a question for men cyclers?

Question

this might be a naive question but why do you shave your legs for cycling?

oh i didn,t know this question was a asked alot!

Answer 1

Cyclists shave their legs for a number of reasons, some better than others:

1. Speed. Shaving hair leaves you legs smooth and more aerodynamic. But unless you are a top rider in a long time trial, this is unlikely to make any meaningful difference.

2. Road Rash. It is common for cyclists to crash. Without hair, it is easier to clean a wound. And without hair, the chances of infection are reduced, so a wound may heal faster.

3. Massage. Cyclists and triathletes often have massages when they are in training or competition because massages aid muscle recovery by working out lactic acid that builds up with exercise. It is easier to massage a smooth leg.

4. Tradition. Certainly many cyclists shave their legs simply because all of the other cyclists shave their legs.

5. Appearance. A smooth leg shows off muscles better than hairy leg.

Answer 2

Well, because every extra gram on a bike is worth about $1 to get rid of, yet the minimum weight for UCF reg is 16 pounds, so removal of leg hair, featherweight socks, featherweight shoes and other easy ways to remove extra cargo from the cyclist is pretty popular.

Because it is more areo, and one of the least uncomfortable ways to get areo advantage, no matter how slight.

Because the tight shorts would pull on it every possible direction, and the shorts can bunch up if they slide because of the leg hair.

For exactly the same reason that ladies shave their legs--It is more attractive and shows off the muscles better.

Because it is tradition, although slightly odd.

There's no overwhelming reason to shave legs, however there's no overwhelming reason to purchase weak Dura Ace over strong Ultegra, although cyclists do it to lose a gram or two extra weight (tiny, tiny difference in weight).

So, it is probably just one of those really weird things that has no advantage whatsoever. . .shaving, drop bars, Dura Ace, structurally unsound seatpost, fragile materials for handlebars, harmful gel in shorts, no padding in saddle, and using the latest hardware whether it is better or not, all all examples.
Yet, these are part of the "dress up" nature of the sport and some of the weird things to do to be part of the tradition.

Often, it is discovered, after the fact, that there was some. . .and let's not give too much credit. . .purely unintentional. . .benefits.

My vote?
Shaving doesn't let your shorts pull your hair backwards on every pedal stroke.

Answer 3

I'll give you the same answers as everyone else:

1. Better massages. My wife is a massage therapist, and it's MUCH better to have smooth legs.

2. Easier to clean. Road rash is far easier to clean, and bandage tape doesn't stick to hair that isn't there!

3. It looks good to have every muscle fiber pop out with every pedal stroke (yes, it's a vanity thing). Shows off scars and tattoos, too.

4. It's cooler than having hair, and having cooler legs means more comfort on those 30+ mile days.

5. I don't know about the aero advantage, but chicks dig it. Seriously, they all laugh at first, but every one of them likes it.

6. Because not shaving for a couple days lets your wife/girlfriend know how it feels sleeping next to prickly legs!

Answer 4

I would guess for aerodynamics. I don't know for sure b/c I don't shave my legs and arms, but I don't think it would make much of a difference. Again I am guessing here, but if you look at the type of bikers who shave their legs I would guess they are pretty competitive and would do pretty much anything to get an edge. One thing I am sure of, no offense to the lady above me, but when I crashed my bike a few weeks ago I had all sorts of scrapes and cuts, the hair was not much of a problem in the healing process.

Answer 5

From what I understand, cyclists shave their legs for a preventative measure. If they crash and get a scab, the hair won't get twisted up in the mess. It will grow straight. I don't think shaving for cycling is like shaving for swimming. It's not resistant.

Answer 6

Yours is the third question on the same topic: http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=AtEECFJ7w03RExONwfiTQ_YjzKIX?p=cycling+leg+shaving+

I personally don't shave my legs but I'm not a professional cyclist. I'm more of the weekend warrior kind.

The most common answers were to avoid infection and faster healing in case of a crash. The time shaved in racing is insignificant.

Answer 7

not for speed but a few reasons,
With the hair on you for example if you pull a few hairs on your arm it pulls alot of skin up, so if you are travelling at 60km/hr+
and come off insted of skimming over the road your hair grabs the tar and pulls heaps of skin and flesh off,
Another reason is when you do take skin off it is cleaner and easier to look after and the doc wont need to shave your wound.
Another reason is when you get a massage with hair it hurts and it hurts the hands of the massagee.

Answer 8

For the chicks

Answer 9

because it makes it easier to clean a wound if there is a crash.