Shaved legs are much easier to apply sunscreen, lotion and such. That’s enough on it’s own for me.
I also happen to like the look and feel. I use the electric shaver Coach Chad mentioned years ago. I do it once or twice a week and have no issues with cuts, ingrown hairs or razor burn. It’s not as short as a blade shave (which I have done in the past) but it gets the benefits without the problems.
Which one is that? I’ve always found it quicker to swipe a blade than to rub around with an electric shaver.
I have another one that isn’t cycling related, ticks. The rapid spread of deer ticks carrying Lyme has become so prevalent around here that public health no longer tests them and just assume they are positive carriers. If you spend any time outdoors you are likely to get bitten and shaved legs makes them easier to find. When I’m golfing now, if I launch one into the woods or long grass, if I can’t immediately see it, the ball stays there. I’m not rooting around in prime tick habitat for a golf ball
If you’re going to mention Veet, you’re going to have to refer to The Reviews:
Old but still good.
Been doing it for a while, my tips:
Phillips Norelco Bodygroom 3500 (current version)
I have one as well. Works almost as well - not quite - as a razor and cream, but is a hell of a lot faster and easier.
Is it better than Norelco Oneblade?
I have no experience with the One Blade. I looked at it, but ultimately went with the 3500. What I can say about the 3500 is that it works really well, not cuts or nicks, holds a charge for a really long time, works on all kinds of hair and areas. I’m happy with it.
Its way easier if you clip the hair down first. But, you can go right at it with a razor, it just takes a really long time the first time as you have to get the hair out of the razor every few strokes. If you go that route, running water or, better, rubbing the razor backwards on a towel works for hair removal.
For maintenance shaves, it goes tons quicker, especially after you get your approach down and learn your legs. I just use bath soap in the shower and it only takes 2-3 minutes. Also, its way quicker and easier in the long run to just shoot for a 95% job but shave more often then slave over trying for the perfect shave.
Get a separate razor for your legs. You can go a lot longer with a blade on your legs. If you use the same razor for your face and legs, you’ll go through a ton of blades.
I’m going to shave my legs before Leadville this year (Aug 10th, a little over 2 weeks from now). I never have before. Any tips on when to do this? Not the night before I presume?
The old version (that “the Chad’s” own).
It’s simply a foil shaver, from what I can see. I tried one once and gave up after 15 seconds, thinking why anyone would go through that rubbing instead of swinging a blade once or twice. Maybe other models are better, or maybe I did something wrong.
Get the first shave done this weekend, then keep it trim every other shower time.
You should exfoliate first (regardless of whether you shave or trim).
Agree!
My (late) wife didn’t care but I got quite a push back from my significant other after talking with her. I’m hairy now but okay with it - it got a little tiresome.
have to share my favorite shaving comment ever…a mentor of mine and i were discussing leg shaving vs waxing vs laser etc etc and he says, “Oh be quiet and just shave your legs like a real man”. Welcome to the club, let us know how the sheets feel (you’ll get it later)
Ok, @dtidy1609 everyone is talking about how to shave legs, but there are two other issues:
1) Where do you stop? The question is how far up do you go?
In theory you only need below the cycling shorts line, but then you will look silly in shorter shorts afterwards. So you go higher…
But how high? Do you reach bum crack? Do you stop at a line that represents a pir of normal underpants? (Knickers). Let me say that you must not go too far as the hair is actually a lubricant and prevents chaffing. So you need some around the right areas (and to much bush trimming is not a good idea. (There are articles around - Phil Burt Bike Fit book - where the British Cycling womens track team were getting saddle sores, until the coach realised what they were doing. I have said enough - you work out the rest).
2) The second question, is when to re-shave or let it grow back.
(Be assured it does. The first time I did it, I did wonder if it would). …because you will become spikey and between completely shaved and normal hair, there are places where the legs look a bit silly.
Personally I shave down for larger races (its a pre-race ritual) and then let it grow back, and ignore jibes from none cyclists. As I am racing a main race every 2-3 weeks that is enough for me.
I hope this helps. Getting the hair off is the easy bit. Personally I just use a standard wet razor (Gillette) and a bowl of water or a shower to unclog it of longer hairs every few strokes. No fancy gadgets. Just a good scrape and sone shaving foam or soap. (A little moisteriser afterwards helps though.)
I feel like this would be a hilarious topic for the podcast!
I barely have hair above halfway up my thigh anyway, so I just kinda stop where the hair stops growing fast. That’s probably a few inches above my short line. Anything above that just gets a bit of “manscaping”.
I generally let it grow back if I don’t have an event or regular group ride coming up as my wife prefers it that way. I have fine hair, so it’s not difficult to reshave, especially now with the fancy bodygroom clippers.
