To Shave Legs or not to Shave? – The Cyclist’s Dilemma

I have to admit that shaving your legs is a bit of pain. The most effective methods are painful and / or time consuming. But, as a cyclist there are quite a few motivations to shave the legs:

Be A Real Cyclist. We may never be able to ride anywhere near as fast as the greats  of cycling, but, we can buy the same equipment they use, shave our legs and at least have the feeling of being a proper cyclist. If you turn up to a race with hairy legs, it just doesn’t feel right. It’s perhaps akin to turning up to the local cricket match and playing in a white shell suit. If you shave your legs you feel like you can fit it. It doesn’t matter if you crawl around and finish near the back of the pack; at least you feel and look like a cyclist.

Of course, it’s not just vanity that makes cyclists shave their legs, there are quite a few practical considerations to justify, the 30 minute waxing session

Improved aerodynamics. A cheap way of removing unnecessary aerodynamic drag.

Easier to clean road rash. Being knocked to the ground is an occupational hazard of being a cyclist. If you have already shaved your legs it makes it much easier to clean the wound and apply dressing. A reassuring reason

Easier to massage. If you are fortunate enough to have a professional masseur to massage your legs after every training ride, you will want to have clean shaved legs to make that cream easier to massage in.

It looks Good. Most men may approach leg shaving with a certain apprehension – after all isn’t this something women do? But, once you have started shaving, it is easy to feel rather proud of the bulging biceps, no longer hidden by a mass of unsightly leg hair.

Reasons Not To Shave Your Legs

It is painful. When I use a razor blade, I usually cut myself. I’ve tried self waxing but it was too messy. The ‘best’ method is an epilator which plucks all the hairs out. Yes, it is painful as it sounds.

It’s itchy. Waxing can last for a few weeks, but, you will probably suffer from ingrown hairs making your legs itchy. You will need to spend a lot of time rubbing your legs with a loafer to remove dead skin. Before, you know it you will be spending as long in the bathroom as the females in your house…..

Embarrassment. Speaking to the young female assistant in Boots about the best way to shave your legs was a painful experience.

Where do you stop shaving? Do you stop at the shorts line, or do you keep going to the crotch? Do you have to shave the back of your legs? These questions alone are enough to think twice before entering the world of leg shaving.

A question for the readers – What are your experiences with shaving your legs? Is it worth the pain and discomfort?

See: Best ways for a cyclist to shave his legs

• Hair Removal Cream at Chain Reaction Cycles