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Legs and shaving...

  • 03-09-2010 11:15am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 631
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    So my wife asked me last night why cyclists shave their legs.... and you know what, I couldn't give her a convincing answer..... dammit :mad:.

    Why do cylcists shave their legs...?


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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,833 niceonetom
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    For the same reason that golfists wear terrible jumpers - it's just part of the culture.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,318 Raam
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    My sports massage this morning reminded me why I do it. Ah, no hair pulls :)

    Also, it looks better on the bike.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,576 ednwireland
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    pro cyclist get a massage twice a day (i think) when racing, having had a massage last week i am tempted (also it makes cleaning road rash easier)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,505 DirkVoodoo
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    It looks and feels better. But it's a lot of work and I find it time consuming enough to shave my face so it will be growing back over the winter.
    Here are what I think are the top 5 reasons to shave.

    Crashes
    If you crash, it’s easier to clean up the road rash and doesn’t hurt as much taking off bandages. I say at least for mountain biking, if you never crash you aren’t riding fast enough or riding technical enough trails. Even if you just ride on the road, if you ride enough you’re bound to go down.

    Tradition
    Road cyclists have been shaving their legs for decades. If you you show up for a serious group ride with unshaven legs, other riders will shun you. Nobody will want to be riding close to you. They will think you aren’t experienced riding in a pack. This means you’ll likely cause a crash. Even mountain bikers should be using group road rides for training. Pro mountain bikers spend about 70% of their time training on the road.

    Psychological Advantage
    I generally end up shaving my legs about the time I start getting fast on the bike. Having my legs shaved makes me feel even faster. Other riders I know have said the same thing. Thinking you’re faster can make the difference between being dropped or dropping someone else.

    It Feels Better
    I’ve found that when it’s warm and I haven’t shaved my legs, I get more bugs hanging out and biting me. I also don’t like the feel of the wind on my hairy legs when descending at 50 mph. After a mountain bike race with mud bogs and and stream crossings, it’s no fun standing in the parking lot with only a little water and trying to clean mud off hairy legs.

    I left massage out of that, I've had one massage in 4 years of cycling. Yes, I regret not having more now after seeing how great they are, but we don't get massaged to the same extent the pros do.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 bcmf
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    DirkVoodoo wrote: »
    I find it time consuming enough to shave my face so it will be growing back over the winter.
    You gonna be growing a beard for the colder months?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,104 alfalad
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    DirkVoodoo wrote: »
    I left massage out of that, I've had one massage in 4 years of cycling. Yes, I regret not having more now after seeing how great they are, but we don't get massaged to the same extent the pros do.

    Where did you go for the massage? Is there anywhere good in town?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,505 DirkVoodoo
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    alfalad wrote: »
    Where did you go for the massage? Is there anywhere good in town?

    It was after the SK, I got a card in the door a week or so ago offering a mobile massage service though. I was very skeptical about the benefits of massage but honestly I felt like I could have done another 160km after having it. Legs felt really, really good.

    @bcmf: Might be handy to have a face warmer but any attempts I have made previously to grow one have ended with frustration and a lot of scratching. I suppose it would complete the winter look though, will have to consult the euro police.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 bcmf
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    a Dali-esque style growth would be tres-euro.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,297 Jawgap
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    Fender76 wrote: »
    So my wife asked me last night why cyclists shave their legs.... and you know what, I couldn't give her a convincing answer..... dammit :mad:.

    Why do cylcists shave their legs...?

    for the same reason she does - to attract admiring glances from other men!!:D:D:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 tunney
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    Fender76 wrote: »
    So my wife asked me last night why cyclists shave their legs.... and you know what, I couldn't give her a convincing answer..... dammit :mad:.

    Why do cylcists shave their legs...?

    Why do women shave or wax their.............

    Cause it looks good and feels better :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,718 AstraMonti
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    Good article here, old but it doesn't really matter.


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Chips Lovell
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    Chicks dig it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 Whats a derailleur?
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    I'd like to know where people shave to? A recent pub discussion (with a cyclist) proved futile....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,505 DirkVoodoo
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    I'd like to know where people shave to? A recent pub discussion (with a cyclist) proved futile....

    How much time do you have and how much do you care are probably good answers.

    EDIT: Oh wait, it's you! I can't remember what the answer was.


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Chips Lovell
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    I'd like to know where people shave to? A recent pub discussion (with a cyclist) proved futile....

    Well I do know of one forum member who proudly announced some time ago that he shaves his arse and is prone to advising others that they should do the same.

    Maybe you could get the ball rolling by telling us where you shave to? ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,833 niceonetom
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    el tonto wrote: »
    Well I do know of one forum member who proudly announced some time ago that he shaves his arse and is prone to advising others that they should do the same.

    Well, among his first words to us upon his arrival in Dungarvan were that you, very definitely don't and should. He didn't announce it so much as whisper it hoarsely in a what-has-been-seen-cannot-be-unseen kind of way.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 Whats a derailleur?
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    el tonto wrote: »
    Maybe you could get the ball rolling by telling us where you shave to? ;)

    To my knees - blonde hairs above the knees can stay there!


