I shaved for it for IMCDA and the massages leading up to it. Now, I've kept up the shaving and will continue to for the rest of the season. I'm not sure if I'll keep it up afterwards.
Psychologically, it definitely makes me feel faster and "race ready."
On the flip side, I shaved for exactly 1 season of cat 4 roadie racing about 5-6 years ago. Since I'm 1 generation away from walking around with my knuckles on the ground, when I shave, I have to shave every other day or the wife complains about stubble. So did I feel fast? Yes. Did I "look" roadie to my other roadie friends? Yes. Did I have to spend an inordinate amount of time every other day shaving the limbs that support my 6'3 body? Yes. Is that time commitment worth it to me now? Nope.
I would agree with everything mentioned above and would only underline a couple points in no particular order: 1. It is one of the ways you signal that you are a serious cyclist. It let's others know you are a member of the tribe. It's not the only way, but it is one. Just like a clean, quality kit and a well maintained, well used bike. 2. Don't knock it until you try it. Everyone in the Pro Peleton does it. These guys make their living riding bikes. They know something. Why not give it try? If it's not for you, at least saw how the other half live. 3. As other have said, it helps with road rash, but it really helps with massage, using embrocations and just keeping clean on the road. 4. There are mental benefits to being tuned up and ready to go. A fresh shave makes your legs feel fresh, sometimes even though they are not.
For me, it just another element in my quest to be more "Pro". It sounds lame, but I have poured a ton of time, energy, and money into taking my bike riding and therefore triathlon to the next level. I spend 5-10 hours per week riding. Mostly alone, but often with my club or some roadie friends. I want to amount of effort I put into this to be reflected. I meticulously maintain my bikes. They are never put away dirty. I am learning to do tons of my own maintenance and when something is out of adjustment or needs service I handle it right away.
Concerning myself, the same is true. I work to wear a quality kit and try (am still learning ) to maintain a professional demeanor and approach the "work" in a business like manner. I also work to be knowledgeable about bikes, drive trains and wheels. A long way to go here, but the journey is fun.
All that being said, and it's a lot as I re-read it, I have a long way to go... I am still really lame in many respects, but am getting better. For me, that pursuit of being "Pro" has made this a multi-faceted, fun and interesting HOBBY.
So, to sum up, shaving my legs is just a reflection of how I care for my drive train and keep the whole thing spotless and looking "Pro". I always try to shave before every ride. Certainly, Saturday AM for sure. From an ability perspective, I am a proud mid-packer. Sometimes I can hang with the "Varsity" of our club and sometimes I cannot, but I will control what I can control and always aspire to be "Pro".
I cant even be bothered to shave my face, or mow my lawn, for that matter (we have that done 2-3 times a year). Getting a haircut is hard to remember as well. So I cant imagine trying to keep up with calf maintainence. Tried it as a swimmer, and before two IMs, felt right tribal, sure, but in the end, I'm just too lazy to keep it up.
@Dino .. When I was bike commuting here in the Pac NW, if i had tried to keep a clean machine, I never world have had time to eat. Also, with a mtn bike, tandem, TT, and commuter, I was running out of Simple Green.
I have come to shave essentially year round. I'm fortunate not to have had road rash since then, but I think it sure makes it easier/less gross to rub lotion onto your legs...which I'm doing constantly...in winter to prevent lizard legs and in summer as sunscreen.
Since I've been married for nigh on 28 years, it's ok if I miss a spot or two, so I just take 3-5 minutes in the shower a couple times a week and call it good. Not that hard.
Guess I will never be a roadie... too many rules to learn, too much bike etiquette master and then there is the shaving. I have always had a problem understanding why woman shaved thier legs so to consider it for my legs is way over the top for me - LOL.
Comments
Found a great article to revive this thread:
http://members.endurancenation.us/T...fault.aspx
Psychologically, it definitely makes me feel faster and "race ready."
On the flip side, I shaved for exactly 1 season of cat 4 roadie racing about 5-6 years ago. Since I'm 1 generation away from walking around with my knuckles on the ground, when I shave, I have to shave every other day or the wife complains about stubble. So did I feel fast? Yes. Did I "look" roadie to my other roadie friends? Yes. Did I have to spend an inordinate amount of time every other day shaving the limbs that support my 6'3 body? Yes. Is that time commitment worth it to me now? Nope.
1. It is one of the ways you signal that you are a serious cyclist. It let's others know you are a member of the tribe. It's not the only way, but it is one. Just like a clean, quality kit and a well maintained, well used bike.
2. Don't knock it until you try it. Everyone in the Pro Peleton does it. These guys make their living riding bikes. They know something. Why not give it try? If it's not for you, at least saw how the other half live.
3. As other have said, it helps with road rash, but it really helps with massage, using embrocations and just keeping clean on the road.
4. There are mental benefits to being tuned up and ready to go. A fresh shave makes your legs feel fresh, sometimes even though they are not.
For me, it just another element in my quest to be more "Pro". It sounds lame, but I have poured a ton of time, energy, and money into taking my bike riding and therefore triathlon to the next level. I spend 5-10 hours per week riding. Mostly alone, but often with my club or some roadie friends. I want to amount of effort I put into this to be reflected. I meticulously maintain my bikes. They are never put away dirty. I am learning to do tons of my own maintenance and when something is out of adjustment or needs service I handle it right away.
Concerning myself, the same is true. I work to wear a quality kit and try (am still learning
All that being said, and it's a lot as I re-read it, I have a long way to go... I am still really lame in many respects, but am getting better. For me, that pursuit of being "Pro" has made this a multi-faceted, fun and interesting HOBBY.
So, to sum up, shaving my legs is just a reflection of how I care for my drive train and keep the whole thing spotless and looking "Pro". I always try to shave before every ride. Certainly, Saturday AM for sure. From an ability perspective, I am a proud mid-packer. Sometimes I can hang with the "Varsity" of our club and sometimes I cannot, but I will control what I can control and always aspire to be "Pro".
@Dino .. When I was bike commuting here in the Pac NW, if i had tried to keep a clean machine, I never world have had time to eat. Also, with a mtn bike, tandem, TT, and commuter, I was running out of Simple Green.
Since I've been married for nigh on 28 years, it's ok if I miss a spot or two, so I just take 3-5 minutes in the shower a couple times a week and call it good. Not that hard.
Don't overthink the topic
Two words
And it was referenced above, but I'd like to reiterate the wonderfulness that is the Philllips Bodygroom, also with the best url ever
www.shaveeverywhere.com
I've never taken a blade of any kind to my legs. Bodygroom does the job there and elsewhere as desired. Big fan.
Use an epilator. Rips the hairs out of your legs/arms/chest and they are GONE for over a month. That's the only way to go IMO.