So I’m too embaressed to ask any women that I know, and I don’t want to end up with Razor burn all over my legs. Any tips for a first time leg shaver? Will my mach 3 turbo work?, or should I upgrade to the version with the battery?
Thanks,
Jonathan
1: Lots of lube: a good shaving gel/cream will be required.
2: Don’t shave 1st thing in the morning, your hairs will not be standing “up” as much, which means a less clean shave.
3: I suggest you have a nice hot shower before shaving, pref. to shave in the shower or sitting on the edge of the tub. The hot water will soften the hairs up.
4: Rinse your razor after EVERY stroke in HOT water. Any razor that is new and sharp will do. Be aware that men’s and ladies razors are actually different - the angle of the blade is steeper on men’s razors, they will take more off.
5: Don’t be surprised if you need a blade a leg, especially if you’re a hairy mofo.
6: The hair on the side of your calves will likely grow on an angle, i.e.: the hair is not pointing down. You may want to go over this area on an angle, bottom to top, from front to back, to get the last little bits of stubble out.
7: Moisturize afterwards. No need to croc skin.
8: Exfoliate your legs every time you shower, esp the first week after your first time (geez, sounds like we’ve deflowered a virgin eh?). This will help avoid ingrown hairs.
Hope that helps. 
AP
I would recommend getting some hair clippers for the first time each spring. I find that shaving it down close w/ the clippers makes it much easier and you’ll use fewer blades. I think it would take at least four blades to due my legs from full hairness.
Mach 3 works great for me.
Best tips I can offer: With full growth, pre-trim with electric clipper/trimmer so your razor doesn’t get gunked up with hair. Use a new blade. Most sensitive areas for me are around the knees, ankle bones and along the shin bone. I carefully do these areas first, frequently rinsing the blade. Once those are smooth, let 'er rip. Put on a nice pair of shorts and visit your father, father-in-law, etc.
Good point, having never had that kind or amount of hair I would have never thought about a pre-trim. Makes good sense.
shouldn’t the question be, “Why?” 
.
Marge: If Milhouse jumped off a cliff…
Bart: Milhouse jumped off a cliff? I’m there.
I read a while back that shaving your legs will give you a 2 to 4 second advantage in a 25 mile time trial. Unless you plan on crashing a lot and need to clean the gravel out of your wounds often, where the hairy leg makes it more difficult, just say no…
Unless you’re a woman. Then please, PLEASE do…
Egg-ZACTLY.
Wait - it’s about the massage, right?
If you search posts, there are wonderful tips about shaving the taint also…
I’ve been lucky thus for on the bike and my only spills were when I was getting used to clipless pedals. However, I’ve heard that if you fall when your going fast that your leg hair can act as velcro against the asphalt. As the weather in NY starts to get nice (48 degrees), I’m starting to actually believe that spring is on the way, it’s actually going to be 65 on Wednesday (I’m taking off of work to go riding). Long story short, if I do fall in the nice weather, I’d like to minimize the amount of bodily harm.
Thanks,
Jonathan
The previous posters have covered the basics (trim the hair short before you start, go with the grain, use a good lube, use a fresh razor, etc.).
But I would add: Buy yourself some of those razors made “just for women”. I picked up a “Venus” razor last season, and couldn’t believe how much better that thing worked.
Hey Jonathan-
crashing is the one I’ve heard most commonly. I don’t think it’s the ‘velcro’ side of things as much as ingrown hairs and dirt clinging to the wound, but I haven’t found that to be a big problem (presumably b/c I haven’t crashed much - knock on wood). I think it boils down to aesthetics - nuthin’ wrong with that! - and peer pressure. You should hear the good-natured crap I get at road races and group rides - it’s like I’m the Cro-Magnon man!
On a side note, I wonder when cyclists started shaving their legs, and why they did it?
I’ve finally given up trying to find fake reasons for shaving legs. 99% of people due it b/c:
- It makes your legs looked ripped
- Everyone else does it.
- It feels cool in the pool
I do it mostly for reason #1
Maybe it’s just me…but your post was very hot!
Frank
Agreed on all counts! Brrrrr…
When I shaved down to swimming in high school and college, doing the first pass with the clippers saved a lot of time, a couple razors and even some blood as less time with the razor meant fewer chances of a nice slash somewhere. The shins and the back of the ankles are two places where you can really open up a good cut so be careful there.
Do it Jon! There’s nothing hotter than a guy with shaved legs!
Do it Jon! There’s nothing hotter than a guy with shaved legs!
Kerri is right!
Don’t be a wimp - get those legs waxed!! Waxing will slow the growth after a few years if you keep doing it and when the hair does grow back - its not as prickly. You get used to the pain.