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Chips Lovell
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    To my knees - blonde hairs above the knees can stay there!

    I do the entire leg. Hairy bermuda shorts is not a good look.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,505 DirkVoodoo
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    Ahhhhhh, too much, too much!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 370 godihatedehills
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    To my knees - blonde hairs above the knees can stay there!

    In fairness, when you're still wearing your lycra at 11pm the other occupants of the pub are less likely to notice how far you shave.....


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 Whats a derailleur?
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    In fairness, when you're still wearing your lycra at 11pm the other occupants of the pub are less likely to notice how far you shave.....

    True, no one noticed a thing!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 Guybrush T
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    I'd like to know where people shave to? A recent pub discussion (with a cyclist) proved futile....

    Just to up the TMI quotient of this thread, it's hairy boxer shorts for me, but no further.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,511 dave2pvd
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    Guybrush T wrote: »
    Just to up the TMI quotient of this thread, it's hairy boxer shorts for me, but no further.

    OK, that's just weird. Hairshorts?? Why man, why??

    I had a teammate who did this. Then one day he had a decent sized crash and ripped his bibs up fairly comprehensively. The EMT guys gave him an awful hard time about the hairshorts. Road rash and leg hair = not good.

    That reminds me, I need to get up 10mins earlier tomorrow....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 Guybrush T
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    dave2pvd wrote: »
    OK, that's just weird. Hairshorts?? Why man, why??

    I had a teammate who did this. Then one day he had a decent sized crash and ripped his bibs up fairly comprehensively. The EMT guys gave him an awful hard time about the hairshorts. Road rash and leg hair = not good.

    That reminds me, I need to get up 10mins earlier tomorrow....

    I think you're misreading, it's hairy boxer shorts, so near the top of the leg. Basically I refuse to shave my arse, that's just weird. :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 Lumen
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    Guybrush T wrote: »
    I think you're misreading, it's hairy boxer shorts, so near the top of the leg. Basically I refuse to shave my arse, that's just weird. :p

    Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33 dokter


    Check the last picture from the tour of spain last Wed.
    Who has the best legs.....
    http://www.steephill.tv/2010/vuelta-a-espana/photos/stage-05/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,511 dave2pvd
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    Guybrush T wrote: »
    I think you're misreading, it's hairy boxer shorts, so near the top of the leg. Basically I refuse to shave my arse, that's just weird. :p

    Just shave the whole leg, no? Why the shocking transition, hidden under the hem of your boxers? It's just not natural ;)

    I agree re arse-shaving - too difficult. And also too much potential for ingrowns there.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,831 ROK ON
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    el tonto wrote: »
    I do the entire leg. Hairy bermuda shorts is not a good look.
    Guybrush T wrote: »
    Just to up the TMI quotient of this thread, it's hairy boxer shorts for me, but no further.

    I prefer the hairy thong look myself;).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,941 caseyann
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    Because hair on the legs slows them down.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,754 Bluefoam
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    Back, crack & sack...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 210 damo80
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    i was in A&E last week and the medical team said, and i quote, "just as well you shave your legs it will help cuts will heel faster and the bandages would hurt like hell taking them off hairy legs!!"
    there, its now a proven medical fact!!! shaven legs are good for you :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 682 Signal_ rabbit
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    The adverts advertising stockings etc are generally mens legs as they have better definition then womens ...........apparently!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 80 giannip
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    Fender76 wrote: »
    So my wife asked me last night why cyclists shave their legs.... and you know what, I couldn't give her a convincing answer..... dammit :mad:.

    Why do cylcists shave their legs...?

    Fall off & leave some skin on the road. A lot less painful to clean up & manage + keeps wounds cleaner if no hairs get in.

    Of course that's probably the wrong argument to use in the wife :D

    Maybe show her pics of tanned, ripped cycling legs ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,494 Columbia
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    I do it because it looks better.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 11,394 Captain Havoc
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    https://ormondelanguagetours.com

    Walking Tours of Kilkenny in English, French or German.



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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,612 jwshooter
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    thanks for clearing that up CH


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,092 furiousox
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    I was asked this same question by a non cyclist recently and I tried offering the usual explanations (aerodynamics, tradition, hygiene etc) but I had to concede that yes, in this climate and with our pasty skin twinned with lycra shorts....short fat shaven legs look marginally less ridiculous than short fat hairy legs.

    CPL 593H



  • Moderators, Sports Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 11,394 Captain Havoc
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    Have never and will never!
    Voilà, the sexiest legs on this forum:
    21042010041.jpg

    https://ormondelanguagetours.com

    Walking Tours of Kilkenny in English, French or German.



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,269 Chips Lovell
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    Have never and will never!
    Voilà, the sexiest legs on this forum

    Ah, the Kilkenny legwarmers.


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