Should I shave?

[Jsnyd]

This should be a fun topic, haha.
I’ve been thinking about shaving my legs. After doing some research I didn’t really find out much besides it helping for massage and keeping infection out. That and I also read that women liked shaved legs on men? That seems odd, but keeping the wife happy is always a plus.
Generally I want to do it to cure my curiosity. Also I think it will be a big mental boost to prepare myself for my 75 mile ride tomorrow. It’s just a charity ride, but I’m competitive and will be looking to post a decent time to challenge myself later down the road.
Is it too much? Or is it expected? Dont judge, haha!

Topic

[StopMeansStop]

Don’t do it before your big ride. You might get a rash or something and have to suffer the whole ride

[DismalScientist]

Why don’t you shave one leg and try to determine the difference in aerodynamic drag? :rolleyes:

[Jsnyd]

Haha! Luckily I have blonde, maybe even clear, leg hair. So I could probably get away with it. Then I would only have to fall on each side and I could really see the difference.

[SteveTheTech]

+1 for straight shavers. (or otherwise inclined)
I’m Portuguese so I grow invasive leg hair and have been shaving it a few times a year just to keep on top of it, since just after high school.

http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/razors-edge-shaving-your-legs-cycling?page=0,1

I like some of the advice in there that highlights easier cleanup of roadrash. (I can say that part is no joke)
As for doing it the night before a ride, there is a section in there that talks about millions of micro cuts, that your body has to dedicate energy to repairing. You do not need that on your ride.
I think it seems like wicking fabric works better on bare skin.

I’ll say it…it feels great. I work in an auto shop…yeah my coworkers have said a few things about it when they see it the first time I wear shorts.
When you do it take your time and use an electric razor first and a new blade (and maybe your wifes’ razor if it’s got a wider handle). If you cut your shin or calf you will bleed like a stuck pig, lol looks like a crime scene.

[DaveK]

I’m relatively new at this marriage thing but I would probably ask my wife first… if she doesn’t like it then you’ll have to enjoy the sensations alone for a while.

[Jsnyd]

@DaveK 7303 wrote:

I’m relatively new at this marriage thing but I would probably ask my wife first… if she doesn’t like it then you’ll have to enjoy the sensations alone for a while.

Oh good idea, Im new too haha. I dont think she’ll mind, but Ill give her a heads up. I have a beard now that shes not a big fan of so Im sure shell be excited to get any hair off of my as long as it isnt from my head.

[Jsnyd]

on that note. Is it dumb to not shave my face? After all, Im not doing it for aerodynamics

[Greenbelt]

@Jsnyd 7305 wrote:

on that note. Is it dumb to not shave my face? After all, Im not doing it for aerodynamics

I don’t know — the beard didn’t seem to slow down that dude on those videos showing the U.S. pro cycling challenge course:
http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/video-velonews-and-rapha-continental-ride-stage-2-of-the-usapcc_187084

[Jsnyd]

That beard is epic

[CCrew]

Not only is it easier to clean up road rash, but it’s also easier to wipe off road dirt after a particularly messy ride. Hard to explain to a non-cycling bunch of male friends though.

Find someone to give you leg massages and it makes for a better one too.

I went in for surgery and a nurse noticed mine, said she always knows that the guy is either a cyclist or a swimmer…

[Riley Casey]

Shaving is over rated

[5555624]

@CCrew 7308 wrote:

I went in for surgery and a nurse noticed mine, said she always knows that the guy is either a cyclist or a swimmer…

Or a cross-dresser. Years ago, in one of the Usenet cycling forums, someone said he explained his shaved legs by telling people he was a cross-dresser — so they wouldn’t know he was a cyclist.

[DaveK]

You could do a lot worse than emulating Dave Zabriskie’s aero-stache…

[Jsnyd]

Yea, that’s high speed low drag. He has it nice a trimmed for the time trial! I did it, shaved em. Used spray on foam and then cleaned it up with a razor while in the tub. No nicks or cuts. Pretty good for my first time. I don’t think I will be doing it that often though. A few times a season. Of course I say that now with no prickly legs. One thing I did notice about the shave is how efficient my legs can now use sweat to keep cool. It also just felt good! Close to the same sensation after a fresh haircut.

[SteveTheTech]

Good for you, now it looks like you live the lifestyle.

They might start to bother you when the stubble sets in, but that only lasts a day or two. I typically use some man body lotion, but I tend to have dry skin so that really helps with any irritation I have.

Did the mrs approve of the androgenic hair removal?

[Author]

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