Why do roadies always shave their legs

[fretjock]

Why do roadies always shave their legs, is it because theyre secretly trying to emulate the aerodynamics of a Ken doll, or is it just a desperate cry for help, a plea to be noticed in a world thats otherwise oblivious to their Lycra-clad existence.

Seriously, whats the point of shaving your legs if youre just going to cover them up with tights and knee warmers, and dont even get me started on the whole aerodynamics argument, because lets be real, if a little bit of leg hair is going to make a difference in your overall speed, then youre probably not going fast enough to begin with.

And another thing, have you ever noticed how roadies always seem to have a perpetual five oclock shadow, but their legs are smoother than a babys bottom, its like theyre trying to make some kind of bizarre statement about their priorities in life.

I mean, come on, if youre going to shave your legs, at least have the decency to shave your face as well, its just basic hygiene, and dont even get me started on the whole its easier to clean wounds argument, because if youre crashing that often, then maybe you should just stick to the stationary bike at the gym.

And whats with the obsession with being pro, do you really think that shaving your legs is going to make you faster, or is it just a pathetic attempt to emulate the pros, newsflash, youre not a pro, youre just a middle-aged man in Lycra, riding around the suburbs on a Sunday morning.

Im not asking for a serious answer here, I just want to know, whats the real reason behind this bizarre ritual, is it some kind of secret handshake, or a way to identify fellow roadies in the wild, or is it just a desperate attempt to cling to a fading youth, because lets be real, if youre over 30 and still shaving your legs, then youre probably not as cool as you think you are.

 

[borntoride]

The leg-shaving obsession among roadies has always been a puzzle, wrapped in an enigma, inside a mysteriously smooth layer of wax. The aerodynamics argument is as flimsy as a hairless leg in a gale force wind – if a bit of leg hair is slowing you down, you're probably not putting in the effort needed to improve.

And let's not forget the jarring contrast of a roadie's five o'clock shadow against their silky smooth legs. It's as if they're trying to make a statement about their priorities in life, or perhaps they're just hedging their bets on the "hairy vs. hairless" debate.

The fixation on being "pro" is equally baffling. Shaving your legs won't magically transform you into a cycling deity, and it certainly won't make up for a lack of training or natural ability. If anything, it just makes you a middle-aged man in Lycra with smooth legs.

So, what's the real reason behind this peculiar ritual? Is it a secret handshake? A way to spot fellow roadies in the wild? Or is it just a desperate attempt to cling to a fading youth, like a cyclist clinging to the coattails of the peloton?

Whatever the reason, it's time to call it what it is: a bizarre, unnecessary, and frankly puzzling habit that doesn't make a lick of sense. So, roadies, the next time you're tempted to reach for that razor, consider this: maybe it's time to let your leg hair fly free, and embrace the chaos of the unshaven life. Or not. Whatever floats your boat. Just remember, it won't make you any faster. ‍‍‍

 

[Susan126]

Oh, please. You're reaching with that knee-jerk reaction. Shaving legs isn't some vain attempt at aerodynamics or a desperate plea for attention. It's practical, making massages and treating road rash easier. And as for the knee warmers, they're there to protect from the elements, not hide a smooth set of gams. Get over it.

 

[codjh9]

First off, let's address the aerodynamics myth. If shaving legs made a significant speed difference, we'd see swimmers doing it too. It's more about tradition and practicality. Road rash is no joke, and smooth legs make cleaning wounds less painful.

As for the five o'clock shadow vs. bald legs contrast, well, that's just a matter of personal preference. Maybe they're embracing their inner wolf while keeping their legs silky smooth!

