Shaving your legs is a common practice in cycling, with many riders picking up the razor or waxing in the name of marginal gains.
There are several reasons why cyclists shave their legs, although ask any one rider and they'll give you a different reason as to why they've joined the bare legs club.
In this article, we'll explore some of the reasons riders shave their legs and whether you should consider doing so too.
Aerodynamic benefit
In an age of wind tunnel testing, skinsuits and aerodynamic rims, every little helps when it comes to dialling out air resistance.
Studies have shown that slippery, freshly shaven legs are significantly faster than the natural hairy alternative.
In 2015, we conducted a test alongside Specialized at its wind tunnel to compare the effects of shaved legs and found it saved 48 seconds over 40km.
To put that into perspective, an S-Works skinsuit tested at the same time was worth about 96 seconds over 40km when compared to a standard jersey and bib shorts.
That's some saving, and while it's hard to calculate that effect over a stage or grand tour, it represents a serious marginal gain for the price of a razor and shaving cream.
It makes massage more comfortable
When taking advantage of the muscular relief a masseuse has to offer, it pays to have less hair – it means less oil and potentially less pain.
For the best possible effect, you should make sure to shave the morning of a massage in order to reduce any excess friction.
However, some commitment is required to maintain shaven legs, because even the slightest stubble will make your masseuse think they're rubbing down a cactus.
It's easier to treat road rash
Removing plasters and bandages from crash-damaged legs is never going to be a pleasant experience, but one thing that can significantly improve this is having fewer hairs to pull out along the way.
Peeling sticky adhesive off your hairs can make the bravest soul wince, so minimising this pain is often cited as a reason for shaving.
Should you require more treatment, shaving your legs may make your surgeon's job easier, effectively taking a job off their hands.
It's tradition (and it looks great)
Cyclists have been shaving their legs for more than a century. As a result, the practice is seen by many as a sign of dedication and commitment to the sport – a way of ensuring a rider is perceived as a "serious cyclist".
There is a sense of fashion involved, too, with silky smooth legs showing off muscle definition and sending a message to the competition.
Should I shave my legs for cycling?
If you consider yourself at the pointier end of the sport, it's probably worth giving it a go.
However, we have seen unshaven riders turn up to early-season races and take wins, with Primož Roglič triumphing in the 2023 Tirreno-Adriatico with hairy legs.
If you're not a racer, there's little point in shaving – unless you want to mimic your cycling heroes or show off your legs.
Every rider who has shaved their legs will tell you one thing, though: they feel great under the sheets.
