Showing off rippling thighs doesn’t hurt, either. Nor does the feeling of fresh bed sheets on clean calves, admitted one male shaver. And after a day of cycling a self massage on smooth thighs is irresistible, according to Steve Madden of Bicycling magazine.
“Massage is the No. 1 reason to shave for serious cyclists,” said Madden, who serves as editor in chief at the Emmaus, Penn., magazine. “Lotion and leg hair don’t go well together, and after riding all day cyclists need a rub-down.”
Madden, 44, has shaved on and off since 1980. Narcissism and vanity, he admits, are part of the allure. Ditto to fitting into the crowd.
“Cycling is a very tribal sport,” Madden said. “You take cues from the leaders — the pros — who all shave.”
More practically, cyclists shave because cuts and road rash can heal faster after a crash. “Hairless legs are easier to clean and bandage,” Madden said.
What about aerodynamic advantages on a bike? In a wind tunnel, under perfect lab conditions, leg fuzz swirling in the breeze may create a tiny amount of turbulence and drag. But it has almost no affect on riders in reality. “It’s pure B.S.,” Madden spouted. Instead, your clothing, riding position, your helmet, even the placement of a water bottle cage can cause more drag than leg hair, he said.
continued on next page. . .
