Leg shaving tips

[LeeLau]

Share them here!

[Nelson]

http://www.gillette.com/images/products/c_venusdivine.jpg

[Clockwork Orange]

:lol:

[Wayne P]

Here's a tip:

DON'T DO IT!!!

:lol:

[ATN]

Use scissors first.

[toy4-jay]

oooh

let me share a secret for ya.

all the pro road bikers get their legs waxed.

that way you don't have painful stubble growing back in hours.


i know this from experience:cry:

[GRIZZ]

hedge clippers?

[Coop]

Why would you shave your legs?

I always made fun of it with everyone else but I thought it was just for air-resistance...I dont really understand why a person would do it though, but apparently its got to do with 'reducing infection' ?

I'm also super prone to getting irritated follicles from my pants rubbing over my knees and thighs for hours and hours ?

[Trini-dad72]

Shaved legs are easier to massage. They are easier to clean when you have a massive road rash. They look hella sexy on ladies. I have sexy legs, and I may wax them just for the hell of it.:D Maybe in time for Whistler...

[aShogunNamedMarcus]

teh roadies also do it to cut wind resistance.

[Putty]

i do it so the hair don't stick out throught teh fishnet stockings.

[Zedbra]

I do it so putty will keep winking

[just ride]

uh i think a man with hairy (natural) legs is the hottest thing ever? shaved is wrong! men are supposed to have hair! woman are not!

[big ben]

the purpose for a road biker to do it is that if they crash with hairy legs, the hair sticks to the pavement more and more skin can be torn off. so this can be avoided by shaving their legs. it wouldn't do any good for a mountain biker because a) you (probably) wear knee/shin pads and b) you are riding on dirt, not pavement

[Wayne P]

Originally posted by aShogunNamedMarcus
teh roadies also do it to cut wind resistance.

Ah, no that's not the reason, even if they tell you it is. It's simply the thing to do. Those roadies are very fashion concious you know.:D

[Del]

my roomate waxed his left arm with duct tape purely out of boredom

i just found out a few hours ago :lol:

[Trini-dad72]

Duct Tape eh? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

* goes off to find the roll *

[Danksi]

Oh, those were the days....

1) Make sure your legs aren't smoother than your girlfriend's....

2) Don't shave any higher than the bottom of your lycra shorts (it itches like a bugga').

'nuff said!

;)

[Danksi]

Originally posted by big ben
the purpose for a road biker to do it is that if they crash with hairy legs, the hair sticks to the pavement more and more skin can be torn off. so this can be avoided by shaving their legs. it wouldn't do any good for a mountain biker because a) you (probably) wear knee/shin pads and b) you are riding on dirt, not pavement

XC riders don't generally wear padding. Dirt/Mud clinging to the hairs of a XC rider's arms/legs acts like velcro when falling off. By shaving you can reduce the slide-resistance, in theory causing less damage. Having fallen with both hairy and non-hairy legs, I tend to agree - although I wear a lot more armour these days!

[taprider]

I shave to show off my highly defined muscular manly gams to intimidate the competition ;)

But seriously, dried mud comes off shaved legs with a hand wipe. For hairy legs you need a pressure washer

[Trini-dad72]

Ahhhhh I see... I suppose that wearing pads with shaved legs must be more comfortable too. No hairs getting snagged, and such?

[TheGiggler]

Originally posted by taprider

But seriously, dried mud comes off shaved legs with a hand wipe. For hairy legs you need a pressure washer


nahh, just scrub really hard and ignore all the pain ;) (then again, i'm not as hairy as some of you!)

[BuckChoklit]

I shaved when I was road riding and I'll do it again this summer. I did a wax at the beginning cause that shit was long! Then shaved for the rest of the season. I'll probbaly do the wax thing again, but shit! Waxing hurts like crazy just so you all know...

I figure it will makes spandex comfier and my shin pads ad shit too!

