Do you ever let the hair grow back?

[RedheadDane]

I have hairy legs, and I'm a cyclist (when I'm actually on my bike) and what're you gonna do?
And I already said I don't shave because I ride bikes...

 

[laziali]

I never let the hair grow back because it will be more difficult to shave it andd because I can't stand the lok of hairy legs anymore, even during winter.

I usually shave each friday, because most of the time, racing is on Sundays and I follow the myth that says that one shouldn't shave the day before a race.

As for the discussion going on here, I think that RHD got it a bit wrong because the thread is targeting a specific group of people, which are cyclists who race and not bike commuters because there is no sense for a bike commuter to shave. And the fact that RHD shaves during summer and stops during winter is for different reasons.

Very well put Nobilis.

RHD, I hope you are just being obtuse and not a troll.

 

[usedtobefast]

at this point i am trying to be good enough to be a wanna-be Fred...

 

[RedheadDane]

RHD, I hope you are just being obtuse and not a troll.

You were the one who said people who don't shave can't be cyclists. Just because you live in a country where cycling unfortunately is so rare that 'cyclist' refers to a special group of people on bikes, rather than just people who uses bikes as the fast, easy and convinient method of transportation they are.
Instead of claiming that people who doesn't have can't be cyclists you need to transform everybody in your social-circles into cyclists themselves. For example: You say that Mrs laziali has had to accept your cyclist mentality, don't stop there! Get her a bike!
And if you get children, bring them up with bikes from they're tiny!

 

[ElChingon]

And if you get children, bring them up with bikes from they're tiny!

There is no need to punish the kids.

Or:

That made a lot of sense, still on the secret sauce I see.

 

[laziali]

You were the one who said people who don't shave can't be cyclists. Just because you live in a country where cycling unfortunately is so rare that 'cyclist' refers to a special group of people on bikes, rather than just people who uses bikes as the fast, easy and convinient method of transportation they are.
Instead of claiming that people who doesn't have can't be cyclists you need to transform everybody in your social-circles into cyclists themselves. For example: You say that Mrs laziali has had to accept your cyclist mentality, don't stop there! Get her a bike!
And if you get children, bring them up with bikes from they're tiny!

Yes can confirm Mrs Laziali and the kids have bikes. Were riding them in the sun today as it happens. Nothing to do with cycling in the Cyclingnews.com sense though.

Where I live, there will be many thousands of real cyclists (along with quite a few Freds) out on the road tomorrow. Including me and my posse of tan-lined, über skinny fast riders doing a 200km ride in the hills. See, we have nothing in common with your version of bike riding, or for that matter the bike riding I did on my town bike with the family today. Just two totally different activities.

And so, again, RHD, we return to what THIS thread is about: cyclists who shave because they race, used to race or just want to be as pro as they can. It's not a thread about commuters or fun bike riders and whether or not they shave in their normal life.

Threadjacking is not cool.

 

[Cancellator]

I have hairy legs, and I'm a cyclist (when I'm actually on my bike) and what're you gonna do?
And I already said I don't shave because I ride bikes...

Is it politically incorrect to say that I find hairy legs (and armpits etc.) on a girl pretty disgusting?

Onto the subject, I think shaved legs make it easier to wear lyrca without pulling hairs for any little adjustment, and the grippers ... grip better as well.

Really now, if you took the plunge and you're riding around in tight lyrca, do you really think that not shaving your legs will preserve your manliness? I believe that actually having muscles underneath your kit helps a lot more

 

[RedheadDane]

But I can't be bothered with shaving during winter when I'm bundled up anyway.
And I really don't care what other people do with the hair on their legs, they could be removing it with a flamethrower for all I care!
Though I wouldn't advice it...

 

[LaFlorecita]

Is it politically incorrect to say that I find hairy legs (and armpits etc.) on a girl pretty disgusting?

Ouch

 

[fat_boy_fat]

Shaving … Why not ordering meatless steaks and beer without bubbles?

 

[horizon27]

Don't really shave, I use hair clippers don't like the shaved look. Like the clipper look, looks nice and trim best of both worlds.

 

[TrackCynic]

I used to shave my legs to fit in with the crowd, but I know kinda equate it with wannabe's. There's no sensible reason to do it except to look like the other guys in their pro team replica kits. Far enough, if you like the look of it, do it. If you don't then let the hair grow. I'm not sure I want to align myself with pro riders or their "traditions" anymore or be told by supposed "rule-setters" what's right or wrong.

Do what you think is right but don't judge other people's ability on a bike on how much they want to fit in with the crowd.

 

[personal]

Do you let the locks grow back on your legs?

I typically shave year round for comfort. It is growing back now after a crash out opened a world of hurt. Cant reach. First time in maybe 10 years

So a question for all : is there ever a point in the season where you allow the hair on your legs to return?

