Monday 16 July 2012

To shave or not to shave? That is the question.

Regular readers will know that a few weeks ago I competed at the London Nocturne. (See blog entry for this if you haven't already). While there I saw lots of the 'elite' racers who all had shaved legs. This induced a conversation this lunchtime with a work colleague.

My work colleague is a hardcore Brompton rider. Titanium single speed with Kojak tyres all year round. He doesn't own any other bikes but strangely has absolutely no interest whatsoever in competing at the BWC or any other event for that matter. He uses is Brompton for commuting and that is it. He does however have legs that are as hairless as the chubby cheeks of a newborn baby.

At lunchtime we got on to talking about the Nocturne, the elite riders, their hairless legs and his hairless legs. I must state that there are no circumstances that would make me do the same.

My colleague said that the pro riders shave theirs primarily as it makes the post cycling massage and application of lotions and oils etc.., that much easier. In addition should a rider come off his/her bike and suffer injury, there is less chance of infection by a load of great big hairs getting in the way. There is also the surely ridiculous notion that it creates less drag!

I don't know what you out there think but I certainly won't be reaching for Epilady anytime soon!



2 comments:

  1. I think I would give that a miss personally, I have known hard core cyclist who shave their legs but at least the hairs keep your legs warm in the winter ! I guess if you are cycling in track competitions it might apply but I am too old for that now so will just go around on my Brompton as I am.

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  2. I don't think I will. Period!
    But that's just me.
    Peace :)

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