why do cyclists shave their legs?

Answer 1

They make their legs more aerodynamic.

Answer 2

Cyclists tend to shave their legs (think of Breaking Away), though debate rages in cycling magazines, online, and at meets as to the real reason. Some contend that hairless legs facilitate healing after a wipeout-- dirt is more prone to sticking inside a scratch on a hairy leg than a hairless one. Others just do it to look cool

Answer 3

There are 3 reasons why a cyclist shaves his legs. It has nothing to do with aerodynamics. The reasons are:

1. Smooth legs are easier to massage
2. Hairless legs are easier to clean after a crash (road rash).
3. Shaved legs look more muscular.

Answer 4

cyclists shave their legs for various reasons - one is tradition - when you see another cyclist with shaved legs, you know they are pretty serious cyclists - aerodynamics, lessening wind resistence, helps in massaging leg muscles with no hair, and does look pretty sexy with muscular legs, smooth and tan

Answer 5

some cyclists are girls... They shave their legs to look pretty

Answer 6

because if you crash with hairy legs, the hair tends to grab to ground surface and rather than having a scrape (road rash) if your legs were shaved, you are now missing chunks of skin.

Answer 7

It's actually to help sweat get away, and keep a little cooler, and the inevitable sticking-plaster doesn't get stuck in hair, massage oils spread easier, sun cremes sink in, etc.

Answer 8

Makes it easier to treat wounds on the legs when injured.

Answer 9

Cuts down on wind resistance. It's miniscule, but every little bit helps, I guess.

Answer 10

1. makes them look cool
2. less wind resistance means they can go fast
3. massaging hairy legs ain't exactly nice
4. injuries are easier to treat

Answer 11

It's really hard parting it down the middle and gelling back all the time.