to shave or not to shave?

Sutters

Right here is a strange one for you, I have done a few races over the past 3 years and last year at the Argus (S.A) I noticed I was one of the only riders to not have shaved/waxed legs. I know its about the cleaning of wounds if an accident occurs rather than the slip stream effect (most not cyclist think its to do with slipstream). what is everyone elses views on this?

My three fellow riders will be riding with leg hair and think that I am mad.

Oh to paint a picture, I will ride the Argus in March then a few other charity races along with my long Sunday rides, I like in the UK and its zero degs at the mo.

..IS

frenchyge

I ride hairy, but haven't been racing long enough to have experienced a crash. Between Argus, some charity races, and your long Sunday rides, would you expect a decent amount of crashes? I've seen a few during the criterium races here, but very seldom during road races, and training rides.

Personally, I think most of the people shave out of imitation rather than necessity.

Sutters

I tend to agree with your last line although I have to say I have a great photo of me crossing the finish line in last years Argus, you know the look of releif and achievement, actually makes me look rather professional..until you see my fur!!!

rule62

The only reason that I have found it beneficial to shave was during the heat of the summer. The lack of hair on my legs kept them a lot cooler. By comparison, the sasquatch caliber hair on my arms would matt up with sweat and salt to the point that it felt like I was wearing arm warmers. I could really notice the difference. I have not taken it to the point of shaving my arms though. Otherwise...yeah, I wouldn't bother.

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IndyRider

I have noticed the same as the poster above. The cooling effect would be the only reason I would continue shaving in the summer.

Dondare

Shave for photographs.

DiabloScott

Shave for the post-ride massage.

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Catabolic_Jones

Cleaning of road-rash, massage, aesthetics and, you know, bein' one of the boys (or girls) are all parts of it.

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It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

dm69

Shave because it looks good . If you race a lot you would like more of a tool if you didn't shave...thats my 2bob.

rockyroady

While chatting with the manager of my local cycling shop, I was interrupted by a 10 year old kid who said to me; "you can't ride a bicycle; you've got hair on your legs!" I shaved everything off before my next ride.

park

The wound cleaning, the massage, blah, blah.. it just looks cool. Hair covers up the vascularity and muscular striations that you've worked so hard to achieve.

velodrome.co.nr

shave those legs, don't be scared
the pros do it so why shouldn' t we?

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luv2ride

there is a guy at my bike shop who told me that hair acts like velcro when it hits asphalt, that your skin peels a lot easier when there is hair on the legs. And when you do crash ( I have multiple times) it is nice to not have to grimace when taking bandages off.

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roadhog

I agree that this is the real reason a majority of shavers shave. I'd say crit riders have a definite argument with the wounds and healing, etc. Everyone else - we just like the look or something. I ride thousands of miles a year (including much group riding) and can't remember my last crash. And I can't even convince my wife to massage my legs. Yet I still shave despite knowing there is no practical reason for me....