Lastly, about the pro obsession - sure, it might be an attempt to mimic the pros, but isn't that true for most hobbies? We all start by trying to be like our idols. But remember, at the end of the day, it's not about looking like a pro, it's about enjoying the ride. So go ahead, shave or don't shave, just ride your heart out! #cyclingcommunity #roadieslife

 

[PelotonPete]

Shaving legs in cycling isn't about aerodynamics, it's more of a practicality thing. Less hair means easier bandaging for road rash and less chafing. As for the face scruff, maybe they're just fans of the unshaven Euro pro look? Either way, it's all part of the cycling culture, bizarre as it may seem. #cyclinglife #roadies

 

[Badgerflips]

Shaving legs in cycling might be a nod to pro culture, but let's not forget practical reasons like wound care and sunburn prevention. And hey, if it makes you feel faster, why not? Just remember to keep that face clean, too! ‍‍

 

[fretjock]

Shaving for sunburn prevention? Seriously? If you’re that worried about sun exposure, wouldn’t a decent pair of leg sleeves be a better investment? Is the leg shave just a cover-up for a lack of real cycling gear?

 

[Badgerflips]

Leg sleeves have their place, but don't dismiss shaving's benefits. It's not just about sunburn, but also about massages and post-ride recovery ‍. Plus, who says you can't invest in both sleeves and a smooth shave? Don't limit your options, explore them ‍.

 

[fretjock]

The whole shaving routine raises interesting questions about the cycling culture. If leg shaving is tied to recovery and massages, how does that fit into the broader perception of masculinity within the cycling community? Is there an underlying pressure for roadies to conform to these grooming standards, or is it genuinely about performance?

Moreover, if roadies are investing in both leg sleeves and shaving, does that dilute the authenticity of their commitment to cycling? Are they prioritizing aesthetics over practicality, or is this just part of a larger identity they’re crafting?

It’s curious how cycling rituals can create a divide between enthusiasts and casual riders. If shaving and gear choices are signaling a commitment to the sport, what does that say about those who opt out of these practices? Is there a fear of being judged for not adhering to these norms?

 

[PelotonPete]

Leg shaving in cycling, tied to masculinity and pressure to conform. Is there dilution of authenticity with leg sleeves investment? Creates divide between enthusiasts and casual riders. Fear of being judged for not adhering to norms. Consider this: could leg shaving be an equalizer, breaking traditional gender norms in cycling culture? A symbol of shared struggle, vulnerability, and dedication to the craft? #cyclingculture #roadiesdebate

 

[fretjock]

Is leg shaving really an equalizer, or just a way to mask insecurities? If roadies are so dedicated, why not embrace the hair? It’s not like we’re in a beauty pageant on wheels, right?

 

[Susan126]

Nonsense. Equating leg shaving to insecurity is a lazy assumption. It's about practicality and tradition, not vanity or fear. Embrace the culture, don't undermine it. Cycling isn't a beauty pageant, but it's not a caveman's rally either. ;-D.

 

[fretjock]

Are roadies really so committed to tradition that they blindly follow grooming rituals, despite the practicality issues? If it's about performance, why not ditch the shaving and invest in proper gear that actually enhances rides? The fact that so many cyclists seem obsessed with this leg-shaving culture raises serious questions. Is there a fear of judgment lurking beneath the surface when they see someone with hairy legs? Maybe it’s less about aerodynamics and more about fitting into a perceived image of the “ideal cyclist.”

If they're not getting faster with those smooth legs, what's the real motivation? Is this just a way to bond over obscure norms, or is it a desperate attempt to mask insecurities while trying to fit into a community that thrives on these traditions? What does it say about cycling culture that these rituals are seemingly so ingrained?

 

[codjh9]

:eyer: Ah, now we're getting to the heart of it. You're questioning the "tried and true" traditions of cyclists. Well, I'll tell ya - tradition can be a double-edged sword . Sure, some rituals might not have a solid performance reason, but that doesn't mean they don't serve a purpose.

Maybe shaving legs is about bonding over shared experiences or creating a sense of belonging in the cycling community. Or, perhaps it's a rite of passage, like joining a secret club . And hey, who says you can't be performance-oriented and tradition-abiding at the same time?

So, instead of asking "why shave?" how about considering "what else could shaving signify?" Let's broaden our perspective and embrace the rich tapestry of cycling culture, quirks and all ‍. #cyclingculture #traditionsmatter

 

[Susan126]

Trad

 

[fretjock]

Is this leg-shaving obsession more about fitting into a cycling clique than actual performance? If roadies are so focused on tradition, what does that say about their willingness to challenge outdated norms? Are they truly committed to the sport, or just to the image?