First Time Shave Legs - Smooth Or Hairy?

Why Shave Legs Cyclists ?

There are a few reasons why you should shave your legs if you are a cyclist.

• Cleanliness
• For Massage
• Air-resistance
• Cuts And Grazes
• Looks

Let me answer these questions one at a time, if you decide to shave your legs you will want to remember these reasons for when friends, family and girlfriends ask you why.

• Cleanliness If you have hairy legs the dirt sticks to the hairs and if there is any road tar, mud or oil from your chain you have to scrub them clean, smooth legs are easy to keep clean.

• For Massage The oils and creams get all mixed up with the hairs and your masseur will not like to rub your legs with hairs on them, it hurts his hands, so smooth legs are much better for massage.

• Air-resistance This is probably not true, I doubt shaved legs make any difference to speed, look at tennis balls they have hairs, but it�s a good excuse to people who don't know any better1

• Cuts and Grazes When you fall off your bike you get a road burn, not nice, its not like a cut, although you can also get cuts, but usually it's a large area of red skin and if you need to put cream or a bandage on its easier on smooth legs and its easier to take plasters off!

• Looks Smooth legs look much nicer, no hairiness, all the professionals do it so if you want to look like your heroes you have to do it too.
  

How?

I would suggest electric razor, wet shave or a cream, don't try wax, its agony and takes far too long. I've never tried electrolysis, it's meant to be very good but I think it is very expensive.

So the choice is yours, you now know why and have all the excuses for when people quiz you on why you have done it.

The first time is a bit strange but once you start you will always want to do it, specially in the summer, there is nothing better than feeling the hot sun on your bronzed, shiny, smooth legs.