[ito]

Tips from someone who had shaved legs for a year(yes I realize I will probably get crap for posting this):

-Starting out, trim with an electric shaver. I made the mistake of just getting down to business with a Mach 3 and over an hour and 2 blades later I had smooth, but cut up legs. Just trim first, it helps.
-Buy some moisturizer, nothing girly, just something that will keep them soft. Nothing worse than scaly legs.
-Gel. No foam, no soap, just use some gel. I liked Gillette, stuff, but there is better.
-Sharp blades. I made the mistake of shaving early morning without checking my blade. Tired and not coherent until I pulled off a two inch strip of skin with a dull razor!
-Which brings me to my second point, get some good bandages and first aid equipment. I didn't cut myself often, but when I did it was nice to have something.
-Watch the knees, back of knees, ankles, and achilles tenon.
-Treat yourself and wear some jeans after shaving. I am not kidding, shaved legs and jeans are the most comfortable thing ever! Girls don't tell us this, but it feels so good!
-Prepare for some funny looks and having girls AND guys asking to feel. Girls don't believe guys can shave legs and guys are just amazed(though it was a wierd experience I got a laugh out of it).
-Go as high as you want, but know that at some point you won't be able to shave for a few days and short hair is VERY itchy. I could not imagine having stubble on my nuts or anywhere near them.

There are a number of reasons for shaving your legs. If you need to ask you don't get it. I'll probably be busting out the razor and shaving them at some point this year for XC racing.

The Ito

Edit: it's also really tough to shave around scabs. Don't bother trying, just let it heal for a while and leave that space alone.

[Trini-dad72]

Thanks ito!! Sounds like it's time to plan.

[ATN]

On the electric shaver note, I found it didnt work for me. I used scirssors instead. My leg hairs get to about 3/4 inch long mind you.

[bygdaug]

I have shaved my pits at one time. There's no worse feeling than doing seated pulley rows and having about 200 armpit hair wind themselves into a tight little knot mid rep...As far as the legs go, not a chance.

[BuckChoklit]

Atta kid Justin!

[Danny K]

ito knows his stuff... i hafta shave for swimming and yeah... it feels good.

[cycla4sh0]

Originally posted by jaru72
They look hella sexy on ladies.[/B]
agreed. :love:

ITO: about the gel stuff,i use old spice red zone for my face.i tried it in the shower once and the stuff washed away on my legs.or do you not shave in the shower?

[ito]

Originally posted by cycla4sh0
agreed. :love:

ITO: about the gel stuff,i use old spice red zone for my face.i tried it in the shower once and the stuff washed away on my legs.or do you not shave in the shower?

I shaved in the shower, but it was a tub as well, so I had a place to put my leg that was out of the water. I know girls will put a stool in the shower and sit on that or they will do it over the sink. Basically keep your leg out of the water somehow if you shave in the shower. Also only work on a patch at a time. If you cover your whole leg with gel it tends to wash off before you get around to it. When you get faster at it you can do it all at once.

The Ito

[ATN]

Originally posted by Danny K
ito knows his stuff... i hafta shave for swimming and yeah... it feels good.

You swim? cool. I shave each year for provincial summer club championships, but not high school.

[Biking Fiend]

:eek: at this thread

[Master Stacker]

"the purpose for a road biker to do it is that if they crash with hairy legs, the hair sticks to the pavement more and more skin can be torn off. so this can be avoided by shaving their legs. "

It can also be avoided by learning how to ride a bike. Or if someone crashes, it doesn't matter because you're in front of them.

[bygdaug]

A few years back my girlfriend at the time talked me into shaving everywhere !!...worst friggin mistake I ever made. Being of European decent I have a fair bit of bodyhair. When I got tired of shaving every 2 days and I decided to let it grow back...all I can say is it was a painfull experience indeed !!

never again !

[ito]

Originally posted by Master Stacker
"the purpose for a road biker to do it is that if they crash with hairy legs, the hair sticks to the pavement more and more skin can be torn off. so this can be avoided by shaving their legs. "

It can also be avoided by learning how to ride a bike. Or if someone crashes, it doesn't matter because you're in front of them.

You've never crashed? Or do you just live in a bubble?

The Ito

[switch]

Any tips for shaving feet hair? The skin is real crinkly on the top of my toes.

Or is this the best solution:

http://www.asontv.com/products/1031609330.html

[ito]

I have to say I'd be scared of what goes into that product to allow it to take hair off. Also, I've heard many girls complain about those foams(not that company, but others), say it is painful and messes with the skin.

I'd say just shave them or cut the hair. How bad can it be?

The Ito

[jeremyb]

It's not about crashing or wind resistance it's about vanity, roadies are vain, what other excuse could there be for strutting about on superlightweight mega expensive bikes with skin tight lycra that leaves nothing to the imagination! ;)

[BuckChoklit]

It won't hurt that mutch if you just wax your feet Switch, or dcut tape, it's such a small ammount of hair...

