faster.

Indolent58

This is a troll right?

Many reasons - some hold more water than others.

1. It's easier for leg massages after the race.

Absolutely true if you have a masseuse standing by..

2. It's more aero.

No evidence to support this.

3. Better for treating/healing of road rash.

Makes some intuitive sense, but it's debatable whether it makes a difference wrt infection rates or healing times. When I have fallen, the pavement itself has done an excellent job of removing hair from my leg

4. Tradition/fashion/peer pressure

Bingo! Whether the practical arguments for shaving are valid or not for the average cyclist, pro racers have always done it and always will. Those who want to identify with or emulate pro racers are going to do it too. And why not? It's certainly harmless enough.

my58vw

troll... no just a real question...
Look at my sig, just wondering why some say do it and others do not...

BTW what does Troll mean exactly?

roadfix

I do it because practically everyone I ride with does it.... no other reason for me.

boyze

5. it looks and feels cool

LapDog

My wife likes it - with a good tan the muscles are much more visible

Indolent58

A troll is a question/comment meant to stir up endless argument and debate. Say for example "I think helmets are for wusses!", or "Aren't Shimano users losers?", etc...

Dusk

for me it is GF likes it

Cheers

skidmarx

Shaving legs is for wusses.

twahl

I don't even like the hassle of shaving my face, I'm certainly not going to take on more shaving if I don't have to.

Trsnrtr

I raced for 9 years and shaved my legs. Besides peer pressure, it is very easier to self-massage which I did in the evenings after rides. Also, it is very helpful in cleaning road rash (and racers have a lot of road rash) and applying ointments, bandages, etc.

After retiring from racing, I still shaved for 5 more years mainly out of habit and like someone else mentioned, my wife liked it. Also, every time I tried to let my hair grow back, it felt "dirty" so I always ended up shaving again.

Anyway, I finally got over it and quit shaving about 8 years ago and have no desire to do it again. I do however think I would if I took up racing again.

I do giggle when I see non-racers do it though.

Phatman

heh, the first time I did it, It took me literally like an hour. it took sooooo long. now, its only about a 5 minute job.

my58vw

so then the consensous is that people who do not race but ride bikes all the time should not do it? Just curious

Nicodemus

I'll second that one. Although I gotta say, shaving's a pain and doesn't last long. waxing's much more fun

mirona

So non-racers don't get leg massages or road rash? Interesting.

Anyway, I shave my legs. Don't race (plan on it though) but I ride like I'm chasing someone so does that count

I pretty much like the feel of it. Chicks dig it.

:edit: BTW, I use an electric razor and it takes about 5 minutes every day.

skidmarx

I rest my case....

larue

so commuters never get road rash eh? interesting.
apparently only road racers have the right to benefit from shaven legs.

RonH

6. Grippers don't grip leg hair.
7. Sunscreen and hair don't mix.
8. Show off what you've worked so hard to get.

Trsnrtr

Hey, go for it; it sounds like you've got your reasons. Especially the part about chicks digging it. I'm cool with that.

Moonshot

If I'm racing and suffering I want to know I have done everything in my power to help me be competitive and that includes shaving my legs. I have very hairy legs and there's got to be an aero effect for me.

If I'm not racing it's just too much trouble.

philrush

Wouldnt a good pair of panty hose accomplish the same objectives, or would they add too much additional weight?

Moonshot

But if I get a run in the hose the other guys would laugh at me.

cycleprincess

heck...I'd laugh at ya ps...how's the weather out there...floating away yet?

Moonshot

Winds gusted up to 60mph, but not many trees fell. A couple of tornado warnings sent us to the hallway, but we came out ok thank God.

Too bad about Gulf Shores, Alabama. It's like nature just reclaimed the beachfront and wiped out much of the development.