Should I shave?

[Jsnyd]

She didn’t know what to think at first. I told her, “I think I’m going to shave my legs”. She just looked a little confused and said ok. She didn’t seem to mind much, which is what I expected. Then gave me advice on what to do. (TIP: She said Cortisone 10 works great for irritated skin, using it beforehand if you suspect the worst). I used some just in case, it works. She was exposed to the cycling world a little bit growing up so it isn’t to taboo to her.

[acc]

What? There are men who don’t shave their legs? Sorry, I must not notice them.

ann

[eminva]

Okay, I’ll bite. Why? If you are trying to be more aerodynamic, wouldn’t you shave your arms and keep your face clean shaven, too? Whatever’s not covered by clothing, helmet or shoes?

I’ve always been a bit puzzled by this cycling guy’s convention.

Liz

[acc]

Sigh. I’ll take a stab at this.
(Like any of *them* are gonna come clean on the subject.)
Swimmers do shave it all.
Does it matter? Dunno. Probably not under most circumstances.
But it certainly feels faster.
And it looks, well, very touchable.
And yes, it cleans up faster and if you are into lotions and what not I’m sure it goes on more evenly.
I’m guessing the same reasoning applies here.
But it also completes the look, all that sleek Lycra demands sleek legs.
Is it hot in here?

ann

[eminva]

Yes, I know all about the swimmers — my high school was a big swimming powerhouse.

I suppose if you feel faster, then you are faster, so carry on!

Liz

[Jsnyd]

After doing it, I can see a bit why guys would do it. I’ve only done it once and I’m not nearly as seasoned as most who do shave, but it’s as I have read. It’s a commitment, regardless of the specifics. There are a few more reasons but to me it was mental. Almost like my last step to prepare for my goal and my challenge. Once I decided to shave, I was all in. Before I even knew how I was going to get rid of my leg hair. I would give everything I had to my ride. I was already at that point, but now I have a physical reminder that every time I look down I love cycling and welcome the joy as well as the pain it sometimes brings.

[CCrew]

@Jsnyd 7359 wrote:

now I have a physical reminder that every time I look down I love cycling and welcome the joy as well as the pain it sometimes brings.

You could always do what my son did… Laid the inside of his right calf against a greasy crank until he got the mark he wanted then went to a tattoo shop and said “I want this”. They did a decent job of it too.

[Dirt]

I’ve shaved my legs (and tried many other hair removal techniques) for over 30 years.

Only shave if you’re ready for it to become part of your ritual. Shaving your legs needs to be done regularly if you come into physical contact with a significant other. Prickly legs are no fun to come in contact with. Depending on how much your hair grows, most guys can count on shaving twice per week at a minimum to keep your legs smooth. I shave 2-3 times per week.

As people have identified, the reasons for doing so are to help with clean-up after a ride, wound cleansing and healing after a crash, making massages more comfortable and easier for the massage therapist, and also makes application of sunscreen easier and more even. For mountain bikers, it makes tick finding and removal a lot easier too. I find that cycling shorts are more comfortable around the leg grippers too. If you use chamois cream, it makes it easier to put your shorts on without getting goo all over your legs.

Technique: Start with electric clippers to get most of it off. Invest in a Gillette Venus razor. They are by far the best. Never shave the night before a big event. You’re better off giving your skin a day to relax. If you do get a bit of irritation, it will be extremely uncomfortable during your ride and will get worse and worse.

Alternatives to shaving. I found hair removal creams (Nair and the like) irritated my skin. I found waxing did too. Interestingly I found that using the old EpiLady hair removal system was extremely painful, but didn’t irritate the skin and after using it 4 or 5 times my hair grew back less and less. Even now, 20 years after stopping using the EpiLady, my hair is still much more fine on my legs than it used to be.

I’m a slob. I don’t worry about shaving my face so much. I’ve only had road rash on it once and I don’t usually get a massage there. I shave my face once per week… or twice if I’m going out with my wife mid-week. I almost never let my legs get even slightly stubbly. It just feels bad.

Hope that helps a little.

Pete

[txgoonie]

Dirt beat me to the point, but I will repeat: it is extremely uncomfortable lying next to someone with man leg-stubble. Aesthetically I can appreciate a pair of fit, shaved legs on a man (I was loving the TDF TTT – tons of leg-level close up shots – oh my!), but you boys needs to stay on top of it. Leg to leg contact with scratchy man-paper can actually be quite painful. I can’t bear to feel my own legs after a few days, so if you let it get out of control, don’t be surprised by a bit of “get off me” when the lights go off. Just keep that in mind when considering if you’re up for the commitment or not.

[Dirt]

It isn’t difficult or time-consuming. Just gotta keep on top of it.

[jabberwocky]

I’m too hairy and lazy to shave. I can hardly stay on top of keeping my face smooth.

[Author]

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