Right now. Because I wear long tights and because I don't ride hard any more so massage is not as important and because i am lazy.

Not for long (pun not intended), though because I don't like them hairy.

 

[personal]

Any time you like, princess

Signs you are a Fred:

1. Hairy legs
2. more than 8% body fat (14% for the ladies)
3. Mirror
4. Chainring "tat"
5. Kit doesn't match
6. kit isn't race fit (see sign 2)
7. tape and saddle don't match
8. insufficient stem slam vs saddle height
9. non-existent or non-sharp tan lines
10. riding slow
...

Love no. 9.

 

[DirtyWorks]

I think part of the argument here stems from the fact that, at least where I live, racers and others that ride on road bikes with all the appropriate gear are referred to as cyclists while everyone else who rides a bike would be called a bike rider. So, it would be the opposite of what Redheaddane has been saying. And a fred does not include commuters. A fred would be a cyclist, not just anyone who rides bikes, who does not shave his legs, wears loose fitting clothes, has a mirror on his bike, etc.

I've been riding a bike long enough to have a number of pet peeves and the disambiguation between "fred" "serious bike rider" "commuters", and worse still "recumbent riders" is high on my list.

The more riders on pretty much any safe bike, the better. Yeah, yeah I know the Freds can be a handful if you are trying to ride in a group with one. But it's no excuse for the typical high-strung roadie shunning they get.

I am riding again and don't shave. Not shaving violates the unspoken standard of behavior (fast == shaven) in the subculture and the violation makes some uncomfortable. I like that! Clobbering the shaven on bikes 2-5x the cost of mine in kit that doesn't match, and "high" stem, is a sweet, sweet pleasure. Now, I'm not crushing all local talent, but I'm riding enough now to clobber many of them that have bought the look and will not be riding 2 years from now.

 

[mewmewmew13]

I like smooth legs.

 

[Maxiton]

I have blond, sparse hair on my legs, so I have the best of both worlds: I look like a wannabe-pro d--khead, without having to be one.

PS. I like smooth legs, too.

 

[Archibald]

I get them waxed - so much quicker and easier. About 4-5weeks is the longest I'll let it grow back - any longer and it becomes a problem at the next waxing appointment.

As that classes me as a "non-shaver", I'll wait to be told just what category I fit into...

 

[Puzzilan]

Yes, and I fear it is permanent...

 

[laziali]

...
I am riding again and don't shave. Not shaving violates the unspoken standard of behavior (fast == shaven) in the subculture and the violation makes some uncomfortable. I like that! Clobbering the shaven on bikes 2-5x the cost of mine in kit that doesn't match, and "high" stem, is a sweet, sweet pleasure. Now, I'm not crushing all local talent, but I'm riding enough now to clobber many of them that have bought the look and will not be riding 2 years from now.

DW, you're very likely crushing the wannabes who still fail the Fred-test - they are falling foul of rules 2, 9 and 10 above - the other rules people can buy their way into, but those three take talent, hard-work and dedication to the cause. If you're smashing guys who meet all 10 rules, then I'm impressed and you can ride just as hairy legged as you damn well please with no criticism from this quarter Strava doesn't lie ...

 

[Boeing]

I've been riding a bike long enough to have a number of pet peeves and the disambiguation between "fred" "serious bike rider" "commuters", and worse still "recumbent riders" is high on my list.

The more riders on pretty much any safe bike, the better. Yeah, yeah I know the Freds can be a handful if you are trying to ride in a group with one. But it's no excuse for the typical high-strung roadie shunning they get.

I am riding again and don't shave. Not shaving violates the unspoken standard of behavior (fast == shaven) in the subculture and the violation makes some uncomfortable. I like that! Clobbering the shaven on bikes 2-5x the cost of mine in kit that doesn't match, and "high" stem, is a sweet, sweet pleasure. Now, I'm not crushing all local talent, but I'm riding enough now to clobber many of them that have bought the look and will not be riding 2 years from now.

So what you are saying in a nut shell is that shaving is a sign of fitness alone and doesn't equate to having a skill set on a bike. .

Concur

 

[Fenald]

Hi,

This is my first time i visit here. I found so much entertaining stuff in your post, especially its discussion, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Boeing]

I stop shaving when the legs get covered. So it is growing in right now.

I have to agree. With leg warmers one has to really stay on top of the razor because typical day old stubble can survive a ride or two mid week in the summer. But that same stubble can eat through a pair of leg warmers in no time.

 

[winkybiker]

But that same stubble can eat through a pair of leg warmers in no time.

Your stubble can destroy leg warmers?! That's some serious freakin' hair.

 

[ElChingon]

Your stubble can destroy leg warmers?! That's some serious freakin' hair.

Leaves you speechless if you take a shammy into consideration, doesn't it