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Time savings from shaved legs

baprince15baprince15
in General Training Discussions

I don't know which forum is correct for this, but since the video claims that shaving has a signifcant impact on speed, it seems comparable to many of the gear choices we make.

Take a look. I'm interested in everyone's thoughts:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZnrE17Jg3I&feature=youtu.be

 

Comments

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Since I already shave my legs there is no free speed for me here. Got anything else for me? image
  • Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
    I have never shaved my legs and I have to say that I'm SHOCKED by that test! So shocked by that time differential that they claim, that I'm not sure I buy it. Unless of course the subject was a Sasquatch. That being said, if I can save that kinda time over 40k.....I may take the plunge!
  • jfields74jfields74

    I'm with Paul on this one.  I was, however, surprised at the results they found.

  • Jacklyn MooreJacklyn Moore

    There's an article in this months Triathlete  that supports their claim. In the article they recorded a 15 watt increase with shaved legs. Doesn't really help the ladies.

  • Joe MatchetteJoe Matchette
    That article from Jesse was awesome! and 15W is hu-mon-gous.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    Posted By Jacklyn Moore on 02 Jul 2014 10:42 PM

    There's an article in this months Triathlete  that supports their claim. In the article they recorded a 15 watt increase with shaved legs. Doesn't really help the ladies.

    I don't think shaving increases one's watts. Probably what they mean is for the SAME watts, the speed is higher, or for the SAME speed, the watts are lower. But no way will simply shaving make my FTP higher.

    I'm in the skeptics' camp. and also the camp which notes that aero benefits increase geometrically with arithmetic increase in speed. So if true, it is FAR more benefit for someone going 25 mph than, say, 19. Take gains reported for pros or other fast bikers with a large grain of salt, like extrapolating animal studies to humans.

  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    I didn't go to the link but it's interesting to me. My (possibly incorrect) understanding was that cyclists shave legs more out of tradition and for the impact on road rash than anything else. Hence why many triathletes don't. If you told me I got the equivalent of 15 watts in increased speed from shaving my legs I would do it in a heartbeat. That's huge.
  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    I just posted this video to the dashboard before I saw this thread.

    I'd like them to do the same study on some TT/tri bikes.
    For triathletes, another reason to shave is that I've ripped out hair with the wetsuit before. Don't ask me how, but I've done it!

    For me, shaving is like putting on the race wheels, etc., the "it's time to RACE" mentality!
  • rboglerbogle

    Scott's video is a great piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZnrE17Jg3I   Specialized's wind tunnel test is the proof in the pudding. They averaged 70sec saving on a 40km test with a road bike at what appeared la-d-da speeds. So for the unshaved joe IM thats 5.25 minutes savings, at the sharp end that could be 6-7-8 minutes? About equal to using an aero helmet vs not. Given that I've never shaved and I'm at least 8 on the chewbacca scale, no question I'm shaving for races now. 

  • Ralph MooreRalph Moore
    I think the toenail polish will make me faster too. especially if it is red.

    Sorry, couldn't help it. image
  • mrslicemrslice
    8 on the Chewbacca scale?  That's hilarious.  I shaved once, just for vanity purposes and now I'm hooked like a woman.  This is just an added bonus to and more of a manly reason to shave.  LOL
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