Why do professional cyclist shave their legs? If it is so beneficial why don't non pro riders?
398564
They shave their legs NOT for speed, but for health. IF they crash, the road rash (brush burn) is mush easier to clean and keep bacteria free without grimy hair to interfere in the process, AND bandages don't hurt so bad when they rip them off. Besides that it's dead sexy.
763056
Since you had a traumatic experience with riding bikes when you earlier tried it----Ride with a pro experienced rider with your OWN bike---better if its equipped with basics ( good brakes, platform pedals, use sneakers for quick dabs,a well fit helmet)----its best to ride where there is zero distractions ( pedestrians, joggers, baby kids on strollers)----make sure you learn with caution and when you accomplish your mission---RIDE THE WIND!
1128859
Mostly, cardiovascular improvement, but there are many other benefits.  \n\nLower body strengthening, balance, agility, are all improved.  Some people have experienced phenomenal weight loss.\n\nHere is my favorite cycling forum.  There are many friendly and knowledgeable women here.     Look under community.
1002244
Having been a cyclist for nearly 40 years, and a driver for over 30 I have seen lots of examples of both very bad (i.e. mean and malicious) and very good drivers and bicyclists.  Unfortunately some people are plain mean and uncaring and when you put them in +2000 lbs of motor-powered metal, the whole world becomes their target.  Likewise I've had very nice, courteous people who go out of their way to make sure they give bicyclists plenty of room.  \nI personally have been purposely run off the road, not because I was riding improperly or on the wrong side of the road but because as the driver put it as he steered his car into me "the road belongs to cars, not f**king bicyclists".  I have had beer bottles and soda cans (full and empty) thrown at me and even had someone pull up beside me on a busy city street and push open the passenger door in an attempt to knock me off my bike.  I have also had motorists stop and wave me by (even though I had stopped for them because they had the right of way), or slow down or give me plenty of clearance with passing.  \nLikewise I have seen bicyclists be real jerks, like the club riders who insist on riding 4 or 5 abreast on a street making it impossible for cars to pass, then flipping off the drivers when they do try to go by.  I have also nearly hit bicyclists while in my car because they were riding on the wrong side of the street, at night, with no lights.  And unfortunately, I see these wrong-way riders much more often than I would prefer.\n\nIn short, you just have to be constantly on your guard and be aware that there will always be those a$$holes that have a chip on their shoulder against bicyclists as well as those clueless idiots that ride their bikes on the wrong side of the street or down one-way streets the wrong way.   I just try to be a decent person and set a good example whether I am riding or driving, and I know this goes against today's way of operating but I try to treat others as I would want to be treated myself.
350211
You have great circulation ! People with vascular/circulatory problems do not have hairy toes and legs. Your problem is an indication of good health. Some cultures love hairy women. You don't like it, so continue the tiresome, daily shaving and remember that you are actually lucky to have something to complain about...LOL. Good luck.
136177
Believe me, leg hair isn't going to keep us any warmer, so we willl have to wear pants anyway.  It is a self-esteem, beauty issue.  I do it out of habit and I enjoy the result.
536808
My guy has hair from his feet to his hips and it doesn't bother me. As long as your torso isn't covered in hair so thick you look like chewbacca I don't think you have anything to worry about. Men are hairier than women, we all know that. Personally, I think a man shaving his legs for cosmetic reasons is a little queer.
1136486
They make their legs more aerodynamic.
130688
I think there are a couple answers.  Today, folks buy hybrids or comfort bikes, who might have previously bought the touring bike.  The hybrid is more upright and is well suited for riding the bike path or even the commute.  The Mfg will make what sells.  \n\nFolks who do actual touring or long distance rides like brevets are buying custom bikes like Rivendell.  These options are becoming more popular.  I think Rivendell has a two year waiting list.\n\nThe other reason is that many want to be Lance wantabes.  This means a road bike frame.  Look what drives the sales of clothes and other accessories.  Again, these might have been buyers for touring bikes in another life.\n\nI also have never seen a big selection of touring bikes.
38634
I shave mine some. Sometimes I just trim well, and others I shave it all off. But in Winter, same with my legs, if I don't have to show it, I let it grow.
380707
Simply, riding at a fairly constant rate causes the bodies' heart rate, oxygen intake and blood flow to increase, thereby improving your general (aerobic - with oxygen)cardiovascular fitness level. The leg muscles, primarily the quadriceps and calf muscles, also get a work out. Of course, the more resistance you place on the pedalling, the harder you work, and the effects on your body are greater. As you ride, your body also burns calories...the longer the ride, the more calories burned. This, of course, can be important in weight management. Hope this helps.
526773
i do shave but have considered what would happen if i didn't. in a feminist approach, i'd say women have been made to THINK what all the other posters above me have answered, that's it's "gross", that women "aren't supposed to be hairy", etc. But if we were not made to have hair, then why does it grow at all?\nI think the media has portrayed women to be perfect in every way, and hairless is just another way to make us obsess over perfection, spend money becoming hair-less etc.\nIn France, women didn't used to shave at all, that's because it was looked at as something normal, so you see, the Media has created this image for us.\nIf you don't shave, you have my admiration.
774562
There are practical reasons, too, beyond appearance and insecurity.  Some men have way too much hair "down there" and trimming it back (note I did not say shave) can make for a cooler, less sweaty groin.  \n\nAlso, very hairy men might want to trim back their anal area so as not to promote feces getting stuck in the hair.  Gross, I know, but like I said, practical.\n\nTrimming is always preferable to shaving... a lot less abrasive, avoid the possibility of encouraging in-grown hairs, and more attractive as well.
214263
Hmm...I don't mind. Guys can shave their legs if they want to. I don't think there's anything wrong with it. And there's no law against guys shaving their legs anyway. Lol. Just don't pay attention to those girls who laugh when they see your shaved legs in public. They're being judgemental and shallow.
649792
It is mostly an aerodynamic issue but also to use different muscles in your legs.  Unless they are in an all out sprint or time trial, you will see cyclists change positions on the handlebars frequently.  This is to alter the pressure on your back and tailbone and to incorporate different muscles into the pedal stroke.  Doing so allows you to remain comfortable for longer periods of time and maintain speed by introducing different muscle groups.  You will also occasionally see cyclists stand for brief periods.  This is also a way of relieving pressure to certain parts of the body to increase comfort.  All in the name of speed!
416381
Some guys do it for hygiene purposes. Others because it makes their ------ look larger. And yet others do it out of curiosity!
774887
They work because people do the exercises that come with the shoe purchase.  You could get the same results by doing the exercises and drills without the shoes.  Most people also develop stress fractures in their shins resulting in the muscular imbalance between the muscles of the lower leg.\n\nSave your money.  Get a trainer to give you a strength and plyometric workout regimen, it will be a better use of your money.