[Troup]

gay

[Wayne P]

Originally posted by jeremyb
It's not about crashing or wind resistance it's about vanity, roadies are vain, what other excuse could there be for strutting about on superlightweight mega expensive bikes with skin tight lycra that leaves nothing to the imagination! ;)

Finally someone hits the nail on the head. No hair does not equal less road rash. :lol:

[Danny K]

Originally posted by ATN
You swim? cool. I shave each year for provincial summer club championships, but not high school.

yes sir

[FullMonty]

you guys are doing this all wrong...

YOU NEED NADS! (http://www.nads.com/)

[atomikryda]

Originally posted by Danny K
yes sir

good to see there are other swimmers out there...i swim winter club here in summerland.

[pete@nsmb.com]

Originally posted by Master Stacker
"the purpose for a road biker to do it is that if they crash with hairy legs, the hair sticks to the pavement more and more skin can be torn off. so this can be avoided by shaving their legs. "

It can also be avoided by learning how to ride a bike. Or if someone crashes, it doesn't matter because you're in front of them.

Buy/borrow a road bike. Go riding with 10 friends, 2x2 or 3x3, whatever. Repeat enough times, until someone goes down - hits a rock, tangles wheels, whatever. You will go down, too, no matter how good you (think) you are.

Reasons roadies shave (most of you are wrong):

1 - Changing dressings on road rash is less painful if you don't have hair. With hair, it's agony.
2 - For the pros who get massages every day, it's essential. Getting a proper leg massage with leg hair hurts like hell.

BS reasons:

1 - Preventing infection is a marginal reason.
2 - Wind resistance? Please.

Finally, everyone who thinks roadies are "gay" oughta go for a few road rides with an accomplished rider. They will KICK your ASS. The average crash on a road bike is worse than the average crash on a MTB, hands down. I used to think road riding was lame, too. Then I tried it. Not more fun than freeride, but deinitely not the fruity sport a lot of you think it is. if you haven't done it, and you can borrow a bike sometime, use your mtb shoes and pedals (or borrow some clipless) and give it a rip - you may not rush out to sell your 7 and 7 but you'll be surprised.

[Uncle Duke]

i shave my legs 1-2x /yr..left over from my old roadie xc days...I personally think all dudes w legs as hairy as mine should by law be forced to shave them once or twice /yr.

for the first shave of the yr I recommend an electric razor, not the kind for your chin, the kind for doing hair cuts.zip zip legs tuned up in about 3 minutes, then hit it w the gillette, save yourself a lot of hassle.

yea Im a euro fag, I can live w that.

[Ned]

LOL Duke, the closet door is open.

I don't waste my time in the shoving match but Pete is obviously clued in on the drill. Shoulda seen the road races down here over the last few weeks- full sketch to the tune of riding balls out in a grit loaded car wash with 50-60 guys for 2-3hrs. I'm still picking grit out of my eyes and still having nightmares from all the carnage. It's always unnerving when guys are getting carried away in the ambulance...

[Uncle Duke]

the two hemispheres of my mind are fundamentally at odds.

[Ned]

Something I find when bringing the road homie baldness onto the trail bike for what I do at least....

The average summer season 'real' ride is about 8-12hrs and there's shit loads of creek crossings and mudpits. When you're pedalling all day your legs run a little cooler. When you're in and out of the water you tend to dry off quicker. And when you've been up to your thighs in mud the processof getting clean is a whole lot easier. Sure, it might sound kind of namby pamby to all the tough guys out there but when you're out all day on the bike for real, all the little bits and pieces of comfort you can assemble really add up in the end. :idea:

[synchro]

Originally posted by Ned
Something I find when bringing the road homie baldness onto the trail bike for what I do at least....

The average summer season 'real' ride is about 8-12hrs and there's shit loads of creek crossings and mudpits. When you're pedalling all day your legs run a little cooler. When you're in and out of the water you tend to dry off quicker. And when you've been up to your thighs in mud the processof getting clean is a whole lot easier. Sure, it might sound kind of namby pamby to all the tough guys out there but when you're out all day on the bike for real, all the little bits and pieces of comfort you can assemble really add up in the end. :idea:

and here i felt all happy about my 4.5 hr ride yesterday from the drive up to fromme and then back home. i guess i'll have to toss in a loop over to cypress next time before i can call it a real day

[Wayne P]

Originally posted by Pete@nsmb.com
Finally, everyone who thinks roadies are "gay" oughta go for a few road rides with an accomplished rider. They will KICK your ASS. The average crash on a road bike is worse than the average crash on a MTB, hands down. I used to think road riding was lame, too. Then I tried it. Not more fun than freeride, but deinitely not the fruity sport a lot of you think it is. if you haven't done it, and you can borrow a bike sometime, use your mtb shoes and pedals (or borrow some clipless) and give it a rip - you may not rush out to sell your 7 and 7 but you'll be surprised.

Totally agree.

Talent is more than being able to dirt jump or drop 30 feet, its just different. Just ask my lil' buddy Kyle Guay about getting schooled on road by 2 old farts who suck at DH racing. :D ;)

Just kidding Kyle, I love you!

[pete@nsmb.com]

Originally posted by Wayne Parsons
Totally agree.

Talent is more than being able to dirt jump or drop 30 feet, its just different. Just ask my lil' buddy Kyle Guay about getting schooled on road by 2 old farts who suck at DH racing. :D ;)

Just kidding Kyle, I love you!

Hah - did you guys take Kyle out and school him? Watch out, though, he's tall and skinny, if he decided to, he'd probably be ripping it up on skinny tires in 6 months.

BTW - Tour of Flanders today (Sunday). Biggest race on the Flemish race calendar - 256 kms, 17 climbs, innumerable cobbles, should be a cracker. I'm not sure, but it might be viewable on ww.cycling.tv - you guys should check it out. Over here, I'll be able to watch it in 4 languages - hopefully one of them is english (or french).

[Wayne P]

Well since Kyle kills me in MTB every time, so owning him in road is a small reward.;)

[willmtbike4food]

Originally posted by FullMonty
you guys are doing this all wrong...

YOU NEED NADS! (http://www.nads.com/)

NO!

It may work for the most part, but I've heard VERY mixed results from those who've tried it (including Nads for Men).

1 - it burns.
2 - it doesn't get all the hair off (there will be clumpy patches).

I shave with a razor, and ever since I've been doing it (only during my outdoor-road cycling time of the year, this year and last), it's been more than worth it.

Keep in mind, with your first couple shaves, that you CAN'T get a whole patch from ankle to thigh... don't even bother trying. As your skin grows more akin to having a razor drug over it, you'll be able to go further and further.



As far as shaving over bony toes, I just drag it over them. No pressure on the razor, aside from the weight of the razor itself. Multiple passes work best... Small swipes.


Remember to keep your blades fresh. You don't start cutting yourself until the blade starts getting dull.


I like Jergen's Shave Minimizing Lotion (for afterwards/everyday). It moisturizes, soothes, and believe it or not, makes the hair follicles softer, to make the next shave less painful.


Don't knock on it until you truly try it. Same goes for road riding - I knocked off a 16 mile criterion yesterday... I'm still a cat II (first year racing), but some of those guys FLY (cat IV and V.... WOW).

[Skylar]

i'm still amazed that a whole thread was actually devoted to this

and what proves my point even more i sbetween everybody nobody can agree on the same reason why "they" do it

[Uncle Duke]

The average summer season 'real' ride is about 8-12hrs


8-12 hrs?!!

the only thing I do for that long is drink beers and sleep them off. I did do a 7 hr sesh a couple wknds back but it had shuttles involved, not the same.

dont use nad or neet or any of those products.anything that melts /burns hair away isnt that good for your skin.

[willmtbike4food]

dont use nad or neet or any of those products.anything that melts /burns hair away isnt that good for your skin.


Smart man. And make sure your blade is sharp - it's the dull blades that cut you. To clean the hair out of the blades, don't knock the razor on anything - that can split the blades, causing even more cutting. Run water through the backside, swish it around it water, rub your finger backwards (the "safe" way) over the blades... Don't rub them sideways, though - that'll cut you, too. :dizzy:

[ATN]

The most dangerous thing is when you're 3/4 of the way through, blade has become dull, and you start going fast. I remember running around Victoria an hour before regional warmups looking for liquid bandage because of that.

[Uncle Duke]

oh man im like a wookie..going to hvae to do mine this wknd..

working 5 min from home rocks my casbah..

[Neo]

gay

go back to pink bike grom, nobody here is interested in you coming out of the closet.

on topic:

having been a tri-athlete, roadie, xc'er in the past, i have shaved my legs and it has definitely saved me a lot of pain and disomfort when it comes to crashes, road rash, etc. i would recommend doing it in the shower and using a gel type cream. also, use sharp razors cuz it sux when it starts to get a bit dull. and be careful around the knees and ankles where you can cut yourself bad. the first time is the worst obviously, but after that, its easy to keep it smoothed out. i haven't done it in years cuz i don't road any more, but if i get another road bike (which i plan to do), i will likely shave again for road season.