I know this topic has been beat to death but, I just finished Kansas 70.3. My 2nd race at that distance. It was an awesome race. This is my second year doing tris. I noticed that it seemed at least 75% or more of the guys had shaved legs. Most of the smaller local races I have done so far the shaved legs seem to be reserved for the fast guys. I finished in 5:40 and passed a lot of people with smooth legs. I am in the 30-34 AG so was in the second to last swim wave. So when does one decide to get the razor out and commit to having smooth legs?
I never will. There is no benefit. It’s more of a cycling/triathlon culture thing then anything. Shave 'em if you like the look and feel, but it wont make a difference to anything or anyone but yourself (well, your wife might have something to say about it).
Before you go shaving it all off you should really read this article. I shaved the chevrons on my legs and set a 40k TT wattage PR by about 8 watts last week!
http://www.slowtwitch.com/Lifestyle/Hair_Improves_Performance_4255.html
I never will. There is no benefit. It’s more of a cycling/triathlon culture thing then anything. Shave 'em if you like the look and feel, but it wont make a difference to anything or anyone but yourself (well, your wife might have something to say about it).
Agreed. Just another way to get weird looks from “commoners.” I get enough as it is when I show up to work in lycra. Not willing to take that next step to gain the approval of club members who for the most part don’t bother to learn the names of the people they ride with.
Jesse Thomas gained +15W from shaving his legs. Tests were run in the Specialized wind tunnel. 5-6 other people were tested and had 6 to 9W gain
I started shaving when I realized just how damn sexy I looked in my speedo all smooth and wet at the pool.
I know this topic has been beat to death but, I just finished Kansas 70.3. My 2nd race at that distance. It was an awesome race. This is my second year doing tris. I noticed that it seemed at least 75% or more of the guys had shaved legs. Most of the smaller local races I have done so far the shaved legs seem to be reserved for the fast guys. I finished in 5:40 and passed a lot of people with smooth legs. I am in the 30-34 AG so was in the second to last swim wave. So when does one decide to get the razor out and commit to having smooth legs?
The day before my first group ride…
Listen, son, there are no room for facts on this forum. Take your empirical evidence and shove it!
ETA: 15W?! Did he fill a few garbage bags with the hair from his legs or something?
Nobody, and I mean nobody, looks good on a bike with hairy legs. You look like a Fred. That’s reason enough to shave your legs.
read the new issue of Triathlete magazine. It’s all in there
I know this topic has been beat to death but, I just finished Kansas 70.3. My 2nd race at that distance. It was an awesome race. This is my second year doing tris. I noticed that it seemed at least 75% or more of the guys had shaved legs. Most of the smaller local races I have done so far the shaved legs seem to be reserved for the fast guys. I finished in 5:40 and passed a lot of people with smooth legs. I am in the 30-34 AG so was in the second to last swim wave. So when does one decide to get the razor out and commit to having smooth legs?
I shaved mine one week before getting bit by a country dog which drew blood, causing 10 rabies shots. Coincendental? I think not.
When you’re man enough to not care when your wife makes fun of you! Side note, I was there and thought it was a great race, too.
I started shaving in college when I joined the collegiate racing team. It may have no added benefit. I don’t care. It made me feel fast then. 15 years later when I shave the night before a race, I feel fast. It’s my way of associating myself with the athlete I am and if people ask, I’ll tell. If people mock, I’ll laugh too. whatever, it’s my constant and consistent. I hate hairy legs, chest etc but I usually have long hair on my head
read the new issue of Triathlete magazine. It’s all in there
I started a whole thread on this just earlier today… LOTS of non-believers.
I think Jackmott had the best statement, “he probably confused 15 watts with 15 grams of drag”
When you’re man enough to not care when your wife makes fun of you!
The Wife has a lot more power in the relationship than the rest of the triathlon world. If she prefers the manly, hairly legs and the rest of you blokes and blokettes think I’m a Fred, I can live with that. You guys/ gals approve of the shave but not her… well, she wins.
When you’re man enough to not care when your wife makes fun of you!
The Wife has a lot more power in the relationship than the rest of the triathlon world. If she prefers the manly, hairly legs and the rest of you blokes and blokettes think I’m a Fred, I can live with that. You guys/ gals approve of the shave but not her… well, she wins.
x2 - she gave me the go for one race this year though
I routinely have bike splits in the top 1-2% of any field I’m in, and have NEVER, EVER shaved my legs.
There is NO performance gain. (or, perhaps it’s the only reason I’m not a Pro right now?)
Honestly, if I looked better w/ shaved legs, I’d probably shave 'em. But I don’t. So I don’t.
And not shaving is 1,000,000,000x easier than shaving.
If I shaved my legs but left my beard would that minimize drag while maximizing beard power?
If I shaved my legs but left my beard would that minimize drag while maximizing beard power?
Nope. The opposite.
Hair on legs is a boundary trip layer = actually reduces drag = you go faster.
It’s science!
embrocation and sunscreen are what really sold